Batroun's Hidden Gem: Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment - Unforgettable Lebanon Stay!
Batroun's Hidden Gem: Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment - Unforgettable Lebanon Stay! - A Review That's More Chai than Champagne ☕️
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment in Batroun. This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review; this is the raw, unfiltered, "did I leave my toothbrush there?" truth. Forget the glossy brochures, I'm coming at you with real-life experiences, the good, the slightly less good, and the "OMG, I need to tell someone about this!" moments.
The Vibe: Batroun Bliss (Mostly!)
First things first: Batroun. Gorgeous. Seriously. Picture those Instagram-worthy Mediterranean vibes, with a healthy dose of Lebanese charm. Le Grey itself…well, it's tucked away, a hidden gem literally. Finding it the first time felt like a treasure hunt (thank goodness for Google Maps!), but that just adds to the mystique, right? Okay, maybe not at midnight after a long flight, but you get the drift.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (Somewhat)
- Accessibility: Look, I’m not exactly a mobility guru, but I saw the elevator (thank the heavens!). I didn’t get a sense of whether the entire place is fully wheelchair accessible, because I'm not in that position, but the main areas seemed, well, accessible. There are some stairs to the entrance, though. The staff were super helpful, always offering a hand with anything. Facilities for disabled guests are listed but I wasn't able to assess the details beyond observing an elevator.
- Getting Around: Car park [free of charge] is a LIFESAVER in Batroun, where parking can be a battle. Plus, they have a car park [on-site] (another win!). Taxi service and Airport transfer are available – because dealing with Lebanese traffic after a 12-hour flight…no thanks!
Cleanliness and Safety: Germophobia Approved (Mostly)
- Cleanliness: Okay, this is where Le Grey shines. The place gleams. Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services – they clearly take this seriously. And the hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Bless. I'd say they used anti-viral cleaning products.
- Safety: CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a sense of security. Security [24-hour] is a huge plus. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature in the rooms…they’ve thought of it all. You could probably sleep soundly here during the apocalypse (kidding…mostly).
My Room: A Cozy Nest in the Chaos
Available in All Rooms:
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Free Wi-Fi: (Thank you, internet gods!)
- Air conditioning – necessary if you're not used to the climate.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who still uses those?!
- Bathtub: Nice touch.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial! So I could sleep off the jet lag.
- Closet: Adequate. For my excessive wardrobe, let’s be real.
- Coffee/tea maker: Lifesaver! The caffeine dependency is real, folks.
- Complimentary tea: Much appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: They practically tiptoed around me, which I appreciate.
- Desk: I did some work. Ugh, work.
- Extra long bed: Awesome!
- Free bottled water: Always a bonus.
- Hair dryer: Check!
- High floor: I think so? I'm not a height guy, so I didn't go into the details.
- In-room safe box: Perfect for hiding my valuables (like that stash of Lebanese chocolate).
- Internet access – wireless and LAN: Nice.
- In-room safe box– Great for keeping valuables secure.
- Internet access – LAN: Useful.
- Ironing facilities: I ironed precisely zero things, but it's there if you're into that.
- Laptop workspace: Yep.
- Linens: Fresh and clean.
- Mini bar: Standard.
- Mirror: Important for the selfie game.
- Non-smoking. Thank heavens.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Reading light: Good for late-night book binges. (or Instagram stalking)
- Refrigerator: Useful for storing…Lebanese chocolate.
- Satellite/cable channels: Because you need to unwind.
- Seating area: Nice for lounging.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxurious! (though I only took a shower)
- Shower: Did the job.
- Slippers: Comfy.
- Smoke detector: Always a good thing.
- Socket near the bed: Score!
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Pretty effective, though I could occasionally hear the seagulls, which was kind of charming.
- Telephone: Again, who uses these?!
- Toiletries: Decent.
- Towels: Fluffy!
- Wake-up service: Never used it, because I'm a master of waking up on my own…usually.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
- Window that opens: Fresh air – always a plus.
Room Specifics: The apartment was spacious, with all the essentials. Room decorations were tasteful - not too fussy. If you like a cozy but modern atmosphere, and a bed where you can just collapse… then this will be perfect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, this is where things get delicious. Le Grey doesn’t have a full-blown restaurant on-site, but that's not a huge deal, because Batroun is a food heaven!
