PHOENICIA HOTEL
At a time when Lebanon was known as “Switzerland of the Middle East”, Najib Salha, prominent Lebanese businessman, decided to build a magnificent hotel in Beirut.
In December 1961, under the umbrella of la “La Société des Grands Hotels du Liban”, the Phoenicia Hotel opened its doors for the first time to kings, queens, world leaders, celebrities, businessmen and the jet set alike.
La crème de la crème from the four corners of the globe made Phoenicia Hotel their home away from home. A new key player within the luxury hotel segment was born.
Picture a grandiose hotel designed by renowned American architect Edward Durell Stone, blending an elegant exterior with a fabulous majestic interior. Then picture splendid 446 rooms and suites, refined restaurants, glamorous shops and indoor and outdoor pools. Wrapping hotel guests in lavish luxury, the Phoenicia Hotel soon became the centerpiece of booming Beirut and a worldwide reference in the world of hospitality.
With the onset of the Lebanese civil war, the hotel was forced to close, until Mazen and Marwan Salha, Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors of “La Société des Grands Hotels du Liban” decide to rebuild Beirut’s iconic “Grande Dame”. As a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the hotel graciously reopened its doors in March 2000.
As Beirut regained its reputation of magnet for the rich and famous of the world, new hotels were built to meet guests’ higher expectations. Despite the rising competition, the world famous Phoenicia Hotel remained one of the most sought after destinations; a landmark for locals and visitors.
Constantly striving to raise the standards and anticipate the sophisticated tastes of the more demanding clientele, the Phoenicia Hotel underwent considerable refurbishment.
Led by noted international designers, Martin Hulbert of Fox Linton, Inge Moore and Summer Williams, the design characteristics of the Phoenicia were evolved while maintaining its cultural and artistic heritage. This included a full refurbishment of all restaurants, guest rooms, suites, banquet halls and health facilities.
Thus, year after year, the Phoenicia Hotel continued to mark history, keeping up with the latest trends, and keeping its place as Lebanon’s most iconic hotel.
To mark the golden jubilee, the Phoenicia Hotel created a tribute to Beirut by organizing a festival of creative arts starring Lebanese artists and performers, showcasing their work throughout the facility.
2016 marks the 55th anniversary of the most recognized hospitality landmarks in the country, and the region.
With decades of hospitality excellence to build on, the Phoenicia Hotel continues to be committed to growth and looks forward to creating unforgettable and enriching experiences for years to come.

Transitions
To enter Phoenicia is to transition from the bustle of the city to an oasis; a place where, from day to night, from floor to floor and from calm to dynamic, the mood is ever-changing. The film explores the endless possibilities of change that one can experience in the Phoenicia space, whether a variant in emotions or state of mind.

Origami Art Exhibition
Dedicated to support the creative arts, Phoenicia Hotel hosts opening exhibition of traditional Japanese origami art created by Mrs. Takako Matahiro Yamaguchi, spouse of H.E the Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon.

Define Love
"There will never be just one answer to truly define love". Phoenicia Hotel breaks with conventions in a daring move that redefines Valentine’s for a modern audience, presenting a number of vignettes that demonstrate a true diversity of emotional attachments.

Grand Stairs Cinema
Transforming the iconic Grand Stairs to make way for movies, Phoenicia Hotel debuts its newest movie theatre and brings an avant-garde approach to the world of cinema.

A Story About a City
Phoenicia Hotel releases a story about a city, a proud tale that nourishes the city with hope and beyond all an intense conviction that Beirut is incomparable.

Phoenicia Hotel Art Photo
Building once again on its established reputation as an art hotel and supporter of artistic talent ,the Phoenicia Hotel announces the Phoenicia Hotel Art Photo (PHAP) annual competition. For more information, click www.p-h-a-p.com.

Virtual Reality
Phoenicia Hotel launches the first Virtual Reality campaign in Lebanon called "See Lebanon for Yourself". The aim behind #SeeLebanonForYourself is to highlight the beauty of Lebanon and share it with the world in one click, through high quality virtual images.

Video Art
A one of a kind art collaboration between Phoenicia Hotel and Videoinsight® Foundation, represented by Rebecca Russo, offers hotel guests complimentary access to a selected number of Art Videos on the new Videoinsight® Video Art Channel in all the hotel rooms and suites.

50th Anniversary
50 years of heritage and history have consolidates the Phoenicia's place as a landmark of Beirut.

Refurbishment Story
Phoenicia Hotel undergoes a series of awe-inspiring improvements that will characterize the hotel for the coming years.

Re-Opening
After years of closure, the hotel was rebuilt and once again welcomes the guests from around the globe.

Addition of the Roman Tower
Phoenicia Hotel adds a second tower to its legacy, the Roman tower.

Grand Opening
InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut opens its doors and instantly becomes a reference in world-class hospitality.