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A Roman colony in about 15 B.C., the city passed successively through various civilisations . Today s Beirut boasts nearly a million inhabitants and remains its status as the country s cultural and commercial center .
The war-torn metropolis is being reconstructed under a 25-year programme that foresees a modern city that retains its Orientalness . Martyrs Square , the bazaar and the parlament are part of the grand desigan coering 1.8 million square metres .
For some excellent nightlife, night clubs, disco and cabarets proliferate in Beirut .The elegant Casino du Liban, about 24 kilometres from the capital, has been fully decorated and renovated and is a favoured spot for fine dining and first -class gaming facilities on par with Europe s finest .
Shoppers find the handicrafts, in traditional or modern designs, very attractive .
Glassware ,cutlery, pottery, brass and copperware are particularly coveted items but many like the exotic caftans and abayas (black capes)that are the local apparel .
If you are interested in gold and silver , you will find the prices right , and skillful jewellers can fashion a ring, necklace or earrings at moderate rates.Cloyhing ranges from smart Paris designs to jeans and wonderful casualware. Shopping arcades are crammed into busy main streets where both local and imported goods are on slale .
Alexandre
A few kilometres from the airport, national museum and business center , the Alexandre has 193 rooms and suites, French -Lebanese restaurant, pavement café,piano bar, health club, shuttle service to yacht motor club .
Astra
60 rooms, 25 suites .
Commodore
235 rooms and suites, mainutes from sea and mountains , Japanese, Lebanese international restaurants, 24hour brasserie, bar .
Imperial Suites
Bar , coffee shop, junior suites to 2-bedroom apartments .
Le Vendome
Inter -Continental
2 minutes walk from business district. French restaurant, lounge bar, 30 rooms and 43 suites (including 1 presidential, 1 royal suites).
Riviera
In on of Beirut s most exclusive areas, direct access from airport and harbour, faces Mediterranean , marina , 2 swimming pools, 125 rooms ( 8 junior , 4 executive, 1 presidential suites),.Japanese, Italian restaurants, coffee shop, piano bar , beach club (restaurant and bars ), health club (sauna, steam bath , massage )
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