Frequently Asked Questions · L'Hôte Libanais

1. Get To Know Us Better

What is L’Hôte Libanais?

L’Hôte Libanais is a privately-owned, leading guesthouse and boutique hotel initiative in Lebanon that encourages sustainable and responsible tourism which benefits both the people and the environment. We work towards our mission in various important ways. L’Hôte Libanais is first and foremost a Family of accommodations, located in Beirut and across Lebanon’s diverse regions, as well as in Damascus and Algiers. Second, it is an amalgamation of experiences that allow guests to discover the rich culture, history, and best-kept secrets of the places we operate in, in unique, unforgettable ways. Third, L’Hôte Libanais’ website comprises an online magazine that curates articles on art, food, history, proposed travel itineraries, and many more topics that speak to the traveller’s curiosity and sense of adventure. Lastly, L’Hôte Libanais is an independent, online reservation platform run by a dedicated, passionate team, eager to answer any and all questions, seven days a week.

Who are the Members of the L’Hôte Libanais Family?

We are a Family of 29 guesthouses and boutique hotels in Beirut, across Lebanon, as well as in Damascus and Algiers: Abdelli Terraces, Al Haush, Baffa House, Beit Al Batroun, Beit Al Mamlouka, Beit Al Wali, Beit Ammiq, Beit Douma, Beit Faris wa Lucia, Beit Jedde, Beit Teta Mona, Beit Trad, Bouyouti, Dar Al Mamlouka, Dar Fatima, Dar Linda, Dar Qadisha, Dar Zefta, Guita Bed & Bloom, L’Annexe, La Maison des Sources, La Maison Rayes, Saqi Guesthouse, Shahrayar, The Silk Valley, Villa Chamoun, Zanzoun, Zita Fidar.

In addition to bricks and mortar, our Family includes the people who help bring our vision to life: the hosts, our experience providers, our magazine contributors, our team and L’Hôte Libanais’s founding members.

Last but certainly not least, our Family cannot be complete without you: our clients. You ensure L’Hôte Libanais keeps evolving and moving forward.

I own a place and would like to join your Family. What should I do?

To join L’Hôte Libanais, you must ensure that you share our values and that your accommodation fits our proposed standards. If you believe we’re on the same page, please contact us. NB: membership is not automatic and we exercise partial subjectivity in our decision.

How do you guarantee your standards are met?

We strongly believe that to constantly exceed expectations, our feet must be firmly planted on the ground. We pay regular visits to each of our Family Members and work together year-round to improve our guests’ experiences. We engage with guests, listen closely to their feedback, and have meaningful discussions that value their contributions, instead of reducing them to a number of stars or checkboxes. The evaluation process takes place in collaboration with the L’Hôte Libanais team and is an ever-evolving conversation, ensuring subsequent experiences are constantly improved.

I have comments to make.

And we would love to hear them! L’Hôte Libanais is a dynamic project thanks to your remarks and comments. Your ideas and suggestions are essential to our Family’s growth and we encourage you to share them with us via our contact form.

2. Reservation, cancellation, payment and rates

How do I reserve my stay at one of the L’Hôte Libanais accommodations?

It’s easy as 1,2,3! Enter your check-in and check-out dates and our secure reservation system will guide you through the rest. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

How do I reserve a L’Hôte Libanais experience or a taxi trip?

Booking an experience or taxi trip is just like booking an accommodation. Pick your date(s) and select the trip(s) and/or experience(s) you’re interested in. Our secure reservation system will help you do the rest. As always, write to us if you need guidance.

I need to know more about a place before reserving. What should I do?

If you are unable to find the information you need on our website, please contact our team. We are here to answer your questions.

Are you sure I can enter my bank card information online?

Most certainly. Our online reservation system is operated by an SSL-encrypted server that guarantees all your information is secure and our payment getaway is operated by Payfort/Amazon Payment Services, the leading payment provider in the Middle East.

I would like to cancel my reservation. What is your cancellation policy?

There will be no penalty fees charged for cancellations occurring more than 15 days from the check-in date, date of the experience or date of the taxi journey. The full amount of the reservation is due in case of a cancellation 15 days or less from the check-in date, date of the experience or the date of the taxi journey, as well as in the case of a no-show.

Our Family Members range between one to 15 rooms. A cancellation can be up to 100% of a Member’s revenue for one night, which is why we follow a strict cancellation policy that does not compromise our Family Member’s sustainability and viability.

I would like to modify my reservation. What are the conditions for me to do this?

