Properties prove that character is the key

Properties prove that character is the key

WHILE Dubai might boast some of the world’s plushest hotels, accommodation in Syria is far more basic.

Although there are several international names in Damascus, including Sheraton and Le Meridien, a lack of overseas visitors has meant little foreign investment in hotel development. Most operators use the government-run Cham chain.

Bales business development manager Chris Grime said: “Accommodation standards are not as high as somewhere like Jordan and nothing like Dubai. The hotels we use are clean, with decent sized rooms but we would never claim they are luxury or five star.”

In ancient Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, Steppes East and Bales offer Beit Wakil, a converted old house in the centre.

Steppes East sales executive Victoria Gilroy said: “It has little windows overlooking courtyards and is right in the centre of the old quarter; the ambience is fantastic and the food and service is good.

“I think Syria could follow in the footsteps of Morocco, where small two or three-star properties with character are popular.”

Syria’s Cham chain has hotels near most of the major sights throughout the country – the Chabha Cham Palace in Aleppo, the Cham Palace, Palmyra, and the Ebla Cham Palace in Damascus.

Abercrombie and Kent head of planning Stuart Douglass Lee said: “The type of people who tend to visit Syria have often been toEgypt, China and India, and want to learn about other cultures. “They are more open to the fact the hotels are perhaps less lavish than some places and it doesn’t really concern them,” he said. “It’s not a destination for those seeking a luxurious hotel holiday.”

Apamea: people are just starting to realise the extent of culture and history Syria has to offer