Holiday Inn Beirut Beirut
War-abandoned hotel
Rayan from Beirut
This abandoned Holiday Inn Hotel is one of Beirut's war landmarks. It was basically built around 1971 and 1974 and designed by both Lebanese and French architects. This hotel is a 26-story building that used to have 400 rooms for guests. It officially opened in 1974 when Beirut's economy was booming and when Beirut was one of the most visited touristic centers of the Middle East.
The Holiday Inn was functioning perfectly for only a single year which was unfortunately until the Lebanese civil war begun in 1975. The hotel soon became considered a "war zone" in a lengthy time of conflict known as "the Battle of the Hotels" where more than 25,000 combatants/militias were fighting for control over different luxury hotels, including the Holiday Inn as well as the famous Phoenicia hotel. This battle ended up with over 1,000 deaths, where many of those who died were thrown from the top of the Holiday Inn, and 2,000 injuries.
War struck Lebanon again and the hotel became a battleground once again during the 1982 Lebanon War. Since then, the hotel has remained an abandoned building that has suffered countless bullets and explosions, while the ownership is still being fought over until today.
A Lebanese company and a Kuwaiti group both want to own the building and to rebuild it based on their own interests, so disagreement continues.
This hotel remains untouched, abandoned, empty, decades after the war, and remains a reminder to the Lebanese population about the horrors of war.
Beirut Spotter Rayan
About this spot
Old Holiday Inn
- 24 hours daily
LBP
no-price
Our Beirut City Guide
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Crypt Museum
Underneath a cathedral
An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Garden of Forgiveness
Cardo and Decumanus Maximus
The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Barzakh Bookshop
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beit Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
L'Artisan du Liban
Souvenir shop made in Lebanon
"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...
by
Viera
Obeid
Hajj Nasr
Typical Lebanese sandwiches
"Hajj Nasr" is the most famous sandwich place in Beirut and the whole of Lebanon! The best seller is definitely the kafta one...
by
Viera
Obeid
Institute Yakout
Manicure is a MUST
"Institute Yakout" is not just another beauty salon: here it's like you're among friends. Yakout will make you coffee with a huge smile & chat with you...
by
Viera
Obeid
George Nakhle Coiffure
THE place for your hair
"George Nakhle Coiffure" in Beirut is my hairdresser of preference. I don't know what it is, but I can always trust him to prepare me for my night out!
by
Viera
Obeid
Mar Maroun Church
A place for reflection
"Mar Maroun Church" in Beirut is Lebannon's biggest Maronite church. You can see the Arab influence on the architecture. Bonus points: I was married here!
by
Viera
Obeid
Sarah's Bag
Lebanese fashion
"Sarah's Bag" in Beirut is a Lebanese fashion brand that aims to empower the women who wear their beautiful bags as well as those who make them...
by
Viera
Obeid
Walking in Achrafieh
Meeting the locals
Walking in Achrafieh and meeting the locals in Beirut, especially the groups of old people, has made me feel like I'm really part of a big village...
by
Viera
Obeid
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
