Last week while shooting an episode of ‘Mechwar’ in Aley, we were introduced to the Golden Tulip Hotel, which hosts a professional bowling arena, a beautiful pool, a gym and a restaurant. The hotel looked so neat and professional enticing me to come spend a weekend…
Choosing the weekend of Souk El Akel’s edition in Aley, I needed a place to stay and the Golden Tulip was an obvious choice.
After a long night at Souk el Akel, I came back to the hotel at midnight, where Naji was there to welcomes us at the 24/7 reception area. I took the keys and headed up to the third floor where I stayed in a superior room with a balcony and a view on the pool.
The Resort is only few minutes away from The Famous "Souk Aley" where you can find several street cafes, outdoor restaurants, and nightlife pubs occupy its western side. In addition to these, there are tens of antique shops and retail boutiques along the street, which forms the heart of Aley. The Resort consists of 43 rooms between deluxe, superior and executive rooms. All are fully equipped and have a balcony. With the number of outlets, facilities and entertainment at the Resort, we will make your stay a memorable one.
It was a great first impression. A large 40m2 room with three sofas and a working desk, an LCD TV screen, a mini bar with refreshments, complementary coffee, two complementary bottles of water and most importantly a king sized bed. The bathroom is wide and relaxing with a glass window and a view overlooking the room.
The room is warm with red fabric, dark wood, wood flooring, and low ceiling… The best part is the balcony which comes with a view of the pool. I spent the whole Sunday on this little piece of heaven and enjoyed nature’s soft wind.
Now for the bathroom. A huge bathtub with glass curtains, a vast space with a large window and all the needed amenities. Shampoo and a vanity key with slippers and a bath robe. A comb, dental kit, loofah, shaving kit, shower gel, shampoo, sanitary bag, conditioner and body lotion: you won't need to bring with you a single thing.
I ordered some soft drinks at night, which were delivered in minutes to my room. A professional front desk staff and room service that's quick and efficient.
When booked, the room comes with a complementary breakfast, which I was unable to try due to prior engagement – like filming an episode of Mechwar in Saida which started at 5:30am and on Sunday I had to rush down early to host the episode of Mechwar on MTV. But I heard good things about it.
Sunday morning, I took a bit of time, before heading down, to discover the premises. Down below is a professional bowling area located next to the fitness center and Spa. Shockingly clean, professional and up to international standards. Behind the fitness center is a spa that hosts a Turkish bath, where relaxation is guaranteed.
An indoor pool, and another one outdoors, as well as a playground for kids.
I'm not sure how to express myself but I was not expecting it.
The minor things I'll improve:
- Find a solution for the elevator. One single slow elevator for a five stars hotel? Another one is needed for quicker servicing.
- Staff doesn't seem to have a service elevator, they use be main one.
- The technical room produces too much noise and vibrations that guests don't want to endure during their stay. This area should be isolated.
- The minibar was not replenished the next morning.
For a weekend in Aley I surely recommend the Golden Tulip. I honestly didn't expect all the above details starting from the minute I arrived to the second I left. Even the security personnel were attentive enough to help with luggage and car park.
