• Africa
• America
• Asia
• Australasia/Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East

Lebanon Hotels and Resorts - has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions since 1991 and the end of the devastating 16-year civil war. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have conducted several successful elections, most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the country.

Hizballah, the radical Shi'a party, retains its weapons. Syria maintains about 16,000 troops in Lebanon, based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Syria's troop deployment was legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the Ta'if Accord. Damascus justifies its continued military presence in Lebanon by citing Beirut's requests and the failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if Accord. Israel's withdrawal from its security zone in southern Lebanon in May 2000, however, has emboldened some Lebanese Christians and Druze to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well.

Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel Lebanon PO Box 11 / 846 Minet El Hosn Beirut Lebanon Hotel Rating: Reserve Inquire View Rates

Located in the heart of Beirut overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Short drive from Beirut International Airport. Distance from Beirut International Airport: 8 km, Approximate time by taxi: 10 minutes,Approximate one-way fare: $20 Distance to city centre: 0.5 km, Car parking available for 300 cars.

ACCOMMODATION: 418 rooms and 44 suites, Non-smoking floors, 5 rooms with facilities for the disabled and 87 connecting rooms. Room Facilites Interactive TV system providing latest entertainment and telecommunications technologies (Internet/intranet) Movie and satellite channels Video on demand, video games Direct dial telephones, voice mail Dual voltage power points Data port, Internet, E-mail Minibar In-room safe Hi-fi audio system Bathrobes Bathroom telephone Laundry and valet service 24-hour room service Dining Eau de Vie: French restaurant featuring bar,Cuban lounge and individual wine lockers. Serves French cuisine 180 seats. Vbar - Bar and cigar lounge on the rooftop, with a selection of over 200 whiskies and single malts, and the finest cigars. Open from 12.00 to 02.00, closed on Sundays. Caffe Mondo: Young and casual. Serves Italian specialities in a contemporary setting. Espresso bar and retail corner selling delicacies. Open from 11.00 to 04.00. 130 seats. Mosaic: Buffet and à la carte restaurant. Serves international and Lebanese food. 240 seats. Pool Bar: Main floor. 70 seats. Les Cascades: Main floor. 90 seats. E.D. Stone Club Bar: Music, fun and food at E.D. Stone Club Bar. Named after the architect who designed the Phoenicia Inter-Continental in the mid 50s, E. D. Stone is a tribute to this famous architect whose portfolio includes landmarks such as the Amarillo Fine Arts Museum in Texas, and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to name but a few. Open 8pm till the early morning hours. Closed on Monday. Leisure Spa: Devoted to beauty, rejuvenation and relaxation for both men and women, The Spa specialises in Thalassotherapy, offering body treatments, therapeutic baths, body wraps, facials and massages using marine products. Opening in Spring 2002. Fitness Equipment: Latest state-of-the-art equipment including treadmill, racing machine, and electronic exercise bikes among others.