- SkewedStyle
- First Reviewer
- 3 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 5
- Reviews
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1
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Terrible Experience
- October 5, 2008
- Rated 1 of 5 by
marla2008 from athens, Greece
Hello,
I stayed in this hotel with a friend a few weeks ago. I'm afraid it was the worst budget hotel we stayed during our Middle East trip. (And believe me I am not a negative person) Before the trip we made sure with the owner that the room would have a private bathroom, but we were not given what we were promised and the owner preferred to pretend as if we did not make a deal, instead of making an apology. The shared bathroom was in a very bad condition. One other thing were the sheets; they were so dirty, evident that they were not washed for a long time and had about 10 big holes on each. We had to lay our clothes on top of the sheets to sleep. The only advantage is the location of the hotel, but it's NEVER worth staying as there are some neighboring hotels which seem to be much better. I got the impression that the owner had laid his back on lonely planet (so unfair) and only cares about the money he earns in the end of the day. I don't understand how people made positive comments but I strongly suggest: Not staying here would be a very smart move.
Friendly and Warm Place
- April 26, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
tariqrs from Sapiranga, Brazil
I spent almost 2 months at Talal Hotel, and comparing with others hotels it was the best option on its range of price. the owner is always friendly, the atmosphere is warm. Zaher, the owner is always willing to share his arguileh shisha) with his guests.
Besides, there's a nice kitchen you can use, air-con in the rooms and is well located. And something I must say is of all hostels Talal is one that is always full of foreigners.
The Place to Stay in Beirut
- March 8, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
AnnaOnTheRoad from Augsburg, Germany
We stayed only two days at Talal's hotel, but it was a wonderful time. We were hearty welcomed by the owners, two brothers, who are really nice guys. They helped us with useful answers and references.
Even if the political situation in Beirut is not easy and in some corners you feel a little bit unsecure to come back to the hotel is like to come back home.
Best wishes from Germany,
Anne
Editor Pick
Talal's New Hotel
- June 12, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
ramigm75 from Sydney, Australia
Talal's New Hotel was recommended to me by a friend who had just returned from Beirut. After spending 3 nights in a budget hotel in Hamra I worked up the courage to give it a go.
I arrived at Talal's to be greeted by Talal himself who immediately offered me a free drink from the fridge and welcomed me. That was the start of 10 great nights.
This hostel is awesome, it is the only one I have been to that has satellite TV, A/C, and a bar fridge in every room!
Talal is a great host, he always lets you use his PC for free Internet access. If you want to go anywhere he will give you clear directions, tell you all you need to know to make sure that you get there cheaply and safely.
The atmosphere in the hostel is excellent, and I met lots of great people there! There is a fridge well stocked with beer, juices, and soft drinks for bargain prices. This is definitely the place to stay in Beirut!
From journal Fantastic Stay in Beirut
Editor Pick
Hotel #1: Talal's New Hotel
- February 13, 2006
- Rated 1 of 5 by
SkewedStyle from Brooklyn, New York
My talkative Mar Musa buddies recommended Talal’s New Hotel. Ala, my host from Amman, recommended Pension Al-Nazih. Both hotels cost $6/night for a dorm room.
From Damascus, I e-mailed Talal's. The owner seemed friendly and answered my visa questions (so I thought). Because we’d had contact, I decided to stay in his hotel.
The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Charles Helou bus station in Beirut, easy to find. Upon entering, I felt an unwelcome vibe. The owner seemed creepy. The cramped hotel was up a couple flights. I was disappointed that the "free internet" consisted of a single office computer and 30 minute time slots.
The owner and I argued about my border issues… he told me if I spent more than 48-hours there I’d be charged the original $17 visa AND a penalty (he was wrong about that). Adding to my frustration, my room wasn’t ready. While talking to another traveler about the ridiculous visa situation, the owner heard me say "ridiculous" and ordered me to get out of his hotel! I explained, but was extremely irritated.
Eventually a room was ready. Standard issue, featuring four beds, looked very clean. The bathroom was next door, more spacious than most, with some separation of toilet and shower.
After an evening out with Tony and Ani, I returned to the hotel late at night. Clearly sleepy, the owner insisted I join him in the lounge. He apologized for trying to kick me out earlier. While stroking my arm, he offered me a drink from the cooler. I tried to leave but after he clasped his hands like a gun and pointed them at my head, I meekly chose a juice.
Perched uncomfortably on the couch. He suddenly stroked my hair. Before I could react, he grabbed my face and pulled me in roughly for a kiss. Shoved him and ran. Heard him call "wait, I’m sorry" behind me.
The bathroom next door was occupied, so I went to one down the hall. I noticed two doors… the second one led into the owner’s bedroom. I slammed and locked it.
The next morning my Japanese roommate told me he had harassed her as well. At the time I didn’t realize the hotel Ala had recommended was so near, so I decided to figure it out later.
I needed the owner's directions for Baalbek, unfortunately. The other travelers were unhelpful. Sullenly, he started a rambling explanation of the various busses I would take. Another girl joked "Are you getting that?’ I laughed, and once again he tried to kick me out. Further, he yelled I was WEIRD and everyone else APPRECIATED him and SERIOUSLY GET OUT. I snapped. I yelled back that I was only "weird" because he was a slimy ass. Silence fell on the various travelers. I edged out.
So ended my time at Talal's, although I didn’t know it yet. The official end came after I returned from Baalbek.
From journal Where's the Lebanese Delight?