- Breakfast: They offered Breakfast [buffet] (which was amazing) and Breakfast service. I grabbed food from the Breakfast in room option (which was amazing) every morning! They also have some Alternative meal arrangement options if you have special dietary needs. I was really impressed with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options, which they sometimes offered.
- General: Plus, you're within stumbling distance of so many amazing Lebanese restaurants. I won't go into detail about the restaurants because I was too busy stuffing my face, but the Coffee/tea in restaurant and desserts in restaurant were great.
Things to Do: Relaxation and Exploration
- Things to do: The guesthouse is a perfect base for exploring Batroun. There are lots of things to do and relax.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool is lovely, and I think there's a pool with view included.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: I may have spent an hour or two in the spa.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: The gym was basic, but had the essentials.
- The terrace was perfect for sipping tea (or a sneaky glass of wine) and watching the world go by.
- Massage: The massage was divine! It totally erased the stress of my flight.
- Services and Conveniences:
- Concierge and Doorman are a plus.
- Currency exchange – handy
- Daily housekeeping
- Elevator if you need it.
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Ironing service, laundry service: if you needed it
- Luggage storage
- Safe dining setup
- Invoice provided
The Quirks (and the Charm!)
Look, Le Grey isn't perfect. There's no polished, impersonal gloss. But that's part of its charm. The staff are friendly -- the service is more personal than you'd expect. They genuinely care that you're having a good time. It felt more like staying in a stylish, slightly quirky friend's apartment than a generic hotel room.
The Biggest Drawback
I wish they had better options for food in the apartment, or had a restaurant!
Final Verdict: Book It! (Seriously)
If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable base for exploring Batroun, with a personal touch and impeccable cleanliness, Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment is a winner. It's not cookie-cutter, it's not pretentious, and it
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Island House Awaits on Poel!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're not just planning a trip to Batroun, Lebanon, we're living it. This itinerary isn't some sterile, color-coordinated brochure. This is my Batroun, a glorious, slightly-messed-up adventure waiting to happen. And trust me, it's going to get messy.
Batroun Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment: Chaos Commences
Day 1: Arrival & The Unintentional Olive Oil Odyssey
- 14:00 - Arrival at Batroun Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment. Okay, first things first: breathe. Finding this place was an adventure in itself. Google Maps gave me a scenic tour of the Batroun backstreets involving a donkey cart, a questionable "shortcut," and me yelling for directions in increasingly panicked Arabic. Finally, Le Grey! Phew. The apartment? Charming. Slightly… musty. You know how old places smell, a mix of history and “maybe-someone-should-open-a-window?" But hey, the view from the balcony? Stunning. Instant serotonin boost.
- 15:00 - Settling In & Reconnaissance. Unpack. Realize I overpacked. Per usual. Stare longingly at the sea. Mentally calculate how soon I can get to the beach.
- 16:00 - Wandering & Accidental Olive Oil Apocalypse. Time to explore. Stroll aimlessly into the old town. Get hopelessly lost. Which is, honestly, the best way to find anything interesting. I stumble upon a tiny shop overflowing with…stuff. And a sweet old lady with eyes that have seen the world. She's offering samples of everything. Lemon preserves, fig jam (divine!), and then… the olive oil. She pours me a generous splash, and I… inhale it. My tastebuds explode. It's like liquid sunshine. Now, she wants me to buy 5 bottles! And another one! I'm like, "Lady, my luggage has reached its limit for souvenirs!" But I still bough one, and I am not regretting it, the bottle is in my hands, what a lovely experience.
- 18:00 - Beach Time (Finally!) & Sunset Euphoria. Find a beach. Plonk myself down on the sand. Watch the sunset. Drink something cold while listening to the waves. Realize I'm ridiculously happy. This is why I travel. Simple joy.
- 19:30 - Dinner at "A* Somewhere" (Name Avoided for Privacy): A restaurant recommended by the guesthouse owner. It's supposed to be amazing. Order way too much mezzah (seriously, I have a problem, I need everything in the menu). Eat until I can barely move. Realize I’m slightly sunburned. Still happy.
