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By Tarek El Zein
www.iht.com
The name Beirut is derived from the Phoenix - the mythical bird symbolizing resurrection and life after death. And like the Phoenix, Beirut has been resurrected from its ashes.
Today, the city has re-emerged as a crossroads between East and West and as a center of entertainment, culture, arts and business.
The city center, known as Downtown, has been returned partly to its past glory, while the rest remains a gigantic construction site. With an abundance of cafés and restaurants, the Lebanese love to have fun everyday. There are two main business districts in Beirut: Hamra Street and Downtown.
HotelsThe Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, Minet el Hosn, (961-1) 369-100, is one of the most prestigious establishments in Beirut with dominant views of the Mediterranean, the mountains and Downtown. Prices range from $248 for a city view room to $1,348 for the Club Ambassador Suite. The Phoenicia incorporates four restaurants, a trendy club, indoor and outdoor pools and a health club. The Movenpick, General de Gaulle Avenue, (961-1) 869-666, on the coast near the famed Pigeon Rocks, is one of the city's latest five-star additions. The resort hotel has a marina, six restaurants and bars, fishing and diving activities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a health club. Prices range from $220 to $1,100 for a suite. For a more local feel, stay in the Albergo Hotel, 137 Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Road, (961-1) 339-797, a 1930s building in the heart of the traditional neighborhood of Ashrafieh. The boutique hotel has 33 suites, two restaurants and a rooftop pool and terrace. Prices range from $215 to $750 and all suites have great city views with the sea behind.
Dining/BarsGemmayzeh is becoming a hot spot for trendy restaurants and cafés. Food Yard, Gouraud Road, (961-1) 575-899, serves fusion cuisine drawn from the Mediterranean and Africa for reasonable prices. Abdel Wahab, Abdel Wahab el Inglizi Road, (961-1) 200-550, serves the best Lebanese cuisine in town on an airy, enclosed terrace. Centrale, Saifi Street, (961-1) 575-858, has the most striking modern interior design in the Middle East and its French-influenced cuisine is a must with fine Lebanese wine. Casablanca, Dar el-Mreisseh Road, (961-1) 369-334, is in a stunning restored Lebanese villa with Mediterranean views. The walking areas in Downtown boast many cafés that serve "narguilehs" (water pipes) as well as local and international restaurants, while the Monnot area has the highest concentration of nightlife entertainment in Lebanon. Try the BO18, Charles Helou Street, (961-1) 580-018, for dancing in a club styled like an underground bunker while gazing at the moon, or Music Hall, Starco Building, (961-1) 361-236, for a great night with a show.
Culture The month-long Byblos International Festival starts in June and includes an international program of both Arab and Western musicians in the ancient setting of the Byblos citadel.
Shopping It's easy in Beirut. Downtown has many shops selling the latest international designs. The luxury department store Aishti, Allenby Road, (961-1) 994-994, is equivalent to Harvey Nichols in London. ABC Beirut mall, close to Sodeco Square, is the first mall to appear on the Lebanese market, with more than 200 shops offering products ranging from medium to high prices. Try L'Artisan du Liban (Clemenceau Road) for local handicrafts and the Goldsmiths Center Marash (Bourj Hammoud) for all sorts of locally crafted jewelry. The Souk al Barghout flea market (Downtown) opens in June and is a must-see.
Health Clubs Most hotels in Beirut offer clubs with pools, spas, massage services and exercising equipment. Many locals jog and bike on the sea-side Corniche.
Cellphones Lebanon's mobile network operates on the 900 band for GSM. Pre-paid lines are available at mobile phone shops at the airport and around town.
TippingTipping in Beirut is customary, but not obligatory. If the service was satisfactory, a 10 percent tip is sufficient. Taxis are usually tipped $1 for a short trip and $3 for a long one. |
