Bilal & Hanadi

Beirut can be reached with daily non-stop flights from most major European airports. Make sure to book your flights ASAP as they can get expensive quite quickly given the busy festive period.

We suggest you pre-book a taxi from the airport to your hotel before your flight (refer to the Moving Around section).

Make sure to check your visa requirements prior to booking. (Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries will only need a free visa on arrival)

More information can be found here:
www.general-security.gov.lb/en

If you’re feeling lazy and want someone to do all your bookings within a matter of clicks, please reach out to: 

marketing@ghorayebtravel.com
Address: Verdun twins BLDG GF
Number: +961 1 755 604
Mobile number: +961 3 022 553

They have a whatsapp too for ease of planning !!

1) Flying in only for the wedding?

Given that our main event is in Taanayel next to the Chtaura Area, we suggest you stay around it. If you don’t mind the drive back to Beirut (1 hour drive), staying somewhere around Beirut is another great option to be central to many great cities. 

2) Extending your stay beyond the wedding?

We recommend you stay in Beirut as well to fully dive into the city vibe. You should also consider exploring other parts of the country at one of the many guesthouses spread in the different sceneries of Lebanon.

For your convenience, we’ve secured special rates at two hotels near our wedding venue. Additionally, we’ll be sharing a list of hotels in Beirut for those who prefer to stay in the city. 

•  Deluxe Single room: 120 USD/night/ room, onBed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 160 USD)

• Deluxe Double room: 135 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 180 USD)

• Deluxe Triple room: 155 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 210 USD)

• Al Yasma Suite: 170 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 210 USD)

• Al Misk Suite: 180 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 230 USD

• Al Camelia Suite: 220 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 280 USD)

For Bookings, and to benefit from the rates please send an email to:
Reservations@chtauraparkhotel.com or sales@chtauraparkhotel.com or Contact them on: +961 3 54 00 11 or +961 79 177 123

• Double room: 140 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 180 USD)

• Executive Suite: 200 USD/night/ room, on Bed and Breakfast basis; all taxes are included (instead of 250 USD)

For Bookings, and to benefit from the rates please send an email to:
info@massabki-hotel.com or Contact them on: +961 8 544 644 

1930s building transformed into a Real & chateau hotel, offering a typical Beirut style architectural blend, and located in the heart of the charming Achrafieh District.

Artsy hotel built on the grounds of a Roman Villa in the middle of Gemmayze.

Boutique hotel situated in close proximity to Downtown, Gemmayzeh, and Achrafieh.

Styled rooms and suites, restaurants and a spa, 5-star luxury in Beirut.

Lebanon is a relatively small country but moving around different areas can be cumbersome without a car, especially during the high season. There are no reliable public transport alternatives.
The best way to visit the country is to move by car. Either you will need to rent one, or if you want to avoid the hassle of driving, it would be best to have someone drive you around. Below are some reliable transportation options.

If you want to use private local taxis to move around, you can contact them by calls or WhatsApp ahead of time (up to 20 mins lead time). The payments need to be made in cash.
-Allo Taxi: +9611517070
-Charlie Taxi: +961 1 285 710
-Star Taxi: +9611250230 / +9613408705

You also have the option to book Blacklane private chauffeur services  for a more comfortable and luxurious experience. 

www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/54BdCjSe8fVJmXi0bbj8Uu/

Uber and Bolt are also available (mostly in Beirut), but be sure to switch the payment method to cash to avoid any issues with being overcharged.

If you decide to rent a car, only do so if you are comfortable driving in chaotic circumstances.

Lebanon is in the midst of a currency crisis. You can use both USD and LBP (Lebanese Pounds) in the country. The LBP rate is very volatile (current rate can be found here www.lbprate.com) and thus we recommend using USD and keeping cash with you.

Many ATMs dispense Lebanese Lira (LBP) at the Central Bank rate, which is often lower than the market rate.

Some banks allow USD withdrawals, but they may charge high fees or limit the amount you can take out.

Most of the hotels and stores will accept your payment in credit card but you need to make sure you are being charged in USD and not LBP.

You can either use USD directly or exchange it to LBP using many of the exchange companies that can be found around the country.

Most restaurants and bars take payments in both LBP or USD. 

Note: The largest note in circulation is LBP 100,000 which is now equivalent to ~$1.

We highly recommend you get mobile data to research things and use Google Maps. Roaming costs for most foreign lines are very expensive, so make sure to have mobile data/roaming turned off once you get here. Your best option for data would be to purchase a local line upon arrival (Alfa or Touch) or just sticking to WiFi. This should cost around $10-20 for ~10GB of data.

TAP WATER IS NOT SAFE TO DRINK. MAKE SURE YOU ONLY DRINK BOTTLED WATER. 

For those who wish to visit Lebanon's hidden gems, we've compiled a list of must-visit places that you won't want to overlook. We also recommend you do your own research online to complement the below.

Stroll along the lively streets of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael, celebrated for their dynamic nightlife, diverse array of bars, eateries, coffee shops, and enchanting architecture. Take a leisurely walk in the Downtown district, where you can explore Beirut Souks, Saifi Village, Ancient Roman Ruins, Martyrs Square, and the adjacent landmarks of the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque and Saint George Cathedral. You also have the option to visit the Sursock Museum or enjoy a pleasant walk by Zeitouna Bay.

