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
Bn Coffee Bar
Specialty coffee
"Bn Coffee Bar" has always been one of my favorites in Beirut because it's open from 08:00! I love having my specialty latte after my morning Sunday walk.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Falafel Tabbara
Older than Great Lebanon
This current shop in Ras Beirut, Snoubra has been there since 1979, when Abou Ziad, the current owner, decided to move from main street Hamra...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Wissam Sargi Salon
Beauty Lounge & Clinics
At Wissam Sargi, you can pamper yourself every single day of the week. They do hair fashion for men, women, and children as well as makeup and facial care.
by
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Saj Al Balad
Fresh taste of Saj in Beirut
Whenever I crave some fresh breakfast outside, "Saj Al Balad" in Beirut comes to mind. The owner will make you feel most welcome whenever you visit!
by
Samira
Ezzo
West Beirut Calligraffiti
From chaos comes art
The "West Beirut Calligraffiti" is a work inspired by the famous movie. It's a reminder of the darkness of war and the kindness that can emerge...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Revolutionary Art Wall
Art of change
The "Revolutionary Art Wall" in Beirut was created in October 2019, during the revolution. Since then, the artists' message & creativity keep inspiring...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Tabbal Building
Traditional architecture
The "Tabbal Building" in Beirut is one of 800 heritage sites that were damaged in the 2020 blast. It's still an ideal location for art exhibitions...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Literature Wall of Fame
The giants of literature
The "Literature Wall of Fame" in Beirut was painted in 2020 during the quarantine & celebrates the giants of Arabic literature. This is my favorite quote.
by
Najat
Kibbi
Gouraud Street
Where the old meets the new
"Gouraud Street" adjacent to the St. Nicholas Stairs in Beirut is my safe place. I come here when I'm sad or happy, with friends, for coffee and a chat...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Bedo
Sujuk shawarma sandwiches
"Bedo" in Beirut makes the best sujuk and basterma sandwiches around. Honestly, the taste reminds me of good old childhood memories - and fun nights out!
by
Najat
Kibbi
Union Marks
Mid-city getaway
"Union Marks" in Beirut is a hidden gem in an old factory. The drinks are amazing and the food delicious. Try their peanut-butter baked potatoes...
by
Najat
Kibbi
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:
