Madisson Hotel Jounieh: Your Lebanese Dream Getaway Awaits!
Madisson Hotel Jounieh: My Lebanese Dream…or Was It? (A Totally Unfiltered Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I’m back from my whirlwind trip to Lebanon, and I have thoughts about the Madisson Hotel Jounieh. They promised a "Lebanese Dream Getaway," and well…let’s just say it was an experience. Prepare for a rambling, honest, and probably way too verbose review. This is not your average, sanitized hotel write-up. This is me, unfiltered, after a week of falafel, questionable driving, and a whole lot of sunshine.
First Impressions (and My Immediate Freak-Out):
The Madisson. Looked pretty swanky from the outside, I’ll give it that. Big, white, promising views of the Mediterranean. The lobby? Sleek. Marble floors, a chandelier that could probably fund a small country, and…well, I'm ashamed to say, my first thought was, "Where's the staff? This place looks deserted." And then…bam! Helpful people swarmed in from all directions, like friendly, well-dressed ants. This, I later discovered, was the norm.
Accessibility: The Good, The Confusing, and The "Hmmm…"
Let’s tackle accessibility right off the bat, because, you know, everyone should be able to have a potentially messy Lebanese adventure.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Okay, so they say they're accessible, and there is an elevator (praise Bejeezus!), but I have to say, I didn’t see a ton of explicitly wheelchair-friendly features in the common areas. Getting to the pool might be a bit of a challenge.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: The hotel claimed to have this, but it's a bit vague. I didn’t see any specific details in the rooms (grab bars etc.) but maybe I just didn’t look close enough?
- Exterior Corridor: The corridors seemed pretty standard – and therefore accessible, should I'a been requiring that accessibility.
- Safety Features: They had a doctor/nurse on call, a first-aid kit, safety deposit boxes. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, were present as well.
- Security: 24-hour security and CCTV systems, so I felt pretty safe, despite my penchant for getting lost.
- Check-in/out The whole process felt pretty seamless
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (or Possible Crime Scene, Depending on the Day)
Okay, my room. Where to begin?
- Air Conditioning: Essential. Life-saving. A godsend. Especially after a day of haggling in the souk.
- Free Wi-Fi: Hallelujah! (More on that later.)
- Comfort: Very comfortable bed, blackout curtains, and a separate shower / bathtub situation which was amazing.
- Practicalities: Air conditioning (yep, again, vital!), and free bottled water. A mini-bar, which, let's be honest, I raided like a squirrel preparing for winter. They even had an alarm clock (because who actually uses those anymore?).
- Ambience: The decor was… well, let's call it "modern-ish." Clean, but a little sterile. Give me a bit of personality, people! A splash of Lebanese color! A rug that doesn't look like it came from a generic hotel mega-mart! It was missing the character of Lebanon, the soul that makes the country so exciting.
The Tech Stuff (Because We're All Glued to Our Screens):
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! (And it actually worked, most of the time—a small miracle!)
- Internet/Internet [LAN]: Ok, so they have LAN too but who really uses that anymore?
- Laptop workspace: Desk, you know, the usual.
- Additional toilet: Because sometimes you just need two toilets.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Alright, food. This is where things got interesting.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The breakfast buffet was your standard hotel fare but I'm not complaining. And…the pastries were divine. Seriously, I’d go back just for the (vegetarian) croissants.
- Restaurants: A la carte options, but I'm more of a buffet person, so I didn't really use those.
- Poolside Bar: You could get drinks and snacks at the bar. And pool views. So, yes. Nice.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant/Coffee Shop: They have both! And thankfully, decent coffee – I’d been craving real coffee for days! The coffee was good. The prices were reasonable. All good.
The Spa: Body Scrubs, Sauna Sensations, and My Near-Death Experience…
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Ah, the spa. This was the big draw for me. I needed to relax, and escape the city.
- Massage: The massage was amazing. I swear, the masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Worth every penny (and maybe a little more).
- Body scrub/wrap: I splurged on the very pricey body scrub, and oh my god. My skin felt luminous. I considered moving in and become one with the Madisson spa.
- Pool with a View: Now this was the money-maker. The pool was stunning and I could sit there forever.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: They had a gym! I did not enter. I was on vacation. And the thought of exercise after all the feasting made me shudder.
Cleanliness and Safety: "Operation Clean Freak" or Just Adequate?
- Hygiene Certification: Okay, let's face it, Lebanon isn't always known for its sanitation.
- Hand sanitizer: They had tons of the stuff.
