Where to Stay in Beirut (2025) | 5 Cool Areas From a Local
Choose from one of these 5 gorgeous neighborhoods in Beirut for the ultimate stay in Lebanon’s capital city. In each area, you’ll find the most awesome hotels for every budget, recommended by our local Lebanese expert!
There’s not much information out there about navigating Lebanon, so this is updated for 2025 so you can choose the TOP places to stay during your trip to Beirut!
Going to Lebanon and looking for where to stay in Beirut? You’re in the right place!
I’ve got family in Beirut and travel back all the time, so I know all the best spots for a first-timer to stay in Beirut. I just came back from another visit and it was absolutely incredible!
Most articles will focus on the most touristy spots – but I’ve got all the most popular areas AND the lesser-known local areas that will serve every visitor to this gorgeous country.
For each area, I’ve included my favourite hotels in Beirut for every budget, so you have everything you need to plan the perfect trip with updated information for 2025.
The TOP area to stay for the first time in Beirut is Achrafieh in East Beirut. Here are all my favourite hotels in Achrafieh for your stay!
Budget Hostel Beirut – an epic backpacker’s haven in Achrafieh
Mid-range The Grand Meshmosh Hotel – adorable B&B with the best location
Luxury Arthaus Beirut – a palatial hotel with world-class service
Have a look at this Beirut neighborhoods map, so you know where all the best areas are!
1. Achrafieh – best place for backpackers & nightlife
If you’re heading to Beirut for the first time, Achrafieh is the place to be!
I always stayed in Achrafieh the first few years of my travels to Beirut, and I still do very often! It’s an excellent place to meet people, and a really fun place to get to know Lebanon.
As well as being the heart of Beirut’s famed nightlife, it’s also a great area for museums, art galleries, street art, cute cafés, and beautiful, leafy streets.
The first time I went to Beirut, I stayed in Hostel Beirut – that place is legendary. Met my friends Amy and Viv there, and we ended up on a spontaneous road trip all around Lebanon. Seriously, those hostel memories are pure Lebanese magic.
And Mar Mikhael? Forget bar hopping, it’s a full-on Lebanese night out – trust me, you’ll be dancing on tables before you know it!
The vibe in Achrafieh is chill, laid-back, easy-going, (ridiculously) fun, and the people there emulate this vibe so well. That’s why most of the people I’ve met live around here – I guess the vibe is right!
Achrafieh encompasses a large majority of East Beirut, so the main areas you can look at staying are:
- Gemmayzeh – for upscale bars and living alongside the locals
- Mar Mikhael – for a pub crawl
- Geitawi – for quiet, leafy streets (with one epic hostel)
- Saifi – for posh stays and serviced apartments
- Sassine Square – to be in the middle of everything
Most of the best places to stay are in Geitawi and Gemmayzeh. This is where all the best bar-hopping is!
Top hotels to stay in Achrafieh
Budget: Hostel Beirut (Geitawi) – The best hostel I’ve ever stayed in! The staff is so friendly and you can even take Arabic lessons on-site. Plus, it’s so cheap, and it will feel like you’re staying with family. Hostel Beirut is also walking distance down the hill to Mar Mikhael, so do as I did and take your new friends bar hopping!
Budget: The Colony (Karantina) – Another excellent spot for backpacking travelers! I stayed here a few times back in 2018 and 2019, and met some awesome people. They have cute pods for each bed and the vibe is very hippy if you’re into that!
Mid-range: The Grand Meshmosh Hotel (Gemmayze) – Meshmosh is Lebanese for apricot, and this place is as cute as! They have shared dorms as well as private rooms, and the food is amazing (homemade goodness, oh my god, their sandwiches, I swear they are made with love). You can’t beat the location, it’s right on St Nicholas Stairs, so you can fill your camera roll with pictures.
Mid-range: Hotel Lost (Saifi/Gemmayze) – Outdoor pool at an incredible price? I love this place, even from the outside it oozes traditional, old-world Lebanon. It’s super close to all the fun bars, but it also has a great rooftop bar of its own!
