The lobby of the Voco Hotel, inaugurated on Nov. 22, 2024. Photo provided by Voco Hotel.
Located across from the Phoenicia Hotel and Beirut Terraces, near Zaytouna Bay, the Voco Hotel in Beirut quietly opened on Nov. 22, 2024. Centering simple yet vibrant design and diverse dining options, the hotel features 127 modern, bright rooms aimed at business and leisure travelers. In addition to meeting spaces, Voco offers a standout culinary experience with two main concepts: the Atrio restaurant and the Invita bar-lounge.
The Atrio restaurant, the centerpiece of the hotel, reflects Voco’s commitment to high-quality, welcoming spaces. “Atrio can accommodate up to 120 guests in a versatile setting, blending classic tables, cozy benches, and high-top chairs,” said Roy Bou Gharios, the hotel’s general manager. Under the supervision of Chef Michel Dib, Atrio serves an international menu that emphasizes variety, with an average cost of $50 per person.
Located near a bright atrium, Atrio offers a refined dining experience. Despite challenges in staff recruitment, the hotel and its dining spaces will employ a total of 75 people.
A diverse offering
On the other hand, the Invita Bar Lounge, situated on the ground floor, provides a more intimate atmosphere with 40 seats, including 10 around the bar. Designed as a casual spot for appetizers, snacks and creative cocktails, it features multiple entrances connecting the street and nearby terraces. Offering a more relaxed menu with lower prices compared to Atrio, Invita caters to a diverse clientele and stays open until 1 a.m.
Dining plays a central role in the group’s strategy, with significant investments and attention to detail. The Atrio and Invita spaces embody Dia Hospitality SARL’s ambition, supported by a $20 million investment to transform the former 4-star Monroe Hotel into a modern 5-star establishment. Despite challenges such as staffing shortages and economic instability, the group aims to showcase how resilience and innovation can redefine luxury hospitality in Beirut.