- Sanitized Kitchen and Tableware Items: This was reassuring, especially after watching a street vendor lick his fingers while handling my shawarma (hey, it was delicious).
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good to know. Made me feel more secure.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, cool
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Very reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed they knew what they were doing.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating and Spa-ing):
Okay, let's be real, the Madisson is in Jounieh, so you're going to be outside the hotel getting into it, so let's get real.
- Close to Jounieh's fun: Cable car to Harissa? Check. Vibrant nightlife? Check. Souks teeming with treasures? Massive check.
- Day Trips: The hotel can hook you up with tours to other parts of Lebanon.
- Getting Around: Public transport is…adventurous. Taxis are plentiful (and sometimes a bit…pushy). Car parking is free.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Odd
- Elevator: Praise the Lord!
- Concierge: Extremely helpful, especially when it came to navigating the local customs and avoiding getting ripped off.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Absolutely essential. Enough said.
- Food delivery: Because sometimes you just want to eat in your bathrobe.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Gift/Souvenir shop: Full of overpriced tat. But let's be honest, I bought some anyway.
- Meetings/Banquet facilities: Not my thing, but apparently, they have them.
- Airport Transfer: So convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Another win.
- Smoking area: Yep.
For the Kids (Because Who Needs a Babysitter?):
- Family/child friendly: Yes, in a family-friendly kinda way. They have babysitting services.
- Kids Facilities: They have kids meals.
The Quirky Observations (Because I’m a Mess):
- Soundproofing The rooms seem decently soundproofed, though I did have some issues with noisy neighbors at one point. (Apparently, singing karaoke at 3 AM is not cool.)
- The little touches: They had little chocolates on the pillows! And fluffy bathrobes! And those tiny bottles of shampoo that you always end up stealing.
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff were the real MVPs. Always smiling, always helpful, always ready with a “Welcome to Lebanon!” That genuinely made a difference.
- Couple's room: If you're looking for a little romance, they’ve got you covered with couple's rooms.
- Proposal spot: The hotel can arrange for this. Because why not?
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Okay, so, was it a Lebanese Dream Getaway? The Madisson Hotel offers a comfortable base for exploring Jounieh and beyond. It has incredible views, a great spa, and a staff that genuinely cares. But remember, it is not perfect.
Lehi's BEST Home2 Suites? Thanksgiving Point Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to the Madisson Hotel in Jounieh, Lebanon, we're living it. And trust me, with my track record, it won't be pretty. But it'll be real. Let's dive into this glorious, chaotic mess:
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Absolutely Terrible Hummus
- Morning (6:00 AM - if I ever actually wake up): Arrive at Rafic Hariri International Airport. Okay, first hurdle. I'm already convinced my luggage is vacationing in Dubai based on the sheer weight I think I packed, and the fact that I've been running on approximately three hours of sleep thanks to pre-trip excitement (or was it the airport coffee? Who knows!). Taxi to Jounieh. Pray I don't get hustled. I mean, I've heard stories…
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - Hopefully): Arrive at The Madisson Hotel in Jounieh. Oh, the Madisson. Pictures look gorgeous, views of the bay are supposed to be stunning. Let's see if reality lives up to the hype. Check-in: pray the reception staff speaks some English. My Arabic is limited to "Shukran" (thank you) and "Habibi" (which, let's be honest, I probably overuse). Assuming I can even understand the receptionist.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - The Hummus Incident): Okay, so lunch. This is where it went south. I was dreaming of Lebanese food. Falafel, shawarma, the works! Found a cute little restaurant in the area and ordered. First bite of hummus. Oh. My. God. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but it was the blandest, most flavorless, saddest excuse for hummus I've ever encountered. I politely ate it (I didn't want to be that tourist), but inside, I was weeping. My hummus dreams, shattered. I’m now convinced it was made with sadness and tap water.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Nap Time AKA the Jet Lag Monster Attacks): Jet lag hits. Hard. The Madisson's bed calls. I vaguely remember setting an alarm, but I'm fairly certain I slept through it.
- Evening (7:00 PM - The Sunset and the Surprisingly Good Wine): Wake up feeling like a zombie. Force myself to get dressed. Drag myself to the hotel's rooftop terrace, (if I find it) hoping for a beautiful sunset. And… wow. The view over the bay is stunning. Okay, Madisson, you redeemed yourself a little. Order some local wine. The wine is surprisingly good – a small win for the day.
