Hotels in Lebanon

Loubnan derives from the Phoenician for "white mountain" and denotes Lebanon's mountains, some parts of which remain snow-covered all over the year. Lebanon is bounded on the north and east by Syria, on the west by the Mediterranean, and the south by Israel. Lebanon consists of two mountain chains, Lebanon and the Ante-Lebanon; a narrow coastal strip, where all the major cities lie; and a fertile plain, the Bekaa valley, which lies between the two mountain chains and provides most of the local agricultural produce. The capital, Beirut, was chosen for its ideal location on the Mediterranean and acts as the heart of Lebanon's banking industry, tourism, and trade. The port of Beirut is the busiest and most important in the country.

This small country, only 10.452 km2 in size, has an interesting diversity in history, culture, religion, landscape, climate and altitude. Lebanon’s rich history and culture date back to 3000 BC when the Phoenicians occupied Lebanese soil. Following these traders, the country has subsequently been inhabited by Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans and more recently, the French. They all left their traces, from religious building to huge castles and citadels. After the first century, religion in Lebanon shifted from polytheism to Christianity, and in 636, Islam was introduced by the Arabs.

Due to its alternation of lowland and highland, with the highest peak of 3088 meters (Qornet es-Sawda), the landscape, climate, soils and vegetation differ markedly within short distances. As one of the most heavily wooded countries in the world, Lebanon is famous for its cedar tree (Cedrus Libani), also the symbol of the country. Lebanon’s beautiful nature and natural reserves harbour a wide variety of animal and plant species and make Lebanon ideal for outdoor activities. With its Mediterranean climate, day temperatures in summer (June - September) range between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in the mountains and 25 to 35 degrees Celsius in Beirut. In winter (December - February), the mountains have significant snowfall, while the temperature in Beirut during this period varies between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius. Swimming and sunbathing at the beach is pleasant from May till October, while skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the mountain snow from December till early April.

Most people in Lebanon are religious and monotheistic. Lebanon is made up of Muslim and Christian sects which escaped persecution throughout history by seeking shelter in its mountains. No one religion is dominant. The country has Muslim Shiites, Sunnis, Druzes and Christian Maronites, and Greek Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox. Thus, languages spoken in Lebanon include Arabic, French, English, and Armenian. There are many accents in Lebanon. The Beirut accent is the mellowest and most highly regarded. Meanwhile, country accents are harsher. Accents are a much higher indicator of social status than they are in the United States.

How to Get There?

By Flight

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways offer a connecting flight from Singapore through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Jeddah, Bangkok, Kuwait, Bahrain and Kaherah. It takes around 14 to 18 hours journey (including transit time) to reach Lebanon Municipal Airport.

Lebanon Municipal Airport, also referred to just as Lebanon Airport, is located approximately 6km west of the centre of Lebanon, a city in Grafton County, New Hampshire, in the United States. The airport is on Airpark Road and is the northernmost commercial terminal in New Hampshire. Lebanon Airport is also situated near the Vermont border, the area that is home to the popular Dartmouth College. Travellers can utilise Lebanon Airport to book a flight to or from Boston, Massachusetts, or White Plains, New York. This small terminal does not offer many facilities but does have free Wi-Fi for passengers to take advantage of while they wait to board a flight. There are also many dining options that are not far from the airport.

What to do There?

Food Hunting

While you are in Lebanon, you have to try their local delicacies. Lebanese cuisine is the Mediterranean. Pita bread is a staple. The Lebanese enjoy hummus (a chick peadip), fool (a fava bean dip), and other bean dishes. Rice is nearly a staple, and pasta is very popular. Salted yoghurt is common in many dishes. Red meat and chicken are common but are usually eaten as part of a dish. Pork is less popular since it is forbidden under Islamic law. Eating in Lebanon is tied to the family: people almost never eat alone. The Lebanese consider eating out a social and almost aesthetic experience. Hence, restaurants usually have a pleasant view, of which Lebanon's geography affords many. Too many interesting places to explore? You may consider Baalbek, The National Museum of Beirut, The Cedars and Byblos in your list!

