The Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon, is a celebrated landmark of luxury, elegance, and resilience. Overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, this iconic five-star hotel combines Lebanese heritage with global sophistication, making it a top destination for travelers from around the world. Since its opening in 1961, Phoenicia has been a hub of glamour and culture in Beirut, offering an exceptional blend of hospitality, architectural beauty, and modern amenities. Today, it stands as a symbol of Lebanese pride, welcoming guests into a world of sophistication and unparalleled service.
A Legacy of Prestige and Resilience
Phoenicia Hotel’s history is woven into the fabric of Lebanon’s cultural and social evolution. The hotel was conceived by Najib Salha, a visionary businessman who saw Beirut as a burgeoning center of glamour and tourism in the 1960s. Designed by American architect Edward Durell Stone, the same architect behind New York’s Radio City Music Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the hotel embodied a combination of mid-century modernism and Mediterranean elegance.
Throughout the decades, Phoenicia became a meeting point for diplomats, celebrities, and royalty, and it has hosted some of the world’s most famous figures, including Brigitte Bardot, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor. Despite the challenges of the Lebanese Civil War and other regional conflicts, the hotel has emerged each time with renewed splendor, embodying the resilience and pride of Beirut and the Lebanese people.
Architecture and Design
The architectural beauty of Phoenicia Hotel is a significant part of its appeal. Its grand facade features a combination of Lebanese and international styles, with ornate columns, expansive glass windows, and a structure that captures the vibrancy of the Mediterranean. The interior decor marries classic luxury with modern touches, showcasing plush furnishings, chandeliers, and intricate woodwork.
As guests enter the hotel, they are welcomed by the Grand Lobby, a space adorned with marble floors, ornate carpets, and majestic columns that lead the eye upward to a vaulted ceiling. The hotel’s interior design seamlessly blends Middle Eastern motifs with contemporary elegance, creating an ambiance of timeless sophistication. With each renovation, Phoenicia has preserved its unique heritage while introducing modern updates, making it a destination that honors tradition while embracing contemporary style.
Accommodations
Phoenicia Hotel offers an array of luxurious accommodations, designed to provide guests with a relaxing and indulgent retreat. Each room and suite is decorated with fine linens, elegant furnishings, and features a combination of classic and contemporary decor. With views of the Mediterranean or Beirut’s bustling cityscape, guests are treated to serene comfort within a vibrant setting.
Superior and Deluxe Rooms
The Superior and Deluxe Rooms at Phoenicia offer spacious layouts with high-end amenities, designed to provide a restful and luxurious experience.
- Superior Rooms: These rooms offer views of either the city or the hotel’s lush gardens, with king or twin beds and beautifully appointed bathrooms.
- Deluxe Rooms: With upgraded furnishings and views of the Mediterranean Sea, Deluxe Rooms provide added luxury for guests seeking a little extra indulgence.
Premium Rooms with Sea Views
For a breathtaking view, the Premium Rooms provide an expansive perspective of the Mediterranean, paired with modern amenities and stylish decor. These rooms include plush king beds, marble bathrooms, and in-room workspaces, making them a comfortable choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
Suites
Phoenicia’s suites cater to those seeking more spacious and luxurious accommodations. Each suite includes separate living and sleeping areas, enhanced with elegant decor and high-end amenities.
- Junior Suites: These suites feature a cozy seating area and expansive city or sea views, perfect for couples or small families.
- Executive Suites: The Executive Suites are ideal for guests who need additional space and comfort, featuring a separate lounge area, a dining space, and stunning Mediterranean views.
- Presidential and Royal Suites: These top-tier suites offer an unmatched level of luxury and sophistication. With multiple rooms, private balconies, and breathtaking views of the sea, these suites are ideal for VIP guests and dignitaries.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Phoenicia Hotel is renowned for its diverse and innovative dining options, with restaurants offering both local Lebanese cuisine and international dishes prepared by top chefs.
