The one and only and other Tripoli, Libya Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

Staying in Tripoli's only 5* hotel, the Corinthia Bab Africa, was, I have to say, really very nice. A big, comfortable room, elegantly furnished with North African-style cabinets and a decidedly western-comfort bed, with a view of the old harbour, a luxurious bathroom with big, fluffy towels (though not always soap!) and internet access in the room - what more do you need?

Helpful staff at the front desk, a pleasant ground floor coffee shop serving fabulous fruit juices and appetising snacks (the mezze plate was very good, lots of bite-sized nibbles that added up to a satisfying light meal), a lavish buffet breakfast featuring just about anything you could possibly want to set you up for the day all added to the amenities offered. The Moroccan restaurant on the top floor is excellent

The location is good (not as good as the Kebir perhaps if you're a tourist, but still quite central) just 2 minute's from a medina gate and close to the business centre of the city - and most of the guests are there on business, so that fits.

Unique Qualities: The hotel's website has a page of FAQ's with visa application information for several different nationalities and as well as lots of other up-to-date information about the weather and other practicalities - very useful! Check the website also for a full list of the hotel's facilities.

We were able to leave bags in the hotel for the week we spent in the Sahara, which was very useful.

Hotels in Tripoli are expensive, and the Corinthia is the most expensive of all. As Tripoli's only 5* hotel, it is usually very heavily booked. Booking well in advance is most advisable.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 218 21 3351990
Address: Souk Al Thulatha Al Gadim Tripoli Tr 0
Website: http://www.corinthiahotels.com/hotel.asp?h=6&l=1

Although the Kabir describes itself as a 5 star hotel - and it does have most of the facilities you expect for that rating - it is a bit tired and would certainly not be rated so highly in many cities of the world. That said - the room was spacious, clean and comfortable; the chambermaids were very sweet and cheerful; the staff generally obliging and helpful; breakfast was very ordinary; the view from our room was wonderful ... all in all, something of a curate's egg ( good in patches) but, as yet, there isn't a lot of choice for hotels in Tripoli. The Kabir is half the price of the newest 5 star hotel, far more convenient (and congenial, I'm assured by several people working in Libya) than the other hotels in this bracket and, for my (and MrL's - who has stayed in most of Tripoli's "top" hotels over the last few years) the one I would go back to as things stand now in the city.

Unique Qualities: It may not be the newest or the smartest hotel in town but the Funduq (Hotel) al Kabir certainly has the very best location and for that reason alone it has to be first choice if your budget stretches that far. None of the other hotels of this class are located in anything like as convenient a location for getting out and about - you can walk to just about anywhere you want to go in Tripoli ( the museum, the medina, the city centre) from here. There's a splendid view of the harbour; pretty Gazelle Park next door is a great place to walk and sit and people-watch; the entrance is a minute's walk from Green Square (the museum and medina entrance are just across the square) and there are good restaurants, shopping, internet cafes, etc to be found in the streets behind the hotel.

You do need to be aware however that the hotel is state-owned and is regularly used for official visits ( the President of the Congo was there when we were) in which case it can be heavily booked. For this reason, it's not likely to be on a tour company's list of hotels.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: +218 21 444 5940/58
Address: Sharia al-Fat'h
Directions: One the old Corniche, a block from Green Square

NB: The phone no given here is correct - guidebooks may have the old number

Unique Qualities: Things are changing rapidly in Tripoli. Tourism is well and truly on the increase and, with that rise, things are happening. One to watch out for is a new hotel that has appeared in the medina. An old funduq (hotel) opposite the Aurelian Arch has been converted into what is certain to be a very nice boutique hotel. Restored to a high standard, the view is little short of spectacular ( how many hotels do you know that have a Roman Emperor's triumphal arch right on the doorstep?) and the location - on a traffic-free square right in the heart of the medina - is brilliant. I haven't stayed there but we were shown one of the traditionally furnished rooms and the stylish restaurant looks great too.

You might need earplugs if the sound of the muezzin is likely to disturb you - the Gurgi Mosque is very close by.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: P.O Box 3737 Tripoli - Libya
Directions: Marcus Aurelius Arch Square, in the old city
Website: http://www.zumithotel.com/
Other Contact: info@zumithotel.com