Q: I will traveling with a friend to Damascus in late summer. We are seasoned travelers who currently live and work in Abu Dhabi and have spent a good deal of time in Oman. We are Westerners, but very familiar with the Middle East, although this will be our first trip to Syria. I need a recommendation for a nice hotel (doesn't need to be five-star) that is easy walking distance from the old souq. We will be in Damascus for five days and will explore the city mostly by walking. A smaller hotel would be nice. Also, any recommendations for small, local restaurants in the old city and things to do. Please do not answer this question unless you are from Syria or have visited Damascus. I can buy guide books, but I would like a local's perspective.
A: Personally, I'd recomend the "Beit Al-Mamlouka", a restored traditional Arab house inside the Old City (Near Bab Touma, in the Christian Quarter). This hotel is rated five stars, but you must keep in mind that Arab standards aren't quite the same as Western/Gulf standards. There is no resteraunt inside the hotel, but there are plenty of resteraunts within walking distance, and if completely neccessary, special arangements can be made. This hotel is expensive, costing between $180-250. The problem is that there are very few hotels in or near the Old City (decent hotels, anyway). While the Old City has some remarkable resteraunts and ruins, it has very, very little to offer in the way of accomadations. The closest hotel within walking distance (and it would be a long walk) is the "Sultan", which is moderately priced and clean and well-kept (though far from luxurious). If you've got a free night, you should eat a late dinner at Asr-el-Narjis (the Narcissus Palace). After ten o'clock, an Oad player comes and preforms, often getting the entire resteraunt to sing along (and occasionaly dance).