Sister hotel of the Markazia Suites, the Monroe is in a prime position on Beirut's seafront. The assassination of Rafic Hariri in 2005 caused the hotel serious damage, but its reconstruction has re-elevated it to its status among Beirut's finest party hotels.
Telephone: +961 (0) 1 371 122
Url: www.monroebeirut.com
Price: $150-600
The Monroe Hotel was completely refurbished after suffering huge damage from the bomb blast of February 2005, but continued the ’60s theme in a contemporary style. Named after Marilyn, it is more Californian chic than Dubai glamour, and all the 101 rooms are simple and sleek.
Located on the edge of Beirut’s downtown, opposite the Phoenicia Hotel and overlooking the marina, it feels a little like an Andy Warhol museum, with miscellaneous items of ’60s furniture and specifically commissioned pieces of modernist sculpture dotted about.
The two restaurants – Di Maggio’s and the Peppermint Lounge – are pleasant places for eating and hanging out. But particularly of note is the bar-club, The Ivy, which is situated on the third floor next to the hotel’s pool, and can be pretty raucous and decadent during the summer. Not good if you are planning an early night.