Luxury: Arthaus Beirut (Gemmayze) – If you fancy a splurge, Arthaus is my favorite 5-star hotel in Achrafieh. It’s a palatial, intimate paradise with a pool, stunning garden, and suuuper comfy beds and spacious rooms. I stayed here back in 2020 and I spent most of my time in the garden, it was so pretty. The entire hotel is honestly a dream.
2. Badaro & Sodeco – top area for couples & apartments
Although Badaro and Sodeco are both small neighborhoods in Achrafieh, they’re on the outskirts in central Beirut, and they definitely deserve their own section!
These areas are known for upscale restaurants, sweet cafés, boutique shops, and picturesque streets – probably why couples love the area. There are a few nice hotels dotted about, but this is also a fab area for big, breezy apartments with wrap-around balconies.
There are also a few salons around there! I always head to Sodeco to get my nails done, the salons are much quieter and the price is right! It’s my little escape, and the gossip is absolutely top-tier.
Every time we go to Beirut, we go to the main street in Badaro for many evenings. It’s similar to Mar Mikhael for nightlife, but it’s a bit more upscale and fancy – and there are some real hidden gems, like Attic Bar, which is so cute and cozy!
Looking for some tips for traveling solo in Lebanon? Check out my updated 2025 guide here!
Best hotels & apartments to stay in Badaro & Sodeco
Budget: Vintage apartment with a hot tub – You’ll love this place if you like a private terrace with a BBQ! Nothing beats meshewe (BBQ) in the heat of Lebanese summer, trust me. It has 3 bedrooms and it’s so cozy, so it’s perfect for a little romantic retreat in the middle of Beirut.
Budget: Charbel’s 1-bed Apartment – We frequently stay in one of Charbel’s apartments because the service is honestly incredible. Charbel and his team go out of their way to ensure your trip is amazing, so I recommend doing it at least once! My parents stayed in one for my wedding and they’re suuuper picky, but they LOVED it. Trust the boomers!
Mid-range: Hotel de Ville – This is a really famous hotel in Beirut, so of course the staff are super friendly and most of the rooms have balconies, so you can be sure you’ll get an incredible view of Beirut! It’s pretty fancy considering the excellent price, so book in advance!
Luxury: The Smallville Hotel – Another famous hotel! Smallville is honestly iconic, and you’ll agree once you see the rooftop pool. The rooms all have amazing views, and there’s even a hair salon on-site with a bar, café, garden, restaurant, a gym, and balconies for every room. It’s stunning, so if you’re up for spending a bit more, do visit The Smallville Hotel at least once!
3. Hamra – vibrant neighborhood to stay for shopping
My husband and I have stayed in Hamra in West Beirut a fair few times because the vibe is awesome.
It’s an eclectic, centrally-located neighborhood with excellent restaurants (like Mezyan, my favorite place to go – try the cheese rolls, they’re incredible), the famous American University of Beirut, and easy access to the Corniche and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Hamra is so mixed, it’s unlike any other neighborhood in the city. Which makes it a great place to stay! The vibe on Hamra Main Street is such beautiful chaos, I adore it.
Hamra Main Street runs from Sanayeh Garden all the way down to Luna’s (if you fancy a quiet retreat with vegan food – we know the owners, and they’re sooo nice) and provides ample opportunities for shopping, eating, and drinking!
I’m such a huge fan of Hamra, can you tell? It’s close to the center of the city where my husband’s family lives, so it’s a convenient and fun place for us to stay – and I promise, it would be great for you too if you like a lively area!
Top hotels in Hamra
Budget: Hamra Urban Gardens (HUG) – Hamra Urban Gardens, or HUG as we locals call it, is similar to Hostel Beirut, only much bigger and with an awesome rooftop pool and bar! I’ve stayed here a couple of times and loved it, but even nowadays I still visit their pool in the summer. They have private rooms as well as dorms, and it’s clean and quiet (as well as ridiculously fun), so perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Budget: Three O Nine Hotel – for an incredible rooftop pool with a 180 degree view of the ocean (yes please) at an awesome price, you can’t beat this hotel in Hamra. The rooms are gorgeous and perfect for couples looking for a city retreat. The receptionists will also give you tips on where to visit in the area, and the food is fab!
Mid-range: 1866 Court & Suites Hotel – If you prefer somewhere more fancy on your mid-range budget, this hotel has it all – even a little kitchenette in your room! It’s a good option for those traveling for work as there’s a workstation in each suite, and the views are unbeatable.
