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Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon · Kempinski · High Luxury
Brothers Raja and Khalid Saab opened Summerland in 1978, three years into Lebanon's civil war, on Beirut's Mediterranean waterfront. After more than 300 projectiles in the 1982 bombardment, kitchen and reception staff mixed cement to reopen by New Year's Eve. The house closed in the 1990s and returned in 2016 as a 153-room Kempinski after a reported $500 million rebuild.
- 153 rooms
- Opened 2016
- Neighborhood: Summerland Bay
- Rooms from 398 sq ft (37 m²)
About Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut
- The Saab brothers had already committed $25 million and chose to open in 1978, three years into the civil war, betting Beirut still needed an escape from the fighting.
- After the 1982 bombardment hit the resort with more than 300 projectiles, chefs, receptionists, and waiters hauled bricks and mixed cement to reopen by New Year's Eve.
- Club 500 membership, preferred shares sold to wealthy Beirutis, raised about one-fifth of the original construction costs and kept the hotel viable in wartime.
- Some families from that original Club 500 cohort still own private beachside cabanas at the Kempinski-managed property, more than 45 years on.
- Entry-level rooms start at 398 sq ft (37 m²).
History
Brothers Raja and Khalid Saab opened Summerland in 1978, three years into Lebanon's civil war, on Beirut's Mediterranean waterfront. After Israeli bombardment in 1982 hit the resort with more than 300 projectiles, the Saabs rebuilt with their own staff and reopened by New Year's Eve. The house closed in the 1990s and reopened in 2016 as Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort after a reported $500 million renovation.
The setting
The resort sits in Beirut’s Summerland Bay area, directly on the Mediterranean Sea with access to a private beach and marina. That waterfront setting is the property’s defining geographic feature on the official site. 5 km from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Restaurants and bars
- Cilantro Restaurant & Terrace — Restaurant · Mediterranean
- Le Salon Lounge — Café
- Jet Bar — Bar
- Pool Bar — Poolside
Experiences
- Private beach and marina at Summerland Bay — Private beach and marina at Summerland Bay, set against the Mediterranean amid a labyrinth of pools.
- Jacuzzi bungalows — Jacuzzi bungalows offered as part of the resort's setting.
- Kempinski the Spa — A luxurious spa designed to provide classical service, an exquisite experience and an element of surprise.
- Strolling the Corniche at sunset — Strolling along the Corniche around sunset is described as one of Beirut's greatest experiences.
- Pigeon Rocks — The iconic Pigeon Rocks are within walking distance of the hotel.
Amenities
- Kempinski the Spa
- Private beach and marina setting
- Labyrinth of pools
- Pool membership access
- Fitness centre with cardio and strength equipment
- Yoga studio access
- Jacuzzi bungalows
- Beachside Jet Bar and pool bar
- Sauna
- Tennis
- Water sports
- Pet-friendly
Open Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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