Baffa House

The Baffa House genesis goes as follows: at the beginning is Antonio, an Italian who fell in love with and married a Lebanese woman. He bought a typical 1940s house in Mar Mikhael in which they settled down.

More than half a century later, his grandson Samer, a filmmaker, and his wife Jessica, a graphic designer, decided to continue the family legacy in the neighbourhood and accommodate travellers who want to not only discover Beirut in a unique way but call it home while they’re here.

And Samer and Jessica, as well as Mekdas and Samer’s mother Diva, who is a wonderful cook, indeed make it easy for guests to fall in love with Baffa and Beirut. Situated in one of the Lebanese capital’s most vibrant and happening areas, the guesthouse is in a calm street, 10 minutes walk from all the bars, boutiques, cafes and sights to explore. It’s a perfect base from which to conquer much of Beirut by foot, notably Mar Mikhael, Naher, the nearby Armenian neighbourhood of Burj Hammoud-other areas are within a short taxi drive’s reach.

On the ground floor are a well-kept garden and a large vine that provides the patio with shade. This is also a perfect barbeque spot. Up on the first floor is the salon and breakfast area. Everything’s kept in a 50s retro style, with bursts of colour such as bright cushions on single-coloured chairs and sofas and local artwork on the walls. Much of the stylish deco is up-cycled or old art deco furniture.

The rooms – three double, one twin – can accommodate eight persons in total. The rooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning as well as Wifi. Baffa House frequently welcomes families as well as artists in residence.  

After a long day of walking Beirut or exploring Lebanon, and before heading out for dinner or a night out, Baffa offers two balconies to relax on, read a book or update friends and loved ones with news.

Baffa House in known for it’s outstanding hospitality – and its sublime breakfasts, which are generally Lebanese with a hint of Italian, and including Diva’s home-made preserves.