Finally, budget travellers can glean a small thrill from staying at Albergo Ape Elbana.

BBC: Following Napoleon��s trail on Elba

The Albergo is, in my opinion, the classiest, most relaxing and beautiful place to stay in Beirut.

NPR: Beirut: Hotel With Oriental Opulence, French Accent

Some of my colleagues grump about the Albergo's lack of a gym, Olympic-size pool or commanding sea view.

NPR: Beirut: Hotel With Oriental Opulence, French Accent

The Albergo's 33 suites are all decorated in different styles, ranging from Mediterranean to Oriental, colonial and European.

NPR: Beirut: Hotel With Oriental Opulence, French Accent

At the Hotel Albergo, guests are treated to the opulence and luxury of the Orient, but with a French accent.

NPR: Beirut: Hotel With Oriental Opulence, French Accent

When they launched the Albergo, the owners built five new stories on top of a small house that was first constructed in the 1920s.

NPR: Beirut: Hotel With Oriental Opulence, French Accent