SAINT-GEORGE HOTEL

The Hotel Saint-Georges was built in 1932 by the French architect Auguste Perret. It was one of the most famous hotels in Lebanon. In 1973, described by Fortune magazine as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, it became the favorite destination of local and international personalities. Many kings, ministers and political leaders have stayed there, such as King Hussein of Jordan, the Shah of Iran, George Bush, Princess Soraya and André Malraux. Great French stars have also been seen there: Brigitte Bardot, Charles Aznavour, Johnny Hallyday, Catherine Deneuve, Alain Delon...

During the civil war, the hotel was destroyed and then occupied by the militia. Closed since 1975, its reconstruction has been delayed. The current owner, Fady el-Khoury, is in conflict with the Solidere company which manages the reconstruction of the city centre. The problem comes among other things from the exploitation of the bay. From now on, Mr. El-Khoury is one of the fervent detractors of Solidere.

Although the hotel closed its doors in 1975, the club remained open for the few bathers who came to take a dip between two shell flights. During the hard years of the conflict, nearly a dozen militias took up quarters in what was once the meeting place of the country's bourgeoisie. At each ceasefire, the most loyal customers appeared, protected, depending on the period, by armed security men who stood guard, on the lookout for intruders.