Most of you have heard about Life Beirut by now. Some of you might’ve already tried it too. Life Beirut is the newest addition to Beirut’s mega-club scene. The gargantuan, multi-level club with the retractable roof is set to open this Thursday, but it’s been in soft-opening mode for a few weeks and after trying it twice, I feel a review is in order right before the grand opening.

Life is located right behind B018 in the Karantina region. It’s in the building adjacent to Sleep Comfort’s, on the top level. After going in past the well-mannered bouncers and courteous host, an interactive projection with the club’s name separates the two entrances into the club’s main area.

After going up the stairs, you find yourself at the topmost level of the club, which runs along both sides as well as the back of the club. On the opposite side is where the stage is. The DJ booth is located on the middle-level at the center of the club, immersing the DJs and VJs into the crowd, versus the top-down format you usually see.

The mid-level is like the topmost one, with tables and balustrades providing plenty of dancing space minus the shoving and pushing. The lowest level has tables which are arguably the center of attention, with the spotlights and everyone else’s attention focused on the area adjacent to the stage with the beautiful backdrop of Beirut’s Port and its massive cranes and silos.

The light system is impressive and fits perfectly with the club’s architecture. It’s similar to the old Palais by Crystal’s in terms of creating the surreal visuals minus the use of LED screens, creating a more immersive experience. Speaking of architecture, contrary to what many people believe is law, a retractable roof does not mean Bernard Khoury, but an architecture firm called Creative-LABS.

Oh, and yes, the club’s roof opens to reveal the night sky and the fireworks which are a regular addition in the night’s entertainment, which includes dancers and a virtual DJ deck on a large touch-screen on stage (which the guys need to practice on more and probably switch from Windows =P).

The music is played by resident DJs Dania, Youssef Kanaan and Haytham Fawaz (who is one of the stakeholders which I think is pretty cool) and it’s mainly crowd-pleasing, mildly remixed radio House and RnB hits. As for other stakeholders, they include Dani Khairallah (Dani K) so even though they’re not affiliated with the big clubbing scene holding groups, there’s plenty of clubbing experience that went into creating this club.

Now, to the part you all worry about: the prices. The standard vodka bottle is the 750ml Russian Standard bottle, which sells for 160USD a piece. So, for a table of 12 people and two vodka bottles you could manage to have a good time for 25-30USD. As for the typical age of the clubbers present, it included a wide spectrum of ages but was mainly older clubbers between the ages of 25-30 year olds dressed smart.

Verdict: Life Beirut is worthy addition to the Lebanese winter clubbing scene. The interior is impressive and the entertainment elements are plenty.
Price: 60-70 USD should be more than enough for you and your date on a table of friends.
Atmosphere: Typical Lebanese joie-de-vivre spirit, people dress to impress and it’s about enjoying people-watching as much as it is clubbing, with every table within the view of the other.
Music: Commercial House and RnB
Staff: Waiters need a bit of work, but the hostesses and hosts are very accommodating.
Location: Karantina area