History

Grand Hotel Kadri is a historic Landmark in Lebanon. Situated in the center of Zahle, 45 km from the capital Beirut, this hotel overlooks the main river and spring of the city "Al Berdawni" which has been sung by poets and writers from different countries. The historical importance of the hotel goes back to 1914 when Jamal Pacha the Turk entered Kadri Hotel and took it as his headquarter and turned it into a hospital for his army.

At the end of the World War II, France was mandated to rule Lebanon in accordance with the famous Sikes-Picot Treaty. General Gouro announced once again from Kadri Hotel, on August 3, 1920 the annexation of the four juridiciary areas: the Bequa, Baalbek, Hasbaya and Rachaya and considered them the basis of the "Grand Lebanon" which he declared in Beirut on the first of September 1920. Later on, in 1942 the hotel was visited by the General de Gaulle during his round in the Lebanese villages to assure for the people that the victory in the World War II was imminent. At the end of the World War II, France was mandated to rule Lebanon

in accordance with the famous Sikes-Picot Treaty. General Gouro announced once again from Kadri Hotel, on August 3, 1920 the annexation of the four juridiciary areas: the Bequa, Baalbek, Hasbaya and Rachaya and considered them the basis of the "Grand Lebanon" which he declared in Beirut on the first of September 1920.
Later on, in 1942 the hotel was visited by the General de Gaulle during his round in the Lebanese villages to assure for the people that the victory in the World War II was imminent. Throughout its history Grand Hotel Kadri has also been a source of inspiration to famous men of letters and artists such as the "Poet Laureate" Ahmed Chawki who wrote his infallible "Neighbor" (Ya Jarat Al Wadi), Abdel Wahab, Oum Koulthoum and Feyrouz... Devastated during the war, it was renovated to original splendor and more by The Owner Engineer Sleiman Habib Haddad and was inaugurated by His Excellency President Elias El Hrawi in August 14th 1997.

Location:

In the throbbing heart of Brazil Street, Zahle, 45 Km from the capital Beirut, Grand Hotel Kadri is a five stars hotel situated on the famous Berdawni river.
A 40-minutes drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbeck, Anjar and many others, the Hotel is conveniently located a minute walk from downtown Zahle and from Bardouni restaurants a name synonymous with Lebanon's famous mezze and the delights of outdoor dining.
The Bardouni restaurant tradition began over a hundred years ago with a few simple riverside cafes. Today it is a virtual bazaar of tree-shaded eating places known as "casinos," every one more inviting than the next. Not surprisingly, competition is fierce, so each establishment outdoes itself with fountains, pools, and cooling shade to tempt potential customers.
Here you can enjoy the traditional Lebanese mezze as it is served nowhere else. To add to the sense of timelessness, delicious mountain bread is baked before your eyes and a man in baggy trousers and fez is on hand to pour Lebanese coffee. He can also provide diners with an arguileh (Hubble-bubble).