Mosaic Restaurant
Mosaic is an all-day dining restaurant that provides an international buffet featuring Lebanese, Mediterranean, and global cuisine. From freshly baked pastries and live cooking stations to authentic Lebanese mezze, Mosaic offers guests a culinary journey through Lebanon and beyond. The bright, elegant ambiance makes it a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Eau de Vie
The hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, Eau de Vie, is located on the rooftop, offering stunning panoramic views of Beirut and the Mediterranean. Known for its sophisticated French cuisine and expertly curated wine list, Eau de Vie is an exceptional dining experience. Guests can indulge in meticulously crafted dishes while enjoying live jazz music, creating a refined and memorable dining experience.
Amethyste Lounge
The Amethyste Lounge is an open-air poolside bar and lounge, perfect for cocktails and light bites during the day or evening. Its chic decor, cabana seating, and tranquil atmosphere provide a relaxing setting where guests can unwind with signature cocktails and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired snacks.
Cascade Lounge and Bar
The Cascade Lounge and Bar offers a casual yet refined atmosphere, ideal for an afternoon tea or an evening cocktail. With its grand piano and elegant decor, Cascade provides a stylish setting for both social gatherings and quiet moments.
Spa and Wellness
The Phoenicia Spa is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a wide range of treatments inspired by ancient Lebanese wellness practices and modern spa techniques. The spa features luxurious treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a relaxation lounge, providing guests with a comprehensive wellness experience.
Popular treatments include traditional Lebanese massages, sea-inspired facials, and body wraps, each designed to relax and rejuvenate. The spa’s professionals use locally sourced, organic products to create a holistic approach to wellness, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation.
Fitness Center
For those who wish to stay active during their stay, Phoenicia Hotel’s Fitness Center offers a fully equipped gym with cardiovascular machines, free weights, and a stretching area. Personal trainers are available upon request, and the gym provides a beautiful view of the Mediterranean, allowing guests to work out in a motivating environment.
Meeting and Event Spaces
Phoenicia Hotel has long been a preferred venue for social gatherings, corporate meetings, and cultural events in Beirut. The hotel offers a selection of meeting rooms and event spaces, each equipped with state-of-the-art technology and customizable layouts for any type of event.
- The Phoenician Ballroom is one of the hotel’s most sought-after venues, featuring exquisite decor and a large capacity that makes it ideal for weddings, galas, and conferences.
- Meeting Rooms and Boardrooms: For smaller gatherings and corporate meetings, the hotel’s boardrooms provide a professional and sophisticated setting, complete with modern audiovisual equipment and customizable layouts.
The hotel’s experienced events team offers personalized planning services, assisting with every detail to ensure the success of each event.
Exploring Beirut’s Attractions Nearby
The Phoenicia Hotel’s prime location makes it an excellent base for exploring Beirut’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and scenic attractions.
Zaitunay Bay
Just a short walk from the hotel, Zaitunay Bay is a popular waterfront destination with upscale dining, shopping, and marina views. Visitors can stroll along the bay, enjoy al fresco dining, or take in the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Downtown Beirut
Phoenicia is close to Downtown Beirut, where guests can explore a mix of traditional souks, upscale boutiques, and cultural landmarks. This area is home to a variety of art galleries, historic sites, and restaurants offering traditional Lebanese cuisine.
The National Museum of Beirut
The National Museum of Beirut offers insight into Lebanon’s rich archaeological and cultural history, showcasing artifacts from the Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman periods. Just a short drive from the hotel, the museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Commitment to Sustainability
Phoenicia Hotel is dedicated to eco-friendly practices, incorporating sustainable initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The hotel has implemented energy-efficient systems, waste reduction programs, and water conservation measures. Phoenicia also sources ingredients from local suppliers, supporting Lebanon’s economy and providing fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
The Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut stands as a testament to Lebanese hospitality, combining historic elegance with contemporary luxury. From its opulent accommodations and world-class dining to its cultural significance and breathtaking views, Phoenicia offers guests an unforgettable experience in the heart of Beirut. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or to explore Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, Phoenicia Hotel provides an exceptional blend of history, comfort, and sophistication, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.
