It is in the early sixties heyday, when Beirut was the hip destination for the international jet set, drawn by an eclectic mix of people and cultures, that the Mayflower was established by Mr. Mounir Samaha, in one of the most elegant quarters of the Lebanese capital.

The accommodation set out, to preserve a state of grace and comfort, explains why prominent media, literature, politics or sports figures such as Graham Green (the famous British writer), Kim Philby (one of the most famous spies of the 20th century) or Graham Hill (Formula 1 World Champion) found The Mayflower so attractive and hospitable.

After confirming itself as a landmark on Beirut’s hospitality map, continuity at the hotel was threatened by the Lebanese Civil War that was triggered in 1975. Luckily the Hotel did not suffer any major material damage; and in its gloomiest days, it seemed that Beirut could not do without it. This was when The Mayflower turned into the favorite home and operational base for most of the international media correspondents and world leading reporters that were covering the Lebanese conflict.

Today, we are proud that this most personal of hotels has been in the same family ownership since 1957. By celebrating more than half a century of continuously exceeding guest’s expectations, The Mayflower Hotel would have grown to be something of an institution and is more than ever committed to embrace the future, while honoring the past.