One of the best things is the location which means you can go walking to most areas of Damascus. There's lots of small details which could add up to be annoying - there's a certain indifference among the staff, for example, when checking in, or complaining that something doesn't work. Things have changed in the past year or two and now the internet is no longer free, and mini bar items are expensive. However, the free tea and coffee making facilities in rooms are a good thing. The buffet breakfast is fairly decent compared to many others. Mainly though it's the location that sells it plus the kitsch charm of faded days. Since the no smoking law came in there is now nowhere to relax in the hotel with a cigarette which means having a beer in the lobby is no longer the pleasure it once was. This is the kind of hotel where you still see famous Arab film or TV personalities breezing through - it has a certain place in the hearts of many still.

Very elegant Hotel with obvious long tradition in the heart of Damascus. The old town in the vicinity is quick reachable.

The room I had was rather small, furniture a bit old. Sleeping was ok.
The atmospere in the hotel is rather elegant, it smells a bit about the old days.

The breakfast buffet is well equipped with nearly everything. Enough for the day. Unfortunately during my morning in the restaurant the service was too quick and cleaned the table completely during my second visit of the buffet.

Rooms are spacious, quiet and clean. Service was very good. Restaurants try to please.
Location excellent for all major sites in Damascus.

i have stayed twice in sham palace, 2 nights each, both for buiseness.
excellent location in the very heart of damascus, very nice oriental lobby.. and everything else is terribely baaaaaaaaaaad.
the front desk people are the most rude ,inproffesional, i have ever seen . i arrived at 3 pm,asked for my room,told to wait ..in a very impolite way, i waited till 4,20 to get it , after 3 or 4 clashes between me and the staff.
the bellman asked for a tip directly after he brought my small bag, even i told him before that i don,t have cash and (begged him) to allow me to carry the bag by myself...!!!!!
the room is large but outdated and poor,bathroom need complete renovation. not even a 3 star room
food is extremely overpriced
room rate is also over over priced(>200 euros)
not recommended