Where to Stay in Syria: The Best Neighbourhoods and Types of Stay in Damascus, Aleppo and on the Coast

Where you sleep changes your trip: a courtyard house in an old lane gives you Damascus as it was; a hotel in a modern district gives you calm and easy transport. Here is a quick guide to choosing.

Damascus

The old city: Bab Touma, Qaymariyya and Bab Sharqi

This is the home of courtyard-house hotels: a few rooms around a courtyard with a fountain and trees. You walk to the Umayyad Mosque, the souqs and the restaurants. The atmosphere is irresistible, but cars can't always reach the lanes and rooms may be small. Read why Damascus hides its most beautiful homes.

Malki and Abu Rummaneh

Quiet, upmarket districts with embassies, cafés and gardens, and larger hotels. Good for families and anyone who wants calm, a short taxi ride from the old city.

The centre and Marjeh

Constant bustle and cheaper hotels, close to everything. Good on a smaller budget if you don't mind the noise.

Mazzeh

A large modern district with hotels, serviced apartments and restaurants, closer to the Beirut road.

Aleppo

As life returns to the old city, some heritage hotels have reopened, and there are modern hotels in the centre. The Aziziyeh district is known for its restaurants and cafés in the evening. Read our Aleppo guide.

The coast and the mountains

• Latakia: hotels on the corniche and around the Blue Beach area north of town, and chalets by the sea.
• Tartus: seafront hotels, with Arwad island close by.
• The resorts: family hotels and chalets in Bloudan, Mashta al-Helou, Slunfeh and Kassab — see our mountain escapes guide.

Serviced apartments

For longer stays and larger families an apartment is cheaper and roomier, with a kitchen. Ask about electricity, heating and a lift.

Ask before you book

• Electricity: is there a generator or backup power during cuts?
• Heating and air conditioning: essential in winter and summer.
• Access: can a car reach the door? It matters in the old city with heavy bags.
• Breakfast: is it included?
• Cancellation: what is the policy? On Bytnaa you see it before you confirm.