Where to stay in Beirut: What You Need to Know
Beirut, the capital of Lebanon is one of the most interesting cities in the Middle East.
With a rich history dating back 5000 years, Beirut is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its tourist, archaeological and architectural attractions include examples of Phoenician remains, Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Islamic mosques and French-style, art nouveau and art deco palaces.
Beirut is a very large city, with a transport system that leaves much to be desired. So choosing the best area to stay in Beirut is of vital importance to make your trip to the Lebanese capital perfect.
Located on a peninsula and bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut also offers beaches, cliffs and caves in a modern and cosmopolitan setting while at the same time keeping a traditional and ancient heart.
The Best Areas to Stay in Beirut, Lebanon
1. Best Area: Downtown Beirut
The central area of Beirut, also known as Downtown Beirut or Beirut Central District (BCD) is probably the best area to stay in Beirut. This neighbourhood concentrates most of the city’s tourist attractions, such as the Roman ruins, St. George’s Cathedral, the Lebanese Conservatory, the parliament and Nejmeh Square or Place de l’Étoile.
As the name suggests, the Downtown is in the geographical centre of the city and has been renovated in recent years to repair the devastating effects of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990).
The area is home to many French-style boutiques and boulevards surrounded by elegant nineteenth-century and art deco palaces.
The hotels in this area tend to be on the upmarket end of the spectrum.
What makes this the best area to stay in Beirut
- Best area for sightseeing
- Very central
- Luxury shops
- Near the main attractions
- European style
Hand-Picked Hotels in This Area
Our Top PickOffering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, O Monot Boutique Hotel Beirut is located in Beirut. Free WiFi access is available.
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Luxury Option
Saifi Suites is a stylish 5-star hotel located in the heart of Beirut. It features free WiFi in the entire hotel, a gym and a spa. Downtown Beirut is a 5 minutes’ drive away by car.
2. Hamra (West Beirut)
Located in the western part of Beirut, Hamra is the old Muslim district of the city. It is a lively and central mid-range neighborhood.
Its main avenue, Rue de Hamra is a vibrant gastronomic and leisure area, with many cafés, boutiques and shops. The presence of the American University of Beirut (AUB) makes Hamra a young district with a lot of cultural and leisure options.
Hamra is also home to the Corniche, a pedestrian seaside promenade that offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean, especially at sunset.
It is probably the best area to stay in Beirut, particularly if you are looking for cheap accommodation, with options to suit every type of budget.
What makes this the best area to stay in Beirut
- Lively area
- Lots of bars and restaurants
- Cheap accommodation
- Beirut sea promenade
- American University of Beirut
Hand-Picked Hotels in This Area
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Our Top Pick
Casa d’Or Hotel is located in Beirut’s Hamra district is next to Hamra Street, popular for its trendy shops. It offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV and a kitchenette.
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Midrange Option
The Golden Tulip Midtown offers spacious rooms and suites with balconies. It features a rooftop pool, under 10 minutes’ walk from the seaside Corniche.
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Luxury Option
Crowne Plaza Hamra Beirut is located on bustling Hamra Street in central Beirut. It features a heated indoor pool, a fitness centre and restaurants.
3. Achrafieh (Beirut East)
Achrafieh is located in the eastern part of Beirut. It is the old Christian quarter of the city. In the immediate vicinity are many of the Orthodox churches.
Achrafieh hosts an important Armenian community and has a cosmopolitan feel to it.
The area is considered to be the alternative heart of Beirut, with an important and intense cultural life and numerous art galleries, designer shops street art contemporary exhibitions.
Located near the Downtown, Achrafieh is one of the best areas to stay in Beirut.
What makes this the best area to stay in Beirut
- Alternative, hipster area
- Lots of bars and restaurants
- Cultural scene
- Orthodox churches
- Boutique hotels
Hand-Picked Hotels in This Area
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Our Top Pick
Located in the Heart of Beirut, Royal Tulip Achrafieh is a Full Service 5 Star Hotel, it features Free WiFi in the entire Hotel, a Fitness Center and offering a seasonal Outdoor Swimming Pool and a Roof Top Lounge.
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Midrange Option
Citea Apart Hotel is strategically nestled in the heart of Ashrafieh, minutes away from the airport and in close proximity to the capital’s most famous landmarks, including ABC mall, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Sassine Square, Downtown and the Badaro-Sodeco district.
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Luxury Option
Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel is a luxury full service hotel with a range of upscale amenities tailored to suit business and leisure guests alike. The hotel is a short walk away from Beirut’s finest entertainment, shopping and business addresses.
4. Raouché
Raouché is a residential and commercial district located in the west of Beirut.
Located south of Hamra, the neighborhood is famous for its promenade, the rock formations on its coast and its tall and elegant condo skyscrapers.
It is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Beirut, so the hotels in the area are usually high-end.
What makes this the best area to stay in Beirut
- Sea promenade
- Luxury restaurants
- Elegant neighbourhood
- Luxury hotels
Hand-Picked Hotels in This Area
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Our Top Pick
The Lancaster Raouche Hotel features wood panelling and wallpaper. It offers a modern gym, a spa with sauna and free airport pickup and drop off.
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