Baalbek is renowned for its remarkable ancient remains, featuring some of the most expansive and remarkably well-preserved Roman temples globally. Among these, the Temple of Jupiter stands out as the most celebrated, dating back to the 1st century AD and ranking as one of the grandest Roman temples ever constructed. The Sfiha Baalbakiyye is a delicacy that is not to be missed in Baalbek! We strongly advise booking a guided tour to explore this city, situated approximately two hours away from Beirut.

If you decide to stay in a hotel in Chtaura, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s highlights. Beqaa is home to splendid wineries like Ksara and Kefraya, where you can enjoy vineyard tours and savor a delicious lunch.

Located in the northern region of Lebanon, the Cedars of God forest is a designated conservation area that shelters some of the planet's largest cedar trees. These ancient trees are among the oldest on Earth, some estimated to be over a millennium old. The forest spans approximately 120 hectares and is perched at an altitude exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level. This destination makes for an ideal day trip to bask in nature's beauty and embark on a rewarding hike. We strongly advise securing the services of a guide and considering a visit to the Kadisha Valley along the route.

These picturesque mountain villages, located approximately 45 minutes from Beirut, are renowned as popular ski resorts in both winter and summer. They serve as an idyllic getaway, drawing many locals seeking to relish the refreshing air and cooler climate. You might also want to contemplate embarking on ATV or buggy day excursions in this area.

The Qadisha Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, characterized by its profound and slender canyon. Within its confines lie a collection of monasteries and churches, with origins tracing back to the early epochs of Christianity. These monastic retreats were constructed by hermit monks who, in pursuit of solitude and spiritual enlightenment, settled in the challenging terrain of the valley.

The longest cave in the Middle East comprises two distinct yet interlinked limestone caves and showcases a stunning expanse of 9 kilometers filled with some of the world's most remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The Jeita Grotto is renowned as a source of national pride in Lebanon and has been chosen as a finalist in the prestigious New7Wonders of Nature competition.

In Saida, you have the opportunity to explore attractions such as The Crusaders' Sea Castle, the meticulously restored Khan al-Franj, the traditional Arabic souqs, and the historical soap factory. In Sour, which was once a prominent Phoenician city renowned for its maritime trade and commerce, you can delve into the city's rich history, which included being a hub for the production of the highly prized purple dye in the ancient world. Additionally, you can tour the Tyr Roman Ruins, which include a captivating Hippodrome.

Ideal for a full-day excursion, you can explore the Beiteddine Palace, the Cedar Reserve (Baron), and the charming Deir al Qamar Village. Also don't forget to include a visit to Baakline waterfalls in your itinerary.

For those of you with a sophisticated palate and a passion for wine, Lebanon is an incredible destination to immerse yourself in a multifaceted culinary journey. Whether you're savoring a gourmet meal at an upscale restaurant or relishing street food, you'll discover a wide variety of delicious food and gratifying dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you craving more.
Below, we've compiled a list of our preferred dining experiences mostly in Beirut for your reference. If you seek recommendations in other regions of Lebanon, feel free to reach out to us.

Malibou (International)
Meat the Fish (Meat, Fish, etc.)
Marly’s (French, International)
Beihouse (International)
Clap (Asian)
Terrible Prince (Burgers, etc.)
Pacifico (Mexican)
Babel Bay (Lebanese)
Em Sherif Cafe (Traditional Lebanese)
Liza (Lebanese)
Falamanki (Lebanese / Shisha Café)
Skirt (Steakhouse)
Lezard Noir (International)
Cezanne (French Bistro)
Petis Gris (French Bistro)
Tavolina (Italian)
Mario e Mario (Italian)
Ferdinand (Burgers)
Lola (French Bistro)
Metropole (French Bistro)
Le Montagnou (French Bistro)
Le Canoe (Seafood)

The Bros (Burgers)
Falafel Sahyoun
Abou Joseph (#1 sandwich in the world)
Boubouffe (Shawarma)
Husk (Burgers)
Zaatar w Zeit (Late night comfort food)
Em Sherif Deli (Lebanese Food with a twist)
Maryool
Hanna Mitri (Ice Cream)

Analogue
Arthaus
Albergo’s Swim Club
Centrale
Cyrano
Capitole
Clap
Paloma 
House of Buttlers
Pacifico
Union Marks
Bazalt

Clubroom
AHM (& Soul Kitchen)
Drop Sociale
Almaza Bay
The Grand Factory
Iris
Y rooftop
Clique
Sapa
Spine
Club Soda 


MUL, Damour
Butlers Beach Club, Batroun
Nowhere Beach, Chekka
Lazy B, Jiyeh
Orchid, Damour and Batroun
Sporting Club, Beirut
Eddé Sands, Jbeil
White Beach, Batroun
Joining, Batroun (as well as any public strands of beach you can find in that area)
Taht El Rih, Anfeh (also known as the Lebanese Santorini)

Ixsir in Batroun
Karam in Bkessine, Chouf district, South
Ksara in Zahle, Bekaa
Kefraya in West Bekaa, Bekaa
Marsyas in West Bekaa, Bekaa
Massaya in Faqra

Sip Coffee
Base Coffee
Backburner Coffee
The Slow
Kalei
Patchi Cafe
Joe and the Juice
Starbucks