Report and photos by Florian Guillemin.

HOTELS

Le Gray

In less than a decade, the Gray has succeeded in establishing itself as the benchmark address in the city centre. Of course, the hotel is ideally located, just a stone's throw from the place des Martyrs. But that doesn't explain everything... It was still necessary to find the subtle balance between beauty and functionality. Known for his sense of design, the eponymous founder Gordon Campbell Gray entrusted the keys of decoration to Mary
Fox Linton, and continually integrates new works of art into the establishment. Attention to detail makes all the difference. In each of the 103 rooms - including 50 Executive Suites (60 m²), nothing has been left to chance. Here, a television overhangs the bathtub, and there, plugs have been aesthetically integrated into the woodwork of the office. And, as if all this wasn't enough to win the loyalty of our business clientele, this member of the Leading Hotels has created an events space in July 2017. All topped off with a infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean...
Martyrs' Square, Beirut Central District - Tel: +961 1 971 111 - Email : info@legray.com - Internet : www.campbellgrayhotels.com ; www.lhw.com

Royal Tulip Achrafieh

Inaugurated in October 2016 in theAchrafiehThis five-star hotel in the south-west of the city has already won over an international clientele of business travellers. They particularly appreciate the ultra-personalised service and the soothing setting of this human-scale hotel. For, contrary to appearances, the Royal Tulip's imposing building houses "only" 76 rooms and suites. These are all warm, spacious cocoons with modern facilities to meet the needs of our customers. The establishment also has meeting rooms and a business centre. And yet it's tempting to run away from it all for a well-earned break by the pool.
Alfred Naccache Street, Achrafieh - Tel : +961 1 333048 - Email : info@royaltulipachrafieh.com - Internet: www.royaltulipachrafieh.com

O Monot

Camouflaged in the future district of BachouraThe entrance to this boutique hotel could go unnoticed. However, the "secret" has been out ever since it was opened. opening in 2014... The meticulous service and the style of the lobby designed by Claude Missir and Massimo Castagna are no strangers to this. This cosy address in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World network boasts 41 rooms tastefully decorated. Restaurant on the top floor.
Monot Street, Saifi - Tel: +961 1 338 777 - Email : omonot@omonot.com  -
Internet : www.omonot.com ; www.slh.com

Albergo

As urban planning in Beirut seeks to strike a balance between past and future, theHotel Albergo is an architectural statement of cultural heritage. The sumptuous décor pays tribute to Lebanon's rich history in a hushed, almost monastic atmosphere. In the centre of the Art Deco stairwell, an old-fashioned lift rises to the top of the building. 33 rooms of the hotel, the only Relais & Châteaux from all over the region.
137, rue Abdel Wahab El Inglizi - Phone : +961 1 33 97 97 - Email : albergobeirut@albergobeirut.com  - AlbergoInternet : albergobeirut.com ; www.relaischateaux.com

And also...

Intercontinental Phoenicia > Po Box 11, Minet El Hosn - Tel : +961 1 369100 - Email : phoenicia@phoeniciabeirut.com - Internet : www.phoeniciabeirut.com
Radisson Blu Martinez > Ain El Mreysseh - Phone : +961 1 368 111 - Email : info.beirut@radissonblu.com - Internet: www.radissonblu.com
Le Royal Hotel - Beirut > Leisure Hills Complex, Dbayeh - +961 4 555 555 - Internet: lhw.com/hotel/Le-Royal-Hotel-Beirut-Lebanon
Four Seasons > 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Avenue, Minet El Hosn - Tel: +961 1 761000 - Internet: www.fourseasons.com

RESTAURANTS

Al-Sultan Brahim

Situated between the souks and the sea, this restaurant is well known to companies based in the city centre and hosts many business lunches. These are often extended by a 'Lebanese coffee-chicha' duo with a view over the port. On the side of the room, the display of fish and seafood announces the great speciality of the place, even if other Lebanese flavours feature on the menu. The atmosphere is chic without being pompous,
and affordable prices. And, as Lebanese hospitality dictates, the farandole of desserts that inevitably brings lunch to a close is sure to delight gourmets...
Beirut Souks, Downtown Beirut - Tel.: +961 1 98 99 89 - Internet: www.al-sultanbrahim.com

Leila

"Leila is a name that often comes up in gourmet conversation in Beirut. Local, tasty food, ideal for a quick lunch. The brand has managed to spread to different areas of the capital - in Beirut, Beirut, Beirut and Beirut. Verdun, Achrafieh, Zaitunay Bay, Downtown - and even in other countries in the region. The city centre address is called Kahwet Leila and presents itself as "an authentic and kitschy Lebanese salon"The restaurant is happy to embrace its deliciously old-fashioned decor. As for the menu, it reviews the great Lebanese classics: shawarma, falafel, shish taouk.
Rue Gouraud, Gemayze - Tel: +961 1 561 888 - Internet: www.kahwetleila.com

Mayrig

From the business district, head east to reach this cosy restaurant, where a mix of Lebanese and Armenian cuisine. Its success ensures that it is always well attended. If the atmosphere is that much warmer, you'd better make a reservation. The dishes are finely prepared, the service efficient and the bill moderate compared to the relatively high prices charged in Beirut. On fine days, Mayrig also has a terrace away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. A safe bet.
282, rue Pasteur, Mansour Building, Gemmayzeh - Tel : +961 157 21 21 - Email : info@mayrigbeirut.com - Internet : www.mayrigbeirut.com

The Gathering

Trendy wine bar, country inn, steak house: it's hard to get the right people in the right place. The Gathering in a box. French, Italian or American specialities, modern or traditional, this address in the district of Gemmayze has chosen not to choose... The cachet of these two ashlar buildings and their shady garden play a large part in the success of the establishment. The extensive wine list - with over 500 wines on offer - skilfully blends international stars with local finds.
Pasteur Street, Gemmayze - Tel: +961 1 566 196 Email : TheGathering@FounddGroup.com - Internet : www.founddgroup.com

And also...

Liza > Metropolitan Club. Rue Doumani, Achrafieh - Tel : +961 1 208 108 - Email : info@lizabeirut.com - Internet : lizabeirut.com
Al Falamanki > Damascus Road, Sodeco - Tel: +961 1 32 34 56 - Internet : alfalamanki.com
Tawlet > 12, Naher Street - Tel: +961 1 448 129 - Internet : www.soukeltayeb.com
Abd el Wahab > 51, Abd el Wahab El Inglizi Street - Tel : +9611200550 - Internet : www.ghiaholding.com