One of the affordable places to stay in Beirut is The Hotel Alexandre, named after Alexander the Great (who conquered Beirut), served East Beirut in the same way that the Commodore served West Beirut during the war as a haven for foreign journalists, who have a nose for a good budget hotel. The Hotel Alexandre is located in a secluded green area of Achrafieh, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood near Sassine Square, and overlooking the mountains of Beit Mery and Broumana, the 197-room hotel has great views and spacious rooms. Completely refurbished in 1997 to an international business standard, it is not particularly exciting in terms of design apart from a few  charming original touches. What it offers is good-value accommodation and personal service. There’s no pool, but you can enjoy full access to the exclusive and extremely fashionable St George’s Yacht Club in downtown Beirut is available.