Latest reviews in Lebanon

Since the *Lebanon Civil War* ended in 1990 the city of *Beirut* has almost been brought back to it's former glory, in fact, it is only surpassed by Dubai as the place that brought in the most capital from visitors - US$6.5 billion in the last year. Consequently, when my Editor dispatched me with a film crew so we could get out to the Syrian border and get footage - as well as interview refugees from that internal political fiasco - I ensured that we would at least have a Mediterranean outlook when waking up each morning. Where better than on the Corniche, a wide promenade on the Mediterranean Sea. Besides, it allows guests free access to the Health & Fitness Center and Spa at the nearby InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut. It wasn't many years ago that this city was the *'Dodge City'* of the Middle East. Other older Journalists have told me, if you didn't have a Bodyguard and a *'Fistful of Dollars'* to pay off each checkpoint during the civil war - whether they were Christian or Islamic checkpoints - then, all the health spas in the world would never return you to normal. The city was passed over to a *French Mandate* after World War 1 and it gradually became the sophisticated *Jewel of the Middle East.* A banking haven for the Persian Gulf oil boom. Sadly, when the civil war broke out between the Christian East and the Muslim West in 1975 and continued on and off until 1990 - under several names for each particular conflict, with other countries becoming involved. Syria and even Israel for awhile - when both invaded for different reasons, it had still been seen as the most Multi Cultural city in the Middle East with a population of between 1 and 2 Million (No census has been taken since 1932 I have been told.) The city now has had fortunes spent on it in order to return it to it's former glory. In 2010 the glorious *Intercontinental Le Vendôme* was renovated. And what a delightful result. Kings and aristocracy spent lavishly here during it's heyday and now they are coming back in droves. The Service is as impeccable as you will find in any five star Hotel in Paris, Rome or London. The *French and European Colonial glory* of the 19th century lives on now - totally restored - and it is again the meeting place for dignitaries, politicians and celebrities. Myself excepted, of course, because, if you have the money (in my case my company) then they will promote you from *Plebeian to Dignitary* at the sight of a valid credit card. In this part of the Middle East, the culture has moved away from Political and Cultural barriers and returned to *'Acceptable Decadent Capitalistic Charm'*. I might mention that nothing is cheap however, but every whim is catered for. The guest rooms are as you would imagine, first class, with exquisite, jaw dropping views over the vast Mediterranean Sea. On the first floor you have *Le Petit Bar* (also known as the Executive Lounge) with it's turn-of-the-century colonial décor and is a brilliant area to have an aperitif before finding yourself luxuriating at their magnificently gastronomic *Au Premier Restaurant* which is positioned close by. It's name alone tells you that the city's French inheritance has also been passed on to the superb French cuisine. (Anne Hunt, 24-07-2011) 5

Another of Beirut's famous rooftop clubs In summer, everyone hits one of those open air clubs. They are usually on the top floor of a building, with a view of beirut and the mediterranean sea. Like all other clubs in the capital, you need to reserve a table or some places on the bar to be granted access. Unless you are a pretty girl with big boobs, you won't go in without having your name on the guest list. (Deezoo, 15-08-2010) 4

Le Capitole is located in the middle of the Beirut downtown frenzy. It used to be Asia back in the days, and in case you don't know or remember Asia, it is located on the 9th floor of the Bouddha Bar building. Le Capitole, like most the summer hot spots of Beirut, is a rooftop bar/restaurant which metamorphoses into a club after midnight, a bit like the anti-cinderella. People come either early at 8.30 to secure a place at the bar, while others so the smarter thing and reserve a table and get there around 10. It really depends on what the person has on his agenda. Those who come at 8.30 sip their drinks and wine lazily while listening to lounge music until its time to hit SkyBar or White, while those who get there at 10, stay until its closing time enjoying the trendy music and the lights of Beirut. I have never tried their food, so no idea what they serve or if its good, but i have never heard anyone complaining. Le Capitole is averagely priced with a drink at around 10 USD or 7-8 EUR Le Capitole is open every night of the week (Deezoo, 15-08-2010) 4

