BEIRUT’S URBAN HEARTBEAT: The Iconic ‘Le Gray’ Hotel Officially Returns to Martyrs’ Square

BEIRUT – In what is being hailed as the most significant milestone for Lebanon’s hospitality sector since 2020, Le Gray Beirut has officially reopened its doors. The luxury landmark, located at the historic crossroads of Martyrs’ Square and the downtown district, has completed a meticulous four-year restoration, signaling a "grand return" for the capital’s central heartbeat.

A Rebirth of Luxury and Art

Restored under the artistic direction of renowned architect Galal Mahmoud, the hotel returns with 104 redesigned rooms and suites that blend contemporary sophistication with Beirut’s raw vitality. The reopening also serves as a cultural homecoming, featuring a curated collection of over 600 local and regional artworks, reinforcing Le Gray’s legacy as a "living gallery" in the city center.

Culinary Star Power: The Alan Geaam Era

The revival is anchored by a historic culinary collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Alan Geaam. Returning to his homeland after nearly three decades in Paris, Geaam is introducing two distinct concepts to the hotel:

• Qasti: A refined celebration of Lebanese heritage with a Michelin pedigree.

• Padam: A vibrant, street-facing space where French technique meets Mediterranean flair.

Symbolism Beyond Hospitality

For the residents of Beirut and the returning diaspora, the reopening of Le Gray is more than a commercial event. Positioned opposite the Annahar building and overlooking the redeveloped downtown, its return—alongside the upcoming reopening of the Four Seasons—marks the official start of a "new era" for the city. As the hotel’s famous rooftop pool and Bar ThreeSixty once again overlook the Mediterranean, the message is clear: Beirut is once again open for business and high-end tourism.