Lebanon offers a variety of accommodations that cater to the budget and comfort requirements of any tourist. Whether you’re looking to be pampered with five-star service and full spa facilities, or you desire to get off the beaten track and share a traditional Lebanese meal with a local family in a quiet mountain village, you’re sure to find whatever suits your tastes.
Alternative Lodging (B&Bs & Auberges)
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The Lebanese are renowned for their hospitality, but the concept of launching B&B businesses is a new concept to most Lebanese, especially in smaller towns. Consequently, despite the increasing demand by European and North American tourists to stay in B&Bs for an authentic Lebanese experience, there have hitherto been few options in Lebanon. However, the past few years have seen an increase in the number of B&Bs as local
ecotour operators establish relationships with local communities and bring small groups to stay. The price of staying in a B&B is typically inexpensive (US$5 to US$30 per person per night, depending on the remoteness of the location) and is usually included in the total price of a tour package to a particular region of Lebanon. Independent travelers can reserve rooms in charming and unique auberges (“inns”).For example, the Auberge al-Fanar
(meaning “lighthouse” in Arabic) is a nice, clean inn with nine rooms located on the coast in Tyre. Prices start at US$20-US$25 per person per night including breakfast. Also, a new company,
The Lebanon Host (L’Hôte Libanais), arranges B&Bs in private
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residences in Beirut. Prices run from US$35 for a single occupancy room to US$55 for a double occupancy room and include accommodation, breakfast, bath and bed linen. Reservations can be made by phone or email.
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Furnished Apartments
Furnished apartments are available for rental on a weekly basis in Beirut and other major cities in Lebanon. These usually cater to people coming to Lebanon for a long-term stay (such as summer-long visitors), but they can also be a cost effective option for families or small groups of travelers. Apartments range from studios to three or more bedrooms, and they typically include fully-equipped kitchens. The buildings usually offer hotel-type services, such as laundry service, housekeeping, linens, televisions, telephone service, etc. Prices range from $150 to $300 per week, and are typically highest in the summer season. |
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Mid-Range Hotel Accommodations
Well-located, clean, standard room hotels can be found all over Lebanon. Prices range from US$50 to US$100 for a two-person room, depending on the season and location. Some of the more interesting places to stay include the
Ehden Country Club Hotel located near the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve or the 120-year-old
Palmyra Hotel in the city of
Baalbek. |
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Full-Out Luxury Hotels and resorts
Lebanese resorts and hotels rival those in any other part of the world in terms of service and amenities, and most hotel staff speak fluent English, French, and Arabic. In Beirut, the
Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel and the
Mövenpick Hotel & Resort offer full spa facilities, several restaurant options, outdoor pools, Internet access, and fantastic views of the Mediterranean. The Mövenpick even has its own private beach and rents snorkeling equipment and jet skis. Prices start from US$220 at the Phoenicia and US$245 at the Mövenpick for a two-person room. If it’s a ski resort you’re after, try the
Faraya-Mzaar Intercontinental Hotel with direct access to the Faraya slopes. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, health club, and babysitting services. Prices start from US$150 for a two-person room.
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