- Evening (9:00 PM- Dinner and reflection): After the surprisingly good wine and sunset, I can begin the task of finding real food. Maybe, just maybe, I'll go for Lebanese food and try to change my terrible Hummus experience, or maybe I'll order pizza. One way or another, I'll have it, and I'll try not to disappoint myself.
Day 2: Byblos, Bargaining, and the Quest for Deliciousness
- Morning (9:00 AM - Maybe a Real Breakfast?): Breakfast at the hotel. Pray for edible coffee. Today, exploring Byblos! This is what I'm looking forward to.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM - Byblos Bound!): Hire a taxi (negotiate the price. Gotta practice those bargaining skills! I'm going to be awful at this, I can feel it). Drive to Byblos (Jbeil in Lebanese), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Prepare to be amazed.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:30 AM - Exploring Byblos): wander the ancient streets. Explore the Crusader castle, the Roman ruins, the souk (market). Get lost on purpose. Take a million photos. Buy way too many souvenirs I'll probably regret later, but they'll be "memories," okay?!
- Lunch (1:00 PM - The Falafel Redemption?): Lunch in Byblos. This time, I'm hunting down falafel. Seriously, I need to redeem myself from the hummus disaster. Find a place with a line, because you know that means it's good. Pray for a miracle.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - Beach day): Yes, you guessed right. Before I get back to the hotel, I'll enjoy some time at the beach. I haven't been to the beach in a while, and I think it would be a great idea to get some air and recharge my batteries before heading back.
- Afternoon/Evening (6:00 PM - Souvenir shopping and sunset ): Back to Jounieh. Souvenir shopping in the souk/market. Try to haggle without embarrassing myself. The sunset at the hotel. Maybe another glass or two of that blessed Lebanese wine?
- Evening (8:00 PM - Dinner, Again!): Dinner at a nice restaurant in Jounieh. Trying traditional Lebanese dishes. Crossing my fingers for something that will blow my mind (in a good way). If not, I'm stocking up on snacks.
Day 3: Harissa, Cable Cars, and Me Trying to Be Spiritual
- Morning (9:00 AM - Breakfast and contemplation): Breakfast, and maybe some actual contemplation. Maybe some introspection. Maybe just staring blankly at the wall. The Madisson has a small balcony, right? I hope I can take my coffee there.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - Teleferique and Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine): Take the Teleferique (cable car) up to Harissa. (This should be a must do). Visit Our Lady of Lebanon shrine. Try to be respectful. Try not to break out in giggles in the middle of a prayer (it's a struggle, okay?). Take in the views. Breathe.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - Lunch with a View): Find a restaurant in Harissa with a view. Eat something delicious. (Pray.)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Exploring more of Jounieh, maybe): explore more of Jounieh. Browse the shops. People-watch. Avoid the urge to buy more useless souvenirs.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel, and Relax): Time to change and chill, or get ready because tonight will be the final night of the trip and I'm going to make the most of it.
- Late Evening (8:00 PM - The Final Dinner and the End is Near): Final dinner in Jounieh. Try the local cuisine. Enjoy the last moments of the trip. Tomorrow I'm going home, so I'll try to make the most of the last night.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath
- Morning (7:00 AM - Wake up in a Panic): Pack. Did I forget anything? Probably. Where's my passport? The eternal question.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - Last Breakfast): Last breakfast at the hotel. Try to savor it, even if the coffee is still questionable.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - Check Out and Taxi): Check out. One last look at the bay. Taxi to the airport. Cross fingers, toes, and any other appendages that can be crossed that the flight is on time.
- Afternoon/Evening - Flight and Home: Fly home. Daydream about Lebanese food (with the proper hummus, please). Start planning the next trip. Because, honestly, even with the hiccups, this journey was… well, it was something. And that's what matters, right?
So, there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for my trip to the Madisson Hotel and Lebanon. Wish me luck. And maybe, just maybe, send some hummus recipes my way. I’m going to need them.
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway!
Madisson Hotel Jounieh: FAQ - Because, Let's Be Honest, You Need to Know!
Okay, Spill the Beans. Is this hotel actually *good*? I mean, Lebanese standards and all...
Alright, alright, deep breath. “Good” is relative, right? Let’s just say, compared to some other places I've stumbled into in Lebanon, Madisson is… well, it’s *decently* good. It's not the Burj Al Arab, by any means. But it's clean! And let's be honest, after some of the *adventures* I’ve had in Lebanese hotels (think questionable plumbing and walls that seem to whisper secrets), clean is a HUGE win. The staff are generally lovely, bless their hearts – trying their best to navigate the usual Lebanese chaos, anyway.
