Eagerly awaited, this sassy property by British hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray symbolizes a new era for Beirut. Adjacent to the Green Line that divided the once conflict-ridden city, the 87-room hotel overlooks the newly rebuilt downtown, where fashionistas sip café au lait among sleek boutiques. Set in a dusky yellow tower rising around a soaring glass-domed atrium, each spacious guest room has dining tables, couches, walk-in dressers, and a host of gadgets. Despite airport-style security, the small lobby is just as striking, featuring a backlit white metal wall punched with the shapes of flowers and dragonflies. Head to the rooftop for a dip in the purple-glass infinity pool, or relax at one of five bars and restaurants, including the alfresco Indigo on the Roof, where you can get a taste of Beirut’s budding organic movement while watching the city being rebuilt below

Martyrs’ Square, Solidere; 961-1/962-828; legray.com; doubles from US$495

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