Lebanon Travel TipsAccommodation

HOTELS: Following the large-scale destruction during the civil war, Beirut’s hotels have now all been rebuilt, and a number of new ones added. Lebanon today offers accommodation to suit all budgets and the Ministry of Tourism publishes an annual hotel guide which lists most of the hotels in the country. Outside Beirut, however, hotels are few and far between, particularly in the South. Visitors are advised to check reservations through a Lebanese representative at home before departing. Winter and summer rates are the same. Accommodation rates are normally subject to a 15 per cent service charge.

Grading: Hotels are classified from 1 to 4 stars (A and B within each class) and luxury. Prices are usually quoted in US Dollars and only hotels with rooms costing more than US$50 tend to accept credit cards. For further information, contact the Lebanese Hotels Owners Association, Sodeco Street, PO Box 166011, Beirut (tel: (1) 202 059 or 329 095/6; fax: (1) 201 002; e-mail: synhotlb@cyberia.net.lb) or the Ministry of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).

GUEST HOUSES: Local hostels are available in coastal villages at reasonable prices.

SELF-CATERING: Furnished and other apartments are available for rent.

CAMPING/YOUTH HOSTELS: There are a number of campsites throughout Lebanon, notably in Amchite, near Byblos, and particularly in mountainous regions, such as Barouk and Chouk. For further information on campsites, cheap rooms, youth hostels and work camps, contact the Ministry of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). Visit www.southtravels.com/middleeast/lebanon/index.html for complete list of Hotels in Lebanon.