Metropolitan Palace

The service was fantastic, with the whole team from check-in and breakfast to the cigar bar and housekeeping doing a top-notch job. It felt very Lebanese, a five-star experience unlike anything I'd seen in the States. I just wish the pool hadn't been out of service, the building had been better maintained, and the spa allowed men and women. It's not a great area for walking, but works well enough if you're using taxis, driving, or have a driver.

It's a convenient place to combine shopping and a spa visit at the nationally renowned Elixir spa. There's also a mall for coffee with friends or family, business dinners at one of the international restaurants, and even last-minute Christmas shopping. Great location, and the atmosphere makes you want to return.

I'm staying here now, and the room is comfortable with a nice view, but the temperature stays a little warm. The thermostat seems to offer control without actually giving it, there's an intermittent buzzing, and the Wi-Fi keeps dropping. I was also told by the coffee bar that my room had a permanently attached outlet converter when I asked to borrow one, but that wasn't true. The pool has been the biggest disappointment. The Hilton website photo shows the pool at the Hilton across the street, which we can't use. This hotel's pool is small, beside a road, and shaded in the afternoon. On about half my afternoon walks past it, there were no towels or cushions out, and when there were, they had little dirty animal paw prints on them. The women's changing area has a steam room and sauna, but neither was on, and the jacuzzi was cold. I shouldn't have to ask an hour ahead to have these facilities turned on at a five-star hotel, even if keeping them running costs a lot.

The lobby was lovely, and I really liked the spacious rooms and comfortable beds. The team was friendly throughout my beautiful stay. Special thanks to Charbel in the restaurant, who was extremely helpful and professional.