Grand Kadri hotel revamped

Operations will resume in two months

The renowned Grand Kadri hotel in Zahle will reopen its doors as of this July. The hotel was shut down a few years ago due to management difficulties, as well as problems with the landlords, the Waqf of the St. Elias Convent. The hotel will be managed by Cristal Hotels & Resorts Management and will be renamed Cristal Grand Kadri. The investment in the revamping of the hotel reached around $4 million.

Founded in 1906, Grand Kadri is viewed as a historic landmark. "We have chosen the Grand Kadri as a first flagship Cristal hotel in Lebanon because it is a real gem in the company’s portfolio thanks to its strong connection with the history of the country and the Middle East," said Peter Blackburn, President and CEO of Cristal Group Holdings.

The revamped Grand Kadri will offer 84 rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, conference rooms, a business center, a gymnasium with an outdoor swimming pool, a Cristal Spa, and a childcare center with a playground.

Cristal Hotels & Resorts was founded by Peter Blackburn (President) and Lebanese-Canadian Kamal Fakhoury (Vice-President).The management firm, established in 2006, operates two four-star properties in Abu Dhabi: Cristal Abu Dhabi Hotel and Cristal Salam Hotel. The group recently took over the management of a revamped five-star hotel in Baghdad, renamed Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel.

The group has plans for a firm expansion strategy and aim at increasing the company’s portfolio to 25 properties within five to ten years. "We are looking at other projects in Beirut and we will share more details once agreements are confirmed," Blackburn said.