Luxury: Gefinor Rotana Beirut – 5-star service doesn’t get much better than this, I assure you. A temperature-controlled pool, massage therapy, alfresco dining, stunning private spa baths (!!!) and all located at the beginning of Bliss Street, the center of all Hamra happenings. I stayed here once back in 2021 and I really didn’t want to leave. Book in advance, it’s often booked out!
4. Downtown Beirut – for luxury stays & landmarks
Downtown Beirut is undeniably beautiful. Although many people don’t consider Downtown to be “real Beirut,” it’s still a lovely area and famed for its wealthy residents and designer souk.
We never stayed in Downtown Beirut or Beirut Central District since we prefer a more laid-back setting, but we go there every so often to go to the cinema, have a fancy dinner, or even just walk around!
So if you’re looking for somewhere luxurious right in the center of Beirut, this area is IT for you!
The types of people you’ll see hanging about Downtown are wealthy business owners, rich Arab foreigners, and gorgeous Lebanese men (honestly I’m obsessed, but I married one so obviously!)
The great thing about staying Downtown is your proximity to Zaitunay Bay, a glittering seafront promenade with some incredible restaurants and sweeping views. We went to Zaitunay the night before our wedding with the whole family, and the experience was magical, so don’t miss it!
Top hotels in Downtown Beirut
Budget: Zita Beirut – The only good budget option in Downtown, Zita Beirut still won’t disappoint! The rooms are classic and comfortable, and it’s located right at the end of Gemmayze where Achrafieh meets Downtown Beirut. For a budget hotel it’s still VERY nice, with a steam room and a massage service! We had a bit of trouble finding it, so note down its location before you go!
Mid-range: Markazia Suites – Your budget may not be big, but Markazia Suites is! A fab choice for couples looking for a chic, central hotel, they even have an on-site Indian restaurant, which is pretty rare for Beirut. It’s a good option if you prefer your own living space, and every apartment has a little kitchenette and salon! We have a friend who stays here every time they visit Beirut, and they’re never disappointed.
Luxury: Voco Beirut Central District – A popular choice for couples, Voco has a spa center, free airport shuttle, an excellent breakfast, and incredible hospitality.
Luxury: Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut – This hotel is world-famous, and for good reason! I know someone who got married at The Phoenicia, and it was a spectacular wedding, and she’s picky, so you can imagine how incredible it would be to stay here! It’s absolutely iconic, with a bar, spa, solarium, classic Lebanese food, a gym, and outdoor pool. You’ll be just steps from the Corniche, which makes the whole experience even more magical.
5. Ain El Mreisseh & Raouche – best area for coastal views
My husband’s family used to live in Ain El Mreisseh, so I can vouch for it – this is the top spot if you love views of the sea and Lebanon’s gorgeous coastline, modern high-rises, and easy access to the excitement of Hamra.
Raouche, just along the coast on the Western side of Beirut, is famed for the Pigeon Rocks (definitely go there at night, it’s so beautiful) and seafront restaurants serving fresh seafood and incredible mezze platters.
Every year we go to one of the seafood restaurants along the Raouche promenade, and they never disappoint. Fresh is an understatement! Aside from the food and service, it’s so nice to be able to walk along the corniche afterwards.
It’s close to Verdun, where you’ll find the ABC Mall, and you’re right next to Ramlet Al Baida Beach as well, a popular free beach in the Lebanese capital! Many locals head there in the summer, so it gets suuuper lively and fun. Just don’t go in the water there, it’s not that clean – enjoy the sand though!
This area is more popular with families and business travelers, and there are a host of famous hotels located here as well!
Top hotels in Ain El Mreisseh & Raouche
Budget: Duroy Hotel By Beverly – Rooftop pool on a budget? Yessss! For such a cheap hotel in Beirut, this 4-star hotel is a steal. You’re just 4 minutes on foot to Pigeon Rocks so every evening will be relaxed and romantic. You have the option of getting a room with a balcony and small kitchen, so it’ll be like having your own apartment on a budget!
