20-room hotel opens in Hermel

Lazord Resort in Hermel, owned by local entrepreneur Hicham Matar, opened this week.

The three-star resort is built on land measuring 6,000 square meters. It includes the 20 room-hotel, 800-capacity restaurant, conference hall, swimming pool, and sports club.

Matar said they are in the process of gaining a nursery license from the Ministry of Public Health.

Investment in the project is around $3.5 million.

Around 35 full time jobs have been created.

“There is a shortage of hotels in Hermel, although the demand from tourists is high,” Matar said.

The hotel is located near the Assi River. “This will attract clients,” he said.

Room rack rates are $64, and suites $100. Matar said occupancy rates in the first week ranged between 50 and 70 percent.

The resort will expand next year to include eight chalets.

“We will be organizing excursions to the Hermel mountains, which are on an altitude of 2,400 meters altitude, and kayaking in the river, he said.