Wealthy Beirutis in search of fresh air dominate the guest list at this elegant place. Built in the 19th century as an emir's residence, it opened as a hotel in the 1970s and has been well maintained – though not noticeably refurbished – since then. All of the rooms are large, but the executive doubles and Imperial Suite are the pick of the bunch. (Lonely Planet)
Common areas include an indoor restaurant, a lounge where you can enjoy a coffee and nargileh, a huge swimming pool and a summer-only terrace restaurant that is known for its Sunday lunch buffet. Note that the hotel is always fully booked over July and August – book well in advance if you are planning to visit at this time. It's hard to feel that summer prices offer value, but they drop off substantially at other times. It's very near Beiteddine Palace.
Offering panoramic views of the Shouf Mountains, this restored 19th-century palace offers air-conditioned rooms with antique furniture. It has a spacious terrace and a restaurant overlooking Beiteddine Palace. Mir Amin Palace’s spacious rooms and suites are decorated with antique beds and bright colours. Some include a seating area and views of the Shouf Mountains. All come with a satellite TV, and slippers and bathrobes are in the private bathroom. In the summer, Italian-inspired cuisine is served at the restaurant, while traditional Lebanese dishes are available in the winter. Guests can enjoy live music and light snacks on the terrace or drinks from the Piano bar. Its outdoor pool is surrounded by a mosaic terrace, and there is a courtyard with fountains. Mir Amin Palace has a games room, which includes a TV and a DVD player. The 24-hour staff at Mir Armin Palace organise massages, various beauty treatments, and theatre tickets. Luggage storage and car rentals are also available. (Booking.com)
