I really enjoyed the Riviera—it is a good location in comparison to the other hotels, with beach clubs in Beirut (closer to downtown). The hotel is showing slight signs of aging, and I was surprised that it has a five-star rating (the gym is lacking with a capital L, and shopping as well as a salon are nonexistent).However, they are remodeling the rooms and the new ones are looking good (yeah!). All that aside, the Riviera is a Beirut landmark and has one of the, if not the, best Beach Club to be seen at in Beirut.
Unique Qualities: There is a wonderful staff, from the front desk to the pool staff, most speak English and French (and, of course, Arabic). Breakfast is included, a simple continental one with beautiful fruit served in the yacht club.