Centrale is a two-floor restaurant/bar in the Gemmayzeh district of Beirut. I have never eaten there so i wont judge their cuisine (mostly french cuisine) The restaurant is at the first floor then you take a small cozy elevator, with sofas to the second floor. Anyway thats where the fun is... The bar part of centrale is shaped like a tube (look at the pic) with a long bar which extends from the beginning to the end. you can either sit at the bar or at the small benches situated at the other side of the tube the one downside of Centrale is that it is REALLY narrow, which makes it sometimes VERY crowded and quite annoying. However the architecture is one of a kind, and it is a must see. Moreover if you are lucky you could witness the roof (a part of the tube) opening, and you could stare at the stars while sipping a vin rose! (Deezoo, 14-08-2010) 4

Waw waw waw! thats all i got to say! The place is so originally designed, that i was so pleasantly surprised when i first got in. we had no reservation, and were able to find places at the bar. The hostesses were very helpful. Reservation is not required but it would be a good idea to have one though, since the place is not very big. The offer food, some kind of japanese fusion food, mostly based on sea food. it was too weird for me, so i just ate the free nuts they kept coming at us! A drink costs around 18,000 LBP (12 USD, 9 EUR), a bottle of wine 55,000 LBP (35 USD, 27 EUR). Dinner ranges from 20,000 LBP to 60,000 LBP (13 USD to 40 USD or 10 to 30 EUR) its the new IN bar in Beirut, located in Downtown beirut. We stayed till 12 and the music was still not banging so i presume its more of a bar with quieter music than neighboring clubs. It is probably better for week nights instead of week ends ! Worth a visit! (Deezoo, 14-08-2010) 4

Gemmayzeh is an area in East Beirut known for its most famous street Rue Gouraud. On both sides of the Rue Gouraud and on other smaller streets, you can find clubs, pubs, restaurants, shops.. anything your heart desires. This is the street to be! Pubs open at around 7 pm, and serve all kinds of alcohol, with prices ranging from cheap to quite expensive. There's a bit for everyone, each pub or club plays a different music and has a different public. Gemmayzeh is also quite known for its Valet Parkings, a system in lebanon where u dont even need to park your car. Just give it to the valet parker and he'll take care of it! In summer or in winter, from Monday to sunday, gemmayzeh is packed with youth wanting to party. Once you're in Beirut make sure to take a look at it! (Deezoo, 27-07-2010) 5

From the first day it opened, Skybar was an instant hit and became the favored hot spot of Lebanese and foreign jetsetters. Its an outdoor restaurant club that opens only in summer. No description is really needed... Voted best bar in the world in 2008, with three levels and a breathtaking ocean and mountain view. May be the most thrilling Lebanese party on offer and is certainly an unmissable summer party. the only problem for foreigners is that you would usually need a reservation or at least know some VIP that would get you in problem-free! the bouncers can be mean. Dress sport-chic, guys go in jeans and a shirt Girls are mostly in dresses and high heels (make-up and hair done) if you are ever in Beirut, do go there, you won't be disappointed (Deezoo, 27-07-2010) 4

Monot is dead... Gemmayzeh stole all its clientele but if u dont feel like getting stuck in a traffic jam, if u dont care about being surrounded by thousands of drunk people, monot would be a good alternative there are a number of bars and pubs in that area, most of which are not too expensive. Around 5€ or 7$ for a long drink (Deezoo, 18-05-2010) 3

If you're ever in that part of the world, make sure to go there... It's one of the best clubs in the capital! Its a rooftop openair club, and as its name, its all white white bar, white stools, white couches it can get pretty crowded and the bouncer is rather mean. Very strict selection! Like every other club in Beirut, White isn't cheap,but its not terribly expensive either. 10$ for a long drink Btw: House music Its open (and full) every night of the week from mid May till mid October (Deezoo, 18-05-2010) 5

A great taxi driver with a very reasonable prices. He has a very great sense of humour and fluent in both Arabic and English. He also speaks French very well and he has a very good historical background. I won't hesitate in calling him again when I visit Beirut. Radhi Bahrain (yousif2, 03-05-2010) 5