Budget: The Parisian Hotel – Located between Downtown Beirut and Ain El Mreisseh, you’re so close to Zaitunay Bay here you can almost touch it! This is an elegant, romantic hotel with balconies overlooking the streets of Beirut, a fully-equipped gym, and service that rivals a 5-star hotel.
Mid-range: Warwick Palm Beach Hotel – You’ll hardly know you’re in Beirut at this hotel on the beach, with rooms reminiscent of a tropical beachside resort, private hot tubs, and a panoramic sea view restaurant! I love their rooftop pool, it’s lovely and quiet compared to some of the other hotels, and it’s also much bigger.
Luxury: Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort – Indoor and outdoor pools (with a bar literally inside the pool), luxurious rooms, a Swiss sauna, acres of gorgeous garden, and even watersports – there’s a reason why Kempinski is so famous! The huge choice of restaurants here might leave you wondering if you even need to leave the hotel (although I recommend it). If you fancy a splurge, you’ll get celebrity treatment at Kempinski!
Luxury: Lancaster Plaza – Not quite as famous as Kempinski but just as grand, Lancaster Plaza has the best views and 5-star service! It’s right next to the Corniche and their health and spa club might even be better than Kempinski. You can even get your hair and nails done here!
BONUS #1: Top hostels for solo travel in Lebanon
Traveling solo? Lebanon is your playground!
I met so many awesome people during my solo days, and we spent an epic time together. That’s how it goes here, instant friendships that last for life.
The first few years of my travels to Lebanon, I stayed in Hostel Beirut, The Colony, Hamra Urban Gardens, View Lodge in Bcharre, and Saida’s only hostel, which was incredible! I met so many awesome people (shout out to Amy and Viv) and recruited many people for road trips around Lebanon – which of course, was absolutely epic!
If you want some tips on visiting this and other areas in Beirut and Lebanon in general, check out Visit Lebanon!
Here’s a short list of all the top places to stay in Lebanon if you’re a solo traveler – these spots aren’t just in Beirut, they’re all over Lebanon, so you can use them while you’re traveling the country!
Hostels in Beirut
- Hostel Beirut – My FAVORITE hostel ever!
- The Grand Meshmosh Hotel – A cute place in Gemmayze with private & shared rooms
- The Colony – A hippy hostel in Karantina
- Hamra Urban Gardens – An epic hostel in Hamra with a rooftop pool
Hostels in South Lebanon
- Saidon Hostel – The only hostel in Saida
Hostels in Mount Lebanon
- View Lodge Bcharre – A hostel built like a treehouse in Bcharre!
- Beyt El Teta – An adorable guesthouse in Barouk
- Damask Rose – Near Jeita Grotto, a true Lebanese experience
Hostels in North Lebanon
- City Hostel – The only hostel in Tripoli
- Marsē BnB – Social vibes and a rooftop bar in Anfeh
BONUS #2: Best apartments to stay in Beirut
Nowadays, my husband and I always book an apartment during our travels to Beirut. We do this for a few reasons:
- Greater freedom
- Ends up being cheaper if we’re staying for long periods
- More choice in terms of location
- We can have friends & family round for dinner
To each their own, but I personally love a Lebanese apartment. Many places are in beautiful old buildings but have been renovated so you get all the modernity in traditional Lebanese spaces. Love!!
Budget (US$30 – $60)
3-Bed Vintage Apartment With Hot Tub in Achrafieh
Located in upscale Badaro, this apartment has it all – pizza oven, hot tub, 3 bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, gorgeous terrace, and a BBQ! I personally love the terrace, it’ll be great in the summer to have somewhere private to chill. The owner speaks good English so can give you tips on local nightlife!
1-Bed Artistic Convivium Apartment in Gemmayze
Perfect for a solo traveler looking for a private space to stay, this Airbnb in Lebanon is super chic and modern. It’s in a Convivium building on Gouraud Street – I stayed in one of the Convivium buildings in March this year and it was very secure with 24/7 security at the front desk, a pool, and a gym, so it was amazing!
Mid-range (US$60 – $100)
Perfect for 2 people or 2 couples, you can’t beat this location, right on the edge of Gemmayze and Downtown Beirut. Plus, there’s 2 bathrooms! It’s really pretty, has everything you need, and there’s even a hammock to chill out on the balcony. Hammock is a total necessity in the summer, trust me, I always sweat sooo much in summer and the hammock is a chill haven!
