BEIRUT 鈥� One of Lebanon鈥檚 landmark hotels that survived the country鈥檚 bloody 15-year civil war and various other bouts of fighting is shutting down amid the country's economic crisis and coronavirus pandemic, a hotel executive said Saturday.
The prestigious, nearly 70-year-old Le Bristol was closed temporarily as part of national measures to combat the spread of the virus. But Pascale Selwan Tabet, executive assistant manager, said the uncertainty gripping the world because of the virus coupled with the unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon forced the owners to shut it down for good.
Once a place where the country鈥檚 socialites mixed with royalty, the grand hotel was famous for its ballroom parties and distinguished cuisine. It also boasted the country's first ice skating ring. The hotel鈥檚 original design mixed eastern and modern styles preserved in a two-year renovation that added a contemporary touch. It is owned by the Doumet family, one of Lebanon鈥檚 richest.
An official announcement of the closure, which affects around 120 employees, is expected next week, Tabet said. The hotel鈥檚 past and current staff already began posting messages of farewell on social media.
Lebanon has been facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with unemployment figures soaring and the local currency losing more than half of its value against the dollar. Protests broke out nationwide in October against government corruption, further deepening the economic slump.
In February, the head of the hotel owners association said occupancy has fallen to between 10-15% in Beirut and much lower outside the capital. With the spread of the coronavirus, the country鈥檚 only airport was shut down and the government ordered Lebanon鈥檚 famous night clubs and restaurants to close, a major blow to the already staggering hospitality industry.
鈥淭he succession of these dramatic events in town and globally has impacted the hospitality industry. Then the coronavirus pandemic 鈥榚xecuted鈥� the tourism industry,鈥� said Tabet.
The decision to close wasn't an easy one for the owners. In 2013 the hotel closed for two years to undergo a major renovation, reopening with a major party attended by the country鈥檚 rich and famous and foreign dignitaries. The staff received their full salaries during those two years, Tabet said.
It was the only two years the hotel shut its doors, with management resisting a shutdown during the country鈥檚 1975 civil war, which lasted 15 years.
The hotel is part of Lebanon鈥檚 history and political landscape, hosting weddings and meetings of the country鈥檚 political elites.
The hotel also lies just across the street from where a notorious Israeli assassination operation took place in 1973 that killed three Palestinian officials and led to the resignation of the Lebanese government.
鈥淟e Bristol is a landmark in Beirut. If the owners didn鈥檛 believe in the country they would not have undergone a two-year renovation,鈥� Tabet said.
Le Bristol, famous for its chandeliers and ballrooms, opened its doors in 1951. The late Shah of Iran, Iran鈥檚 Princess Soraya and Prince Albert of Monaco were guests of the hotel. Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and French President Jacques Chirac also stayed there. One of the Arab world鈥檚 best known poets, Nizar Qabbani, was a regular at Le Bristol.
Sarah El Deeb, The Associated Press
