The best of the boutique hotels in Beirut, the Albergo is an absolute gem, located in one of the city’s oldest, most picturesque and fashionable neighbourhoods. Opened in 1998, the Albergo is a converted city mansion with 33 rooms, and very French in style – not surprisingly, considering it belongs to Relais & Chateaux. It’s total luxury. The interior décor by Tarfa Salam – from Aubusson tapestries, Persian carpets and Louis XIV dressing tables to Damascene wood ceilings and individually decorated rooms – remains teasingly concealed behind yellow stone walls. The service makes you feel like royalty, which explains its popularity with the exclusive clientele. Located near to Monnot Street and its abundance of bars and restaurants, the Albergo nevertheless takes you far from the bustling city into a well of calm. The rooftop boasts a small but exquisite pool and a delightful library-like restaurant that offers views of both the sea and the mountains. A beautiful hotel mixing East and West, the Albergo is truly a home from home, and French director Michel Chardigny is sure to keep it that way.