Luxurious up to the standard of the Relais & Chateaux chain, classy precisely as you expect a five stars hotel to be, “Via Mina,” located in the vibrant quarters of Mina Tripoli is way beyond what I expected from a hotel in the waterfront city of North Lebanon. Perfection in every detail, warmth, finesse, and style, the night at this old Lebanese house was memorable. “I love Mina” sign, and the door opened to a vast lobby under a high ceiling. I loved it the minute I walked in.
Classified by the Ministry of Tourism as a Historical Boutique Hotel, and envisioned as a ‘Home, away from Home', Via Mina is a boutique hotel which remarkably combines old and new in order to procure its lodgers with a comforting yet charming ambience allowing them to indulge in an exquisite experience. It is ideal for business travelers, tourists who wish to escape the complexity of accommodations, an escapade for honeymooners, and a getaway from the chaos of the city. Via Mina is a charming boutique hotel dating back to the 19th century, reflecting the peculiarity of the French colonial-style. The Boutique Hotel is equipped with homey comforts in refined splendor and unconventional charm that satisfy every lodger's needs. Via Mina echoes the right state of mind for a refined, meticulous yet smooth escape from daily stress.
When planning your next escape to El Mina, Tripoli, this is where you should be staying. A professional service, warm rooms, a preserved heritage, a bar and restaurant located in the heart of the nightlife quarters few meters from the seafront. I honestly was not expecting it to be as beautiful, a hotel like very few in Lebanon.
You’re welcomed by a Lebanese drink, and loukoum bites checked in and showed to your room. A vast lobby, another saloon, the reading room, a bar and the restaurant located on the right side of the building. Up on the first floor, my room hosts a huge bed, a luxurious bathroom loaded with amenities from “Khan el Saboun eco-village,” a desk and a sofa. The hotel also has a safe and slippers in every room.
It’s where the details count:
- Welcome note by the hotel staff awaits in the room.
- A leaflet describes the touristic potential this city offers.
- A pool for hot summer days.
- A wide banquet room.
- Real wood covers the floor of all rooms.
- The design stairs connect all three floors.
The bathroom:
- A big bathroom where half a dozen persons can fit.
- A wooden floor like the ones in old castles.
- A bathtub with strong water pressure.
- Old style porcelain sink.
- The bathroom is warmed by a natural petrol heater.
- A very high ceiling.
- Branded towels.
- “Khan el Saboun” natural products.
Via Mina is refurbished with wenge; it combines the quality of finishes and the simplicity of modern style. Lodgers can experience tranquility through low-level lighting while enjoying the harmonious blend of dark wood and ample white upholstery. The boutique hotel consists of 16 standard rooms, two suites, two family suites and two duplex suites. All our rooms are equipped with central heating, air conditioning, TV, safe box, complimentary mini bar, bathroom amenities, closet, nightstand, squeezed in sitting area, luggage rack and coffee & refreshment station. The intimate atmosphere conveyed through its furniture and dim-lit interior adds to the delightfully warm ambience the hotel procures its lodgers with. Each room features the fundamentals of a ‘Home' yet offers the privilege of indulging in an aura of tranquility.
After a short, yet relaxing night, I woke up to the sounds of chirping birds. The room was warm, the hotel calm, I enjoyed a hot shower and walked down to breakfast served every day between seven and ten thirty.
Via Mina provides the following facilities:
- Complimentary Internet access
- Complimentary Mini Bar
- Complimentary breakfast served at ‘Le Café'.
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Valet Parking
- Extra Bed & Baby Crib
- Tourist Information Service
Breakfast:
- The rectangular room has a view of the hotel entrance.
- Thick wooden tables covered with paper placemats, plates, and cutlery.
- Space is decorated with photos of traditional food.
- Mini Manakish Zaatar, honey, Labneh, Traditional white cheese, Zaatar, Kaak, Halawa and fresh vegetables.
I’ll improve one thing; taking that staff to the standard of this hotel. The staff is welcoming, smiley and attentive but five stars or historic hotel like the manager likes to name it, needs much more than that:
- Smoking in front of guests is not allowed; outside or anywhere.
- Waking up in the morning without looking in the guest’s eye and saying good morning is not acceptable.
- Playing with your phone while on duty is a red line!
- Not wearing a uniform behind the reception is not something you expect at such an establishment.
- Breakfast should be ready at 7! I had to wait for half an hour for the staff to be organized.
A great place to spend the night located in the heart of the vibrant quarters of El Mina. I’ll be back soon with my family.
