Last Updated on December 21, 2025
WH Hotel’s white exterior resembles an apartment building. The no-frills, modern hotel was welcoming from the moment I arrived.
I chose the WH Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon, for its simplicity and location. I wouldn’t be spending much time in my room because I was only in Beirut for a few days and I wanted to see as much of the city as I could. I was looking for a basic accommodation with walkability to top tourist sites.
The WH Hotel is a six-minute walk to Hamra Street, which has shops, cafes, and electronics stores. I don’t mind walking, so I enjoyed a 45-minute walk to downtown. The corniche is about an hour’s walk away, which has a paved path offering sea views and a couple of cafes nearby.
The lobby has wooden, wavy-shaped panels on the white walls and ceiling. Inside to the left, guests will find a tour desk and money exchange.
On check-in, I was upgraded to a junior suite including a kitchenette, coffee table, sofa, TV, and desk. It was a great space to unwind after a busy day of exploring. I relaxed on the sofa and found TV reruns while eating Manakeesh, a flatbread with toppings like zaatar (similar to thyme) and cheese.
The kitchenette also allowed me to enjoy my morning coffee. The soundproof rooms meant I heard nothing from other guest rooms. The soft double bed and pillows allowed for a great night’s sleep.
The restaurant’s buffet breakfast offered an assortment of eggs, feta cheese, bread, olives, cold cuts, dips such as Labneh (similar to a creamy yogurt), and fruit. It was the right combination of food to fuel me up before setting off to explore for the day. I also liked the design of the neutral-colored hanging circular lamps.
The hotel also has a coffee shop, but it wasn’t open during my visit. Other amenities include WiFi, an airport shuttle for an extra fee, and a business center. A grocery store is conveniently located across the street.
Alternative Beirut Walking Tour
While staying at the hotel, I signed up for a walking tour with Alternative Beirut. The company started as a way to encourage people to stroll around the city and highlight its culture and heritage. They offer political, urban art, and walking tours. I met my guide, Nagham Khalil, who warmly welcomed me to his city.
Khalil will take guests to some of her favorite places, including a concrete egg-shaped structure that was once a booming cinema and a casualty of the war. With bullet holes all around, the now-abandoned dome is a gathering spot for artists. Another popular gathering place is a white residential building surrounded by the remains of a Roman Bath.
During the tour, Khalil gives visitors insight into this diverse and complex city while also highlighting the hardships Beirut has faced. Her enthusiasm for showing off the city is impressive, and she welcomes all questions and encourages travelers to visit.
Beirut Impressions
While walking around Beirut, one can’t help noticing bullet holes in abandoned buildings that were once stores and apartments. However, other neighborhoods make you feel like you’re in Europe with cobblestone streets, cafes, and bright yellow buildings.
The city’s architecture is a mix of French, Ottoman, and Lebanese designs. Lebanese-style buildings feature three arcades and a small balcony facing them with small circular windows. There were several times while walking around when I paused to think about the pain Beirut has endured and continues to endure today.
There’s also the resilience of locals who warmly greet visitors with, “Hello and welcome to Beirut.” Locals are more than happy to see travelers in a diverse city well worth visiting.
When visiting Beirut, plan on using cash. U.S. dollars are accepted, but you’ll get Lebanese pounds back in change.
Many countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. Check the list of countries here.
