CHECK OTHER REVIEWS FOR THIS PLACE:
The Chedi seems to be one of the most luxurious hotels in this country. Part of "The Leading Hotels of the World" and covering a huge area of land, this hotel didn't stop to amaze me from the very first minute I was greeted at the airport up until I left. As you may know by now, breakfast is truly my favourite part while staying at a hotel.
8:30 am, breakfast time. Located next to the lobby is a large dining area divided into many sections, each around a different cooking square. The place boasts a high ceiling and beautiful decoration that tickles you to start your day in style. "Welcome sir, said the hostess with a smile, will anyone be joining you this morning?"
She then showed me to a table for two, where I couldn't but take a few long minutes to appreciate the architectural details of the space, while listening to the soothing sitar music.
The details I enjoyed:
- Facing the entrance is a reception desk fitted under the well lit arcade
- To the right, the first cooking area, decorated with a stripe of green apples
- A piano to the left and another cooking section before sitting on the right side, fitted with square tables surrounded by individual sofas and their arm rests
- Several crystal chandeliers, pending from the high ceiling add a touch of finesse and luxury
- In the middle, a unique center piece is the "piece de resistance" of the design. A long glass wine cooler separates the space in two adding more intimacy to it
- A floor covered with long parquet stripes
- An arabesque feel of luxury and style follows you around
During breakfast time, three of the cooking sections are in action, one preparing fruits, the second fresh fish and cheese and the third eggs. Four buffets filled with a rich selection of food incite you to eat even if you have planned not to.
The wide choice of food:
- 5 choices of fresh fruits
- Apple crumble
- Cakes, muffins and Danish pastry
- Donuts
- Croissants and bread
- Four choices of jams
- Square bread and their toaster
- 16 different cereal and dried fruits bowls
- Fresh milk
- Compote fruits
- Six platters of freshly cut fruits
- Yogurt in ice
- Five choices of cheese on ice old cuts, ham and fresh fish on ice as well
- Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, beef bacon, chicken sausage, spinach, mushroom, tomato, baked beans, hash brown
- Hummus, white cheese and vegetables
As soon as I sat down, a waiter approached me asking for my choice of drinks. An American coffee carafe followed with a "Echire" French butter on the table. While the music played in the background, I enjoyed this pleasant morning of relaxation in style.
Every little detail is mastered to perfection. A unique presentation and superb cleanliness you can't but notice. The staff smiles normally like they breathe. I enjoyed my time so much that I remembered two hours later to move out and start taking advantage of my day.
The things I enjoyed:
- A fresh smell follows you around the place
- All tables are clean and neat, covered in white cloth
- Table napkins are big... Extremely big and enjoyable
- Presentation plates are very nice
- Cheese, fish and yogurt are served on ice preserving their freshness and avoiding food poisoning
- The choice of food is more than enough
- The waiters and super attentive following you around asking to help with your plate or to add more coffee
From the menu, you can order "a la carte":
- Omelettes with your choice of fillings: I ordered scrambled eggs with vegetables: Wow! Awesome! I received a plate with a square brioche toast in its middle and served with a cooked cherry tomato on the side. In the thick fluffy toast, the eggs are served in a conical shape. The eggs preparation is extraordinary to start with. Non oily and cooked to perfection, the vegetables mixed with it makes this preparation a fine dining one. Each bite is succulent as the venture of eggs and brioche bread enters your mouth. A slight sweetness comes as a cherry on top to make you smile in heavenly peace.
- Eggs Benedict (English muffin, poached eggs, smoked turkey ham, topped with Hollandaise sauce) one single toast covered with one single egg and a slice of bacon. I loved the cooking and seasoning with the crunchy toast but unfortunately the single egg was way too oily.
- French toast, is not good... Nothing is special about it. It's dry and smells of milk and the taste is too buttery
- The waffles are thin and dry. They look unappetizing and also tastes dull and dry
- Pancakes: Fine but not acceptable without chocolate sauce
- Eggs la Mer (English muffin, poached eggs, smoked salmon, roped with Holland side sauce). The combination of muffin, eggs, sauce and salmon is very tasty. I like it
- Eggs Florentine: English muffin, poached eggs, smoked salmon, topped with Hollandaise sauce
The minuses:
- The buffet had almost everything except one major important item everyone loves and that is Nutella - chocolate spread. Pancakes and waffles were served without chocolate. And when I asked them if they had any, their unacceptable answer was that the pastry shop opens at noon.
I had breakfast two days in a row at The Chedi and enjoyed every detail of it. If you happen to stay at this hotel, don't skip this important part of the day. In Lebanon, it would have won the competition of "The best Breakfast You can have at a Five Star Hotel"... By far!
