In a message to its employees, Le Bristol’s management announced that amid the current situation there is no choice but to close down the hotel.
The prestigious hotel is experiencing the worst crisis in years. Established in 1951, the five-star Le Bristol hotel has survived tough times, including the civil war (1975-1990).
In 2012, it closed its doors for three years to undergo renovations through which the employees still received their salaries.
However, due to the deteriorating economic status of the country and now with the outbreak of the coronavirus, Le Bristol will shut down indefinitely.
The announcement stated that its laid-off employees will receive pensions according to the Ministry of Labor standards.
According to The Daily Star, the hotel general manager, Joseph Coubat, told AFP that this decision was because of the unbearable economic situation.
For now, the hotel’s doors will be closed “while waiting for better days,” Coubat said, indicating that there is hope for it to reopen when the situation improves.
While it is yet not official, a statement to the public will be released next week, the receptionist told The961 with a weary voice.
Weariness is understandable, to say the least. In addition to many losing their employments, Beirut just lost one of its most prestigious and iconic hotels.
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