What should I say about this hotel? Very comfortable and the staff AWFULLY nice! They would go "beyond the line of duty" so to speak, to make your stay pleasant. The location, for me it was splendid in the sense that you immediately "plunge" into the spirit of the country! People even offered me some fruit!!!! Yes, a bit noisy, but, living in the centre of Lisbon-Portugal as I do, that was nothing! For a change, it was nice to listen to the people rather than to the car horns/klaxon! People are extremely nice in Damascus. I would go back to this hotel ANY TIME !

This is a very strange place to stay if you're on business, mainly because you will have to trudge through the dirty, smelly market in your business suit to get to a taxi from the main street around the back. Also getting a taxi to actually drop you off at the entrance is difficult so again you will probably have to trudge back through the market to get back.
You will either love or hate the lively market atmosphere bang outside the front door (the odd fight breaks out, police turn up and throw people into the back of a car, but on the flip side you have lots of fresh fruit and veg, as well as grocery and household items nearby).
The rooms are nice - look pretty modern, clean and comfortable. The kitchen is pretty good - has a kettle and hot plates (as well as microwave but could never figure out how to get it to work). There are some strange things lacking though - no sharp knife to cut anything, no teaspoons and no decent sized mugs (but luckily I got all these from the market). I ordered the breakfast one day but was sorely disappointed - microwaved bread turned up in a plastic bag among other things.
The staff were really helpful and pleasant and they kind of made the hotel experience for me. Being a woman travelling alone I felt safe staying here, too.
The lobby area is kind of second rate though. I held a business meeting here and it was kind of embarassing to have professionals turn up at the hotel considering its slummy surroundings and the fact there isn't great service in the lobby for drinks.
Also there is no business center which makes it difficult although the receptionist was helpful and offered to print things out for me.
For people interested in sightseeing, Souq Hammidiye (as well as all of old Damascus) is just up the road within walking distance.

This hotel was booked for me. My previous experience of Damascus hotels was the Cham Palace, that is very tired. I'm not sure what royalty would stay at this hotel, maybe a royal family from a very small and poor country as there was nothing particularly regal about it. It is a small hotel, located in old Damascus - which means it is completely manic outside. Maybe OK if you are a tourist and want to be right in the atmosphere. If you are on business you may find it a hassle getting in and out.
The suites part of it basically mean you get a small kitchen in your room - and I mean small! The room itself is also quite small, and the decor reminds me of travel inns you get in the UK, modern and clean, but fairly basic. The bathroom was tiny, had only a shower which leaked water all over the floor, and there was nowhere to put anything by the sink.
I appreciate the idea of having a kitchen is that you can prepare your own stuff, but when you have just flown in from Aleppo at 10.00 at night and you find there is no tea or coffee facilities, no minibar and not even a bottle of water, does make you feel a little disappointed.
Also, check in was a bit odd as I was not allowed my passport back until the following morning - although this is probably more to do with Syrian security measures.
Hotel gym was OK, but not that well equipped. To find it you have to ask reception, as you do with the restaurant, there is no guest information in the room to tell you where everything is, and as the hotel is small it is all hidden away on different floors.
At least there was one friendly guy on reception, as all the other staff didn't seem particularly happy - which is strange for Syria, as I find Syrians usually quite friendly.
Didn't particularly like this hotel (as you may gather), but the only serious hotel in Damascus is the Four Seasons - but I did stay three nights at this hotel for less than the cost of one at the Four Seasons, so you get what you pay for I guess.
One final thing - I think this hotel gave me food poisoning, but I cannot prove it!

Perfect location for seeing all the sites of Old Damascus, everything is within walking distnace. Staff is very helpful and friendly. The rooms are a bit tired, but so is all of Syria, it seems. Also, if you are on the front of the hotel, you face a souk and a mosque so be prepared for noise late into the night and again early in the morning.