Stunning hotels and guest houses in Lebanon’s beachy Batroun, from charming boutique properties to countryside escapes
Sitting on the warm shores of the Mediterranean, 1 hour 30 minutes north of Beirut, lies Batroum – a charming coastal city and one of the most continuously inhabited cities in the world. Named ancient botrys, Batroun is a popular weekend escape for cool Beirut locals and travellers looking to escape the capital’s energy with beautiful countryside, soothing waterfront settings, and lovely guest houses. Check into one of these stylish hotels in Batroun to explore its historical souk, enjoy endless Mediterranean views and enjoy one of Lebanon’s most charming and bohemian settings.
Blue Marlin is everything you’d want from a Batroun hotel – a blend of traditional Lebanese architecture and bohemian charm sitting right near the seafront. The hotel embraced the art of slow living, welcoming guests into nine mini guest houses within the guest houses, giving lovely unique names – each slightly different and filled with personality. Expect arched doors, exposed brickwork, greenery, colourful tiling, draped beds, and even private outdoor terraces with their own plunge pools – some suites even sleep four, making it perfect for an escape with friends. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with its tagline being to welcome travellers as guests and have them leave as friends.
bluemarlinbatroun.com, @bluemarlinbatroun
Lovely Villa Paradiso’s motto is ‘preserving heritage through hospitality’, craftsmanship, art and culture, and that it does. – with its authentic (yet super stylish) interiors. A boutique hotel, events venue, bar and retail boutique, the guest house is the baby of hosts Rémi & Rita Feghali, whose love for art, and design is felt throughout the Lebanese heritage property. There’s custom-made furniture and lighting, traditional ironmongery and carpentry and up-cycled bed headboards, bathroom mirrors and vanities – plus original and one-of-a-kind artwork on the walls. Each room has its own personality, and guests wake up each day to traditional breakfasts of manakish, fresh eggs, artisanal dairy, homemade jams and seasonal fruits. The guest house is also very eco-friendly, with low water consumption, solar panels and bathroom toiletries made using local natural ingredients. – being kind to both guests and the earth.
villaparadisolebanon.com, @villaparadisolebanon
Not strictly a hotel but rather a private holiday rental, Les Galets Guesthouse offers a sumptuously authentic and homely stay in Bahsa Batroûn. Available to rent via their Instagram page or via Airbnb, the one-bedroom, two-tiered space is the ideal romantic hideaway. It’s just five minutes on foot from the beach and moments from Batroun’s famous nightlife and best restaurants. There’s a stylish bedroom with exposed stonework and vaulted ceilings, plus a kitchen, dining area, sofa and plenty of artwork on the walls. A truly special and unique stay for those looking for something different.
airbnb.ae, @lesgalets_
For a vibrant stay in the beach town, close to the action – and in parts, the action itself – check into Be Batroun Beach Resort – one of the liveliest hotels in Batroun. Rooms are small but well appointed – but you won’t be spending much time in them, thanks to its outdoor terrace and bar Pastel by the Rocks. Sitting right on the seafront, it is the spot for sunset in the town and offers great cocktails, drinks and vibes – all with endless views over the sea and Lebanon’s bays. There’s a huge swimming pool framed by loungers, too, ideal for soaking up the warm Lebanese sun.
@bebatroun.com
Set a 15-minute drive inland from the ocean and the famous souk, Arnaoon Village is a cosy farm-style escape, immersing guests in the beautiful and fragrant Lebanese countryside. The setting is almost fairytale-like – creamy-hued traditional stone buildings centred around a pale blue swimming pool and that spills onto wild – yet tame – greenery and wildlife and backs onto the hillside. The property is made up of two areas, Byout Arnaoon – five uniquely designed houses with quaint interiors, chimneys and more – and Dyar Majid – eight houses resembling Lebanese villas with modern interiors and a shared pool. This is the best of the hotels in Batroun for families and chill vacations and reconnecting with loved ones. It’s self-catering, but an on-site catering company delivers sumptuous dishes inspired by its scenic surroundings, with the freshest and finest local ingredients and dishes.
arnaoonvillage.com, @arnaoonvillage
Carved into the ocean, Byblos Sur Mer was originally built in 1967 but was reborn as a charming boutique hotel in 2010. Now a four-story building spread across the seafront at Byblos Harbor, Byblos Sur Mer is teaming with history. – from the Ottoman well discovered during the renovation of the Byzantine mosaic showcasing the native birds of Byblos. The hotel is an institution, overlooking the ancient Byblos port and castle on one side and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Rooms are furnished with local artwork and artisan pieces, imbued with the odd ancient relics and items from private collections. Rooms and suites are both on offer, comfortable rooms and more unique suites, and there are four restaurants – outdoor Dar L’Azrak right in the waves, homely bistro Café Tournesol, beach restaurant and sundowner spot Al Marsa and Masa – a beautiful dining room atop Byzantine and Roman ruins.
byblossurmer.com, @byblossurmer.lb
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