Baalbek

Baalbek is an ethological town located in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and houses invaluable paragons of Lebanese treasures. Amongst the structures, the Temple of Bacchus is the best preserved ancient shrine with majestic towers. Another famous tourist spot is the Temple of Jupiter with its prodigious columns. Annually, the place hosts Baalbek International Festival which is attended by international organisations and artists to work on the ruins of the medieval town. The surrounding green lands and farms also make up for an amazing outdoor experience.

The National Museum of Beirut

The National Museum of Beirut is the paramount museum preserving the archaeology and palaeontology of ancient Lebanon. It was designed in a French-inspired style and was officially opened to tourists in 1942. The Museum conserves more than 100,000 antiquities, sculptures and artefacts dating back to the pre-historic and medieval times. It displays its exhibits in a chronological circuit according to the alteration of dynasties and ancient communities. The highlights from the museum’s collection include Phoenician statues and Byzantine gold jewellery. Due to the damages caused by the World Wars, it has gone through several renovations.

The Cedars

Known as the pride and symbol of the Lebanese heritage, the Cedars is a series of extensive forests located in the snowy mountains of Bcharre. The timber of these woods has been exploited for thousands of years and is considered holy. This former World Heritage Site offers good sightseeing and bird watching vistas. Surrounding the woodlands is the magnificent Qadisha Valley which provides terrific opportunities for hiking and skiing. The village has installed modern tourist facilities including a deluxe intercontinental hotel as well as campsites.

Byblos

Byblos is amongst the oldest cities in the world that have continuously inhabited over the years. It is suggested to be the first ever city established under the Phoenician dynasty and is a World Heritage Site presently. The small boasts a rich history and is an important archaeological site. The remains of Crusader Castle is a famous tourist destination where people can walk around the cobblestone streets and ancient stone houses. Byblos is coastal fishing region and also functions as a cosy little port highly esteemed for its seafood and restaurants.

Where to Stay?

Midtown Hotel and Suites

Midtown Hotel and Suites offers a unique and intimate setting, fully serviced accommodation that is furnished in a themed, stylish and aspirational manner. MidTown is individual and focused on offering service in a comfortable, intimate, and welcoming setting. Midtown Hotel and Suites has spacious, modern, comfortable rooms and suites each with a private balcony.  Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms and common areas. Rooms are equipped with flat TV, microwave, kettle, kitchenette, refrigerator and safety box. The bathroom comes with bathrobes and toiletries. The main hotel features are the conference and banqueting facilities in basement, a bar and café on the ground floor, all-day dining on the first floor and a rooftop pool where guests can dive in a while enjoying scenic views of Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea. Midtown Hotel & Suites is a 2-minute walk from the vibrant shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Makdessi, Bliss and Hamra Streets. MidTown is a few steps from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Medical Center AUBMC! Midtown offers the best Value for Money in a safe and friendly environment.

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

Unabashedly modern, Four Seasons soars skyward above city and sea at the edge of the Mediterranean. From stylish comforts to the see-and-be-seen rooftop terrace, where guests can swim high in the sky or celebrate till sunrise, it brings the best in the world to Beirut. With its deft, friendly, genuine personal service, this much-anticipated landmark experience immerses you in Beirut's rich sophistication in a way never before possible. A hotel whose time has come in a destination striding confidently into the future.

Aquarium Hotel & Resort

Situated in the heart of Jounieh, the Aquarium Hotel is conveniently located close to popular shopping areas, attractive tourist sites, live night-entertainment places, and drive from the main city centre, the Aquarium Hotel is the perfect haven for business people and family holidaymakers. The aquarium lounge offers you eight spacious, sophisticated saloons, perfect for socialising and enjoying refreshing drinks, fresh coffee and tea with cake and cookies, served with a warm smile. The Royal Hall is a multi-functional hall that can serve wedding receptions, banquets, conferences, seminars as well as fashion shows and exhibitions. Well-conceived, entirely furnished with up-to-date equipment. The royal hall is a unique polyvalent ballroom. What could be more appealing for a quiet drink or a special get-to-gather than the charming Churchill Rooftop Pub/Restaurant, with its delicious, varied menu that tempts all tastes? The pub is cosy, intimate, and ideal for private parties and celebrations.