I went to Leb dec 26 - jano 02 as well as in September.
Tourist visa are free, just confirm with the guy at the bank booth, where you usually buy the visa stamp if its still free.
Dont forget to tick the box tourism on your entry sheet!

I heard quite good things about that pension price /Quality wise and its located at Charles helou,. where the buses and servise taxis to the north of Lebanon are starting. ALways and i mean Always bargain the price before you take a taxi from the street. With the time you will have lots of fun doing it!

Ohh about the inconsistent information...dont worry at all, you are in the orient, just ask any local for assistance, they will be more than happy to help you as its an honor for them to help foreigners.