Hotel Bristol

Notes

According to Alfred Matta, the building was originally designed by Farid Trad as small apartment units and then converted to a hotel in 1951 after 2 years of construction. The building, owned by Michel and Joseph Doumet, consists of a hollowed 6 story triangular shape with a garden in the middle. A number of intriguing characteristics and stories mark the building’s architectural status; an example is its interior space designed by the famous, Parisian, Jean Royèr. Polar bear curved sofas, sconces, woodwork, and paintings array the interior of this luxurious hotel. What also maintained its architectural reputation over the years was Laure Choukeir and Marie-Claire Chiha, Michel and Joseph’s wives respectively, who brought lavish furniture and décor items from their travels all over the world. The hotel included a unique program for its time such as Beirut’s first-ever ballroom. The project survived the
?civil war and was later renovated in the 21st century but closed its doors in 2020 due to the severe economic crisis and health pandemic.

Sources

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