Hot List Hotels 2010
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Hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray's faith in Beirut has paid off: Le Gray is attracting stylish travelers eager to explore the capital's resurrected nightlife, ancient history, and seaside joie de vivre. The hotel is perfectly positioned on the edge of the restored downtown's galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, and the ebullient staff share tips on places to imbibe (or buy cases) of Lebanese vintages. The 87 rooms, which ring a seven-story curved atrium decorated with contemporary European and Mideast art, are modern without being severe; all contain the latest gadgets, including a flat-screen TV opposite the bathtub; camera, computer, and iPod docks; and bean-grinding Jura espresso machines. Gordon's Café, serving local seafood and decadent pastries, is one of downtown's most popular daytime eateries. At night the glass-walled penthouse piano bar attracts couples; others chill on the sixth-floor terrace, which has a Mediterranean fusion restaurant, a cigar bar and library, and a small infinity pool whose underwater lights and transparent purple glass walls dare you to skinny-dip even as church bells ring and Islamic calls to prayer drift across this multicultural city.
Which room to book: Corner one-bedroom suites ending in 10 have curved windows with views of Martyr's Square. The quietest rooms face the Al Amin Mosque and Roman Cardo Maximus but also a small army barracks.
Information may have changed since date of publication. Please confirm details with individual establishments before planning your trip.
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