- 21:30 - Promenade Stroll & Stargazing. Walk along the corniche. Try to identify constellations. Fail miserably. Get distracted by a street vendor selling knafe (sweet cheese pastry) and scarf it down. Head back to the apartment with a contented sigh.
Day 2: History, Hamra, and the Question of the Perfect Shawarma
- 09:00 - Coffee & Balcony Contemplation. Wake up. Drink coffee on the balcony. Stare at the sea. (Yep, still doing that). Think about all the things I haven't done yet, like actually reading my book.
- 10:00 - St. Stephano's Church & Historical Rambling. The church. The little church beside the sea… so beautiful. Spend way too long admiring the view. Think about how history seems to be written over and over again, that is fascinating.
- 11:30 - Lunch & the Shawarma Quest Begins. Wander into the centre of Batroun looking for a cafe. Find a shop with an amazing shawarma! I was feeling adventurous and didn't regret it! The smell was divine; the atmosphere was amazing.
- 13:00 - Beach Combing & Shell Collecting. Find a secluded stretch of beach away from the crowds. Spend an hour (or three) just wandering along the shoreline, collecting unique shells. The sun felt amazing, and the water was even better.
- 16:00 - Shopping Spree! The time for shopping came, I wanted some souvenirs to take back. I found a local shop that I fell in love with. I bought some beautiful handmade items.
- 18:00 - Dinner: Back to the Shawarma or something else? After a long day I was debating on repeating my lunch. But I was also looking for a more romantic dinner…
Day 3: The Deep Dive (and Messy Feelings)
- 08:00 - Wake up to the view. I think I've gotten used to it by now, or maybe im still enjoying it.
- 09:00 - Exploring Batroun's secrets. Batroun has amazing things to offer, and exploring the streets feeling like a local is amazing.
- 12:00 - Back to the beach. Relaxing, listening to the water
- 15:00 - Leaving Batroun. The final day has come, I was sad but happy!
- 18:00 - Getting home. The journey to my next destination started with me leaving Batroun.
Important Considerations (and Disclaimers):
- Food: Forget the diet. Seriously. Embrace the fattoush, the hummus, the knafe. You will gain weight. You will not care.
- Transportation: Walking is your best friend. Get lost on purpose. You'll find the best stuff that way.
- Language: Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. Trust me, it's appreciated. (Even if you butcher the pronunciation, which you probably will.) People help you out when they find out you are trying.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Things will go wrong. You'll miss a bus. You’ll get scammed. You'll lose your phone (maybe). Roll with it. That's part of the adventure.
- Be Kind: To yourself, to the locals, to the world. Leave things better than you found them. And for heaven's sake, tip generously!
- Enjoy every damn second! You’re in Lebanon! You're at Batroun! Savor it.
This, my friends, is not just a trip. It's a baptism by fire (or, in this case, olive oil). Get ready for the ride. It's going to be gloriously messy. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, where did I put that bottle opener….
**Sun, Sea, & Stunning Views: Your Fuengirola Paradise Awaits!**
Le Grey Guesthouse Apartment: Your Chaotic Batroun Adventure - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You NEED Them!)
Okay, REAL TALK: Is Le Grey REALLY as good as it looks in the photos? Is it just... Insta-bait?
Look, the photos? Yeah, they're pretty. Gorgeous even. But here's the *actual* truth, fresh from someone who’s been there: it's LESS about the perfect shots and MORE about the feeling. Think sun-drenched balconies where you can *actually* breathe (a huge win in Lebanon, trust me), and a kitchen that, even with my *questionable* cooking skills, I somehow managed to make a half-decent meal. It's homey, not overly pristine. There's a certain *je ne sais quoi* that’s missing from those perfectly curated feeds. It’s got soul, okay? And yeah, you'll probably take some Instagram-worthy shots. But you'll *remember* the sunsets, the sound of the waves, the feeling of legitimately relaxing. Because let's be honest, escaping the internet is a goal for more than just the young generations, it's for everyone seeking a reset. And the whole vibe of Le Grey, it felt so refreshing.