Think of it like this: it’s a solid home base after a day of exploring Byblos or haggling in the souks. You won't be getting Michelin-star service, but you'll get a decent night's sleep and a breakfast buffet that, frankly, saved me from many a rumbling tummy. I'd go back. I *would* have gone back last year, until that whole… well, we'll get to that later.
What's the deal with the location? Right on the coast, right? That's a big draw, yeah?
Yes! LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! It's practically *on* the corniche. Waking up and seeing the Mediterranean shimmering? Priceless! The sunsets are just… *chef's kiss*. Honestly, if you're a sucker for a view like I am, you'll be in heaven. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the beach (well, almost. There's a road...). Plus, it makes exploring Jounieh super convenient. You're walking distance from the Teleferique (cable car), restaurants, and that buzzy marina. Seriously convenient. Don't underestimate the convenience factor when your brain is fried from driving in Lebanon!
Let's talk rooms. What should I expect? Anything to avoid?
Okay, rooms… they're… room-y. They vary. Some have balconies, get those! Some, I swear, are designed to channel your inner minimalist (read: they're small). Don't expect luxury digs. Think functional. Cleanish. The air conditioning *generally* works, which is a godsend in the summer. The beds are okay, not cloud-like, but you can sleep on them. My biggest tip? Ask for a room *away* from the road. The traffic can be relentless, especially at night. Seriously consider earplugs, just in case.
And a word of warning: check the hot water *immediately* upon arrival. Nothing worse than a freezing shower after a day in the sun. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. One time, the water was *scalding*. Another time... well, let's just say I had to improvise with bottled water. It involved a lot of shivering and a muttered promise to the hotel gods.
What about the food? I'm already dreaming of kibbeh and hummus...
Okay, the hotel's restaurant… It's…fine. Let me repeat: *fine*. The breakfasts are a buffet, which is perfect for piling on the labneh and za'atar. Don't expect anything gourmet, but it'll fill you up. The dinners… can be a bit hit-or-miss. Stick to the Lebanese dishes. They're generally better than the “international” options. There’s a fantastic little shawarma place just down the street, though, which I HIGHLY recommend. Like, seriously, go there. You won't regret it. I'm already craving it just thinking about it!
Anything I *absolutely* should do while I'm there? Besides, you know, eat and sleep...
Okay, YES! The Teleferique! Take the cable car up to Harissa, the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon. The views from the top are breathtaking. Seriously, just go! It’s magical. The Old Souk of Jounieh is worth a wander too – haggle for souvenirs, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe buy a kilo of delicious, fragrant spices. Then there's Byblos, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world – a day trip is a must! Wander through its ancient ruins, eat fresh seafood on the harbor… bliss.
Also, if you're feeling adventurous, rent a car and explore the surrounding area. The mountains are stunning. But just…brace yourself for Lebanese driving. (You've been warned.)
Okay, spill the tea on the service. How are the staff? Are they helpful?
Honestly, the staff are generally lovely, and I mean that. They're trying their best, bless them. Lebanon, as you know, has challenges. So, you have to have a bit of patience. Sometimes, things take a little longer than expected. But they're usually friendly and helpful. Don’t expect five-star perfection, but they’ll try to make your stay pleasant. I remember one time, my key card wasn't working. I must have gone back to reception *five* times. Each time, they were apologetic and tried their best. We eventually got it sorted. It was a minor inconvenience, but they were genuinely trying to help. They also have a great sense of humor, which is essential in Lebanon! They could definitely give you a hug!
Any real downsides to the hotel? What should I be prepared for?
Okay, the biggest downside? Noise. The traffic is constant, especially at night. Then there's the occasional late-night karaoke from the bar, and the general bustle of a busy city. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Seriously. The inconsistent Wi-Fi can also be a pain. It's Lebanon, after all, nothing works quite as you expect all the time. Don't expect blazing speeds. Just accept it and embrace the occasional digital detox. The elevators can be slow. Very slow. And sometimes, they don't work at all (again, have some patience!).
Okay, the big question... Would you recommend it? After all your grumbles and details…
Look, here's the deal. If you're looking for a luxurious, flawless experience, Madisson Hotel probably isn't it. Go for the Four Seasons or the St. Regis. But if you're looking for a comfortable, reasonably priced base in a fantastic location, with a genuinely lovely staff, then yes, I would recommend it. With all its imperfections, it's a solid choice. You're there for the *Find Your Perfect Stay
