A word of warning however - you may have difficulty finding it. That’s because the hotel is nestled between two non-descript doors in a small alley in the old part of town. Step across the threshold and you’ll immediately marvel at the stunning courtyard resplendent with fruit trees and garlanded with hanging jasmine. It’s such an escape from the chaos of the city that you feel as though you’ve been transported to another time. We dare anyone not to be impressed by the historical setting of the Al Ameen hotel, which was clearly once a stately palace. We would guess that it must have taken an arduous a few years of renovation before the place opened in 2006 but Rasheed Kaddoura, a sales representative for Talisman, revealed that the process is actually never ending and that, “Every year, we add something new to make the hotel even better.”
The rooms themselves, of which there are 17 in total, are ornately detailed and full of artisanal touches including the prototypical Syrian handcrafted furniture that features inlays of mother of pearl. What’s more, no two rooms are alike. The ceilings are high and whether you end up with a duplex or a simplex you’ll still get the same sense of posterity. Of course, it’s not all old-world glamour for the Talisman Al Ameen has a number of modcons too: there are flat screen televisions with hundreds of international satellite stations, free wireless Internet (although it’s a little weak) and 24-hour room service (we recommend the breakfast offerings).
Given that it’s a small boutique hotel, the real strength of the Al Ameen comes down to its staff. Politeness personified, Kaddoura says that they, “Regard themselves as the servants of the guest and lavish personalised attention upon you at every turn.” One great way to make use of that is to request a guided tour of the nearby street markets of Bab Sharqi and Medhat Pasha. Not only will you find the best places to shop but also you’ll do so via the electric golf caddies that have the run of the souks.
WHAT Talisman Al Ameen Hotel,
WHERE Al Ameen Street, Tal Elhijara, Damascus, Syria
PRICE Starting at 225 USD a night
WHY A small and charming hotel replete with the details of a bygone age make Talisman Al Ameen an oasis of calm amid the city’s hectic streets.
www.talismanhotels.com