What's the deal with the location? Batroun is pretty great, but is it *convenient*? Like, can I stumble to the beach in my PJs?
Convenient? Honey, it's practically *ON* the beach. Okay, maybe not stumble-in-your-PJs *directly* onto the sand, but you're talking a few minutes' stroll. And the restaurants? Oh, the restaurants. Some of the best seafood I've *ever* had was a quick skip away. You’re in the heart of everything, surrounded by a charming sense of olden days, I swear the history and personality just oozes from every side street, and not just the main tourist streets, the side streets too! There are grocery stores nearby so you can stock up on essentials (and maybe some contraband Baklava – no judgment). But be warned: you might never want to leave. I definitely didn’t. And don't skip the local bakeries! Seriously, that smell of fresh bread in the morning? Worth the trip alone.
Tell me about the apartment itself. Is it actually *nice* inside? I’m not trying to rough it.
Nice? It's more than nice, darling. It’s charming. Think high ceilings (crucial for not feeling claustrophobic!), beautiful (and comfy!) furniture, and a balcony that faces the sea. Seriously, that balcony... I spent hours there, just watching the waves crash. The kitchen is well-equipped (even for someone like me who barely knows how to boil water), and the bathroom is clean and modern. Okay, maybe not *perfectly* modern. There are hints of the building's age, a little bit of "character" as they say. But it's totally comfortable and clean, and it's got an undeniable charm to it. It feels like a real home, not just a sterile hotel room. You know, the kind of place you could actually picture yourself living in, at least for a little while. My experience in Lebanon was so transformative, maybe it was just the freedom of being in such a breathtaking place.
Is there air conditioning? This is BATROUN, after all. Don't want to melt!
Thank GOD, YES! Air conditioning is an absolute MUST in Batroun, especially in the summer. And guess what? Le Grey has it. And it works. Gloriously, wonderfully works! Seriously, I can’t stress how important this is. Imagine trying to sleep after a day at the beach, baked by the sun, without AC. Nightmare fuel! So, yes, breathe easy. You'll be cool, calm, and collected. Or at least, you won't be a sweaty, grumpy mess. This is not the time to go cheap on cooling. Take my word for it.
What about the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected (or at least, pretend to).
Okay, the Wi-Fi…it’s there. Let's just say it's…Lebanese Wi-Fi. Which means it's not always lightning-fast. There's a good chance you'll experience some outages. There were a few times I wanted to scream, but honestly, it forced me to unplug a little bit, and that was probably a good thing. So, download your essential shows beforehand (I recommend some travel documentaries, you'll feel more cultured), and embrace the occasional digital detox. It’s good for the soul. You *are* on vacation, after all. This actually made me more relaxed, because it allowed me to go out more, to explore more, and to live a life that was unplugged and connected.
Is the host helpful? I don't wanna be left hanging if there's a problem.
The host is FANTASTIC. Seriously, top-notch. They're super responsive, friendly, and genuinely care about your experience. I had a minor issue with the… (ahem)… shower drainage, and they were on it *immediately*. They give you great local tips, restaurant recommendations, and are generally just lovely people. They're the kind of hosts who make you feel like you're staying at a friend's place. And truthfully, that’s worth its weight in gold, especially when you are traveling abroad. They are the cherry on top for this whole experience.
Okay, spill. What's the ONE thing you *hated* about Le Grey?
Hated? Hmmm... Well, if I *had* to nitpick… the stairs to the apartment are a little steep, and there's no elevator. So, if you have mobility issues, this might be a factor. But honestly? That's it. And the stairs actually made me feel healthier. *laughs*. Oh! One more thing, I wish I had stayed longer. Because when it comes to the worst part about Le Grey, it's that you eventually have to leave! Honestly, I would go back in a heartbeat. Absolutely loved it.
Best advice? What one thing should I absolutely *do* while staying at Le Grey?
Sunset drinks on the balcony. No question. Grab a bottle of local wine (they're fantastic, and cheap!), some labneh and pita, and just watch the sun sink into the Mediterranean. It's pure magic. I swear, the air smells different, the colors are unreal, and you'll feel like you've been transported to another world.Coastal Inns
