Gefinor Rotana’s general manager, Samer AbouAleiwi, reflects on Beirut’s enduring hospitality spirit and highlights a milestone year for the iconic property.
Which country truly tested your resilience as a leader?
Lebanon has undoubtedly been the most challenging yet inspiring market of my entire hospitality career across diverse regional experiences and roles. Leading through Lebanon’s unpredictable ups and downs requires resilience combined with unwavering faith in the country’s powerful and unbreakable spirit. Moreover, Beirut’s beauty and its people’s generosity consistently remind us why our dedication to this city never wavered despite difficulties. Joining during our symbolic 25th anniversary at Gefinor Rotana reinforced my belief in perseverance, shaped through meaningful milestones achieved. Consequently, Lebanon continues rising despite crises, proving again that determination and community remain essential forces driving the nation’s unwavering strength forward. Ultimately, our hotel stands proudly as a testament, proving that authentic hospitality fueled by passion can overcome absolutely every challenge encountered.
How do you lead a hotel in a city that never stands still?
The year 2025 marks our significant Quarter Jubilee which reinforces Gefinor Rotana’s identity as a deeply rooted Beirut landmark. Secondly, for 25 years, we have witnessed Beirut’s constant transformations while preserving our core values celebrating culture, connection and life. Moreover, many of our dedicated team members have remained since opening, fostering continuity that consistently strengthens our guest relationships significantly. Afterward, we proudly hosted countless weddings, conferences, reunions and celebrations which further wove us deeply into Beirut’s vibrant story. Consequently, this Christmas season will honor our legacy through thoughtful events, meaningful CSR actions and inspiring community-focused festive programming. Finally, with this exceptional team, we continue ensuring that every cherished guest moment reflects genuine care, rooted in treasured time values.
How are you catering to the expectations of today’s new age traveler?
AI will never replace genuine warmth because only humans can truly offer meaningful smiles and heartfelt sympathy to guests.
Secondly, we curate immersive experiences including creative children’s activities, themed decorations and exceptional VR moments during Ramadan and Christmas periods. Moreover, we are introducing the new Rotana Discovery Rewards System which expands guest options across a broader global hospitality network. Our mission bridges generations by inviting younger guests to rediscover Beirut’s golden hospitality expressed through an updated modern lens. Consequently, everything we design, from service to storytelling, focuses on crafting emotional experiences that deeply resonate and linger with guests. Gefinor Rotana offers more than accommodation because it creates belonging that mirrors Beirut’s soul and our unwavering treasured time promise.
What are your upcoming plans for the hotel?
Our 25th anniversary aligns with launching Rotana Discovery, unveiling the new website and completing essential technology upgrades for operations.
Secondly, we are preparing an exceptional festive season crafted to conclude this milestone year with innovation, elegance and powerful celebratory energy. Moreover, we plan renovations enhancing comfort, including modernized bathrooms, refreshed facilities and a newly upgraded meeting room. Afterwards, we will elevate our F&B offerings to create richer experiences aligned with evolving expectations across diverse guest segments. Consequently, Gefinor Rotana will continue evolving with modern enhancements, while honoring its longstanding heritage of authentic Lebanese hospitality traditions. https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/lebanon/beirut/gefinorrotana
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