Teta Alias Studio in Mar Mikhael
For those solo travelers who want to be right in the fun zone at the eastern end of Mar Mikhael, this studio is super cute. Recently renovated and with a view over Beirut, it’s a clean, cozy space. It’s also right next to Riwaq, a hippy bar & event space I always love going to – they have spoken word and music nights, so great to have that just around the corner from your apartment!
Luxury (US$100+)
3-Bedroom Artist’s Residence in Saifi
This place is pretty fancy next to Downtown Beirut, in the upscale area of Saifi Village. It’s big, modern, well-lit, and even has a big balcony with pillars!! You probably won’t want to leave this place, since it also has a hot tub and 24/7 security for the most epic stay in Beirut.
ZUR Studios & Suites in Badaro
ZUR has lots of different options for apartments – you can choose from a standard suite all the way up to a deluxe twin suite, with a big kitchen, balcony, living space, and incredible city views. This place is special since the spaces are serviced apartments – so you can have daily housekeeping, 24/7 front desk services, shuttles to take you all over Beirut (and the casino in Jounieh), daily breakfast AND children stay completely for free!
FAQs about where to stay in Beirut
🇱🇧 What is the nicest area to stay in Beirut?
The nicest area to stay in Beirut is definitely Achrafieh! You can find hotels and hostels for every budget in East Beirut, and the vibe is perfect for solo travelers, nightlife, museums & culture, and incredible restaurants. Don’t miss Le Chef for authentic Lebanese food, it’s my favorite place to eat in Achrafieh!
🛏️ What’s the best hotel to stay in Beirut for budget travelers?
The best hotel to stay in Beirut if you’re on a budget is Hostel Beirut. I loved it there, so I went back time and time again!
❎ What neighborhoods should I avoid in Beirut?
I would avoid Dahiyeh and Bourj Al Barajneh if you’re traveling on your own. It’s perfectly safe around there, but the communities are very tight-knit and may question why a foreigner has come to the area alone. I go there with my husband to visit family, but otherwise there’s not much for us there.
🏨 Is Beirut a good place to visit for tourists?
Beirut is an excellent place to visit for tourists! It’s honestly so beautiful, the people are amazing, and you’ll have the time of your life. I’ve been traveling there for over 12 years and I just fall more and more in love with it every time.
🌊 What is the best seafront hotel to stay in Beirut?
The best seafront hotel to stay in Beirut is Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort – it’s pricey but well worth it for the service, the pools, the views, the spa, the food…literally everything. You have to stay there at least once in your life, trust me.
✈️ Is Beirut safe?
Beirut is very safe! You should take the normal precautions when traveling like dressing appropriately, not walking alone late at night etc, but otherwise, it’s fine. Keep one eye on the local news if you’re traveling for a long period! The best places for local news are An-Nahar and The 961.
🛍️ How many days should I spend in Beirut?
I could spend forever in Beirut, but for a first-timer, I recommend at least a week in Beirut and another week traveling around Lebanon! I quickly learned that Beirut is not the only amazing place in Lebanon, so definitely make time for it.
🩳 Can I wear shorts in Beirut?
You can wear shorts in Beirut, but I would personally say only wear shorts in Achrafieh. I wouldn’t wear them elsewhere – you certainly can if you wish, just be mindful that Lebanese culture may vary from your own, and although it’s considered fine to wear shorts, you don’t want to attract too much attention.
Conclusion
There you have it – now you know where to stay in Beirut!
I’ve traveled to Lebanon countless times, and I’ve met so many awesome people – who knows, maybe you and I will meet – so pick your favorite area and hotel from this list and book in advance!
Don’t forget to check out all my other Lebanon posts, I have so much info for you to prepare you for the vacation of your life!
So many wonderful things to say about Beirut, I wish I had the time. If you have any questions or concerns, do drop me a comment and I’d be happy to help. There’s a lot of stigma surrounding places like Lebanon, so go and see for yourself and make up your own mind. You won’t be disappointed!
Book your stay now, and get ready for the time of your life! Let me know when you do!
Bishoufkon bi Beyrouth, habibete!
Lizzie