We try our best to favourably meet any modification requests; however, our services are limited by certain considerations. Late modifications, especially during peak seasons, are not possible. If you wish to modify your reservation, please contact us.

Are there any additional or hidden fees?

None! Contrary to many online platforms, the rate you find on L’Hôte Libanais’s pages is the one you pay. We do not charge a service fee or a supplementary fee for breakfast, which is always included. Taxes, when applicable, are also included in the listed prices. Simply put: the price you see is the price you pay.

3. Safety, traditions and customs

Is Lebanon a safe country?

Yes, yes, and yes: we firmly assert it! Two Lebanons appear to coexist: a Lebanon framed by the lenses, prejudice, and preconceived notions of international media coverage, and the Lebanon that we experience day-to-day. You will only need a few minutes in the country to understand the gap that exists between the two. From North to South, East to West, the villages and regions we invite you to see and stay at give you a taste of the real Lebanon, one that generously welcomes you into its open arms. Lebanon is bursting at the seams with creative energy that you have to experience -at least once in your lifetime. Festivals, artistic and cultural events are happening year-round in different cities around the country, and it would be a shame to miss out on the magic of places like Baalbek or Tripoli based on unfounded security concerns.

Do I have to behave or dress in a certain way?

Moral freedom and the acceptance of all lifestyles form the essence of Lebanon, where religious and ethnic diversity abounds. The image of a young woman in a mini-skirt passing by another in a headscarf, or one of Muslim and Christian worshippers chatting after prayer are not idyllic constructions, but a lived reality.

There are no set rules for dressing in public. During visits to religious sites, it is recommended to dress according to the customs of the concerned faith. Though there is no obligatory dress code, it may be appropriate to dress modestly in conservative religious neighborhoods.

4. Life in our Family

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Rooms will be ready at 14:00 or 15:00, depending on the guesthouse. Check-out time is usually at 11:00 (am) or 12:00 noon. Spring and summer at Bouyouti are a little different: check-in is at 18:00 and check-out is at 16:00.

Which accommodations accept children?

Our family-friendly members can be found here.

Which accommodations are pet-friendly?

Our pet-friendly members can be found here.

5. Our ‘Shammet Hawa’ gift cards

What are the ‘Shammet Hawa’ cards?

‘Shammet Hawa’ is a special gift reserved for the people closest to your heart. The gift card gives its recipient access to all L’Hôte Libanais accommodations. The cards were designed by Lebanese illustrator, Zeina Bassil.

+ Read the story behind ‘Shammet Hawa’

Where can I find the ‘Shammet Hawa’ cards?

Our ‘Shammet Hawa’ gift cards can only be bought online. All you need to do is email us!

I live abroad; can I gift someone a ‘Shammet Hawa’ card?

Of course! Write to us and we will be happy to send you a customized, online version of the card in PDF format.

How much does the ‘Shammet Hawa’ card cost?

You can choose the amount you want.

How long are the ‘Shammet Hawa’ cards valid for?

The cards are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

I used my card for an accommodation that cost less than the card’s value. Is the rest of the value lost?

Not at all! You can reserve other accommodations with your card, using the remaining sum as credit that you can debit at your discretion. Nothing is lost; everything is transformed into unforgettable experiences!

I have been offered a ‘Shammet Hawa’ card. How can I reserve my stay?

Mabrook! You have been offered a wonderful gift. To reserve, kindly write to us and we will be happy to help!

6. Transportation

Why are you picking me up at the airport? Can I not arrange for my own pick-up and drop-off?

Our Members, particularly those in Beirut, are guesthouses and not hotels, in that individuals open up their homes and hearts to visitors. It is often difficult to locate these addresses; even for local cab drivers. When you reserve your airport transfer, you can rest assured that a driver who knows the accommodation and your hosts will receive you. The fee charged is in between local rates.

Why travel by taxi?

Public transport in Lebanon may not be suited to your travel plans, and you may not want to rent a car for the entirety of your stay. Travel by taxi provides you with a great deal of independence on your adventures. Flexible and adaptable, the wide range of taxi hire options we have on offer will meet your needs; whatever they may be. Book full day taxi hires, customize your itineraries, and discover all the diversity that Lebanon has to offer.

+ For more information, visit the section of our site dedicated to all things transportation

7. Personal information

How do you handle my personal data?

We stress the importance of privacy and are committed to earning your trust. We adopt the highest standards for the protection of personal information. An entire section of our site is dedicated to this subject. You can read it here.