Douma is one of the best traditional villages in Lebanon.
We spent a weekend at Douma hotel and we had a cheese and wine and raclette dinner at the hotel. Before dinner we went for a walk in the old village, it's fantastic.
A village you must visit, people there are very friendly.
I was so looking forward to discovering Douma and staying at the fabled Hotel Douma. While the bed was large and comfy, fitted with nice linen, and breakfast served by a friendly Egyptian staff member, everything else was rather disappointing. We had to deal with unforthcoming & unfriendly receptionists (there were no language barriers...), we were not allowed to choose our room (we had reserved one), it said WiFi at the door but "ma fi WiFi" (no Wifi), neither did they have any information on places of interest of walks to go on to in the area or any informative brochures. We were the only guests in the entire, 4-level hotel and got a room with minimal view. Non-negotiable! Speaking to management was not possible. I understand the costs involved in running an establishment that size and heating the water but we rang days in advance and asked for a room with a view. And no offer of a discount or anything, no apology.
Dear Mrs. Nathalie,
We thank you for your feedback and are sorry your stay was unsatisfactory for reasons well beyond our control. As you so kindly pointed that there are costs involved in running an empty 4 level hotel in a mountain in the dead season. This is why we close our 2 top floors and work with our 2 first floors. The room we had reserved you was in the second floor with hot water and heated but you insisted on taking a room in the forth floor (closed floor), the receptionist yielded to your request and told you there was no hot water nor WiFi . You acknowledged and said it doesn't matter. An informative brochure was available right at the reception with places of interests and walks.
We value your feedback and will work consistently on improving our services.
To start, Douma is a must-visit village in Lebanon, full of authenticity, houses with red brick roof and nice hospitable people. Hotel Douma is actually one of the oldest hotels in Lebanon and I guess still the only one in Douma (so you don't really have a choice). It's a nice hotel though, nice architecture (taking into consideration that it was built in the 60s). Staff are helpful and nice. Free wireless access. Very clean and decent rooms, large bathroom, very comfy bed and nice view of the mountains (I guess all rooms have the same nice view).
Things to be improved:
- Bed sheets should be replaced by new ones . They were clean but old and torn (several small wholes)
- Fair Breakfast buffet and very nice outdoor terrace. However, the flies were colonizing the whole area which is a bit disturbing...
Price of the room is very fair: 120$/ night in the weekend.
Booked for 2 days with 3 other families.It is a local hotel, Not CHEAP for the service you get.
what was good:
Location is amazing close to Laalouq and other areas in mountain. Close to village, walking distance.Rooms are spacious, The views from hotel are superb.
what was bad:
breakfast was a zoo as you do not know if they will bring more of certain food or not, or if there will be food at all. In fact the food establishment in the hotel was not their strongest part as you order coffee and you wait and wait.
The extra beds, mostly damaged as we had to run through the floors exchanging these beds.
The price of room is similar to a hotel room in San Francisco which is outrageous.
Attitude of management: They gave only 2 towels, when we asked for more since we were 4, we were told that if were asking for extra towels, we should have reserved an extra room. I am paying for extra beds, , I deserve extra towels!!!
So to recap for what I am paying, I should expect better services, otherwise think tourists will not come for too long and pay that much.
The playground borders a 5m drop, with no guardrail, and no restraints to children venturing to that side.
Equipment: maybe somebody shood look at the equipent? one of the slide legs was broken, my son fell from 2m on the grass (Thank God with no injury), all we got was some ice from the hotel...and the sled was re-erected to attract another victim. This is beyond reckless.
The hotel is nicely located at walking distance from the village. Rooms are spacious & renovated with all the required amenities; all rooms have a balcony extension & a view either over the surrounding mountains or the village.
However, extra attention to some small details such as the mattresses’ comfort, curtains blackouts & lighting fixtures in the room might greatly enhance the room comfort. Breakfast was a bit basic with poor presentation; adding some extra dishes or local specialties is recommended.
The parking area can accommodate as well more trees & would enhance the hotel entrance instead of being a big asphalted space.
Overall it was a nice stay & we thank the staff for their lovely service.
