The Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme, located in Old Damascus, Syria, is a jewel of opulence, elegance, and comfort, set in a meticulously renovated 1860's Ottoman mansion where their spacious guestrooms, large public areas, and two restaurants, La Veranda and Mooneh, create an oasis of relaxation within the hustle and bustle of Damascus. 

I stayed at the newly renovated hotel featuring 12 rooms and suites while I was attending the Silk Road Festival, held annually in Syria since 2002. Nestled in the heart of Old Damascus, the hotel offers easy access to shopping at the Suqs Al Hamidiyeh, Midhat Pasha, Al Bzouriyeh, and Al Harir, as well as other attractions.

Beit Zafran Foyer

The 100% smoke-free hotel features exquisite antiques located throughout the property that begins from the moment that you enter the foyer with its magnificent 100-year old mirror that sets the ambience for your next few steps into the grand courtyard. The courtyard is centered around the ornate marble fountain that was restored to its original glory, while off to the side is the Liwan sitting area with its spectacular wooden ceiling, lush red upholstered chairs and sofas, Ottoman style hanging chandeliers, and a cozy atmosphere to relax and get away from the warm days or nights of Damascus. Located just off the courtyard is the Shai Lounge with 9-meter ceilings (27 feet), a round fountain, a decorative marble floor, brilliant crystal chandeliers with matching crystal sconces, and wooden armchairs and sofas with plush blue cushions.

Beit Zafran Courtyard

The courtyard is the gateway to the ground floor rooms and creates a splendid view from any of the rooms; the guestroom I was staying in was a short stroll across the courtyard and was located directly across from the Liwan sitting area. In addition to the fountain in the center, there were terracotta flowerpots lushly abundant with green plants, and decorative wall fountains.   

Beit Zafran Liwan Sitting Area

My spacious guestroom featured an ornate crystal chandelier, a large, intricate antique armoire, and a king bed with a red upholstered headboard dressed with a pristine white duvet and matching pillows, flanked by nightstands on either side that held a telephone, bronze lamps with attractive cranberry pleated fringed lampshades, and the television remote.

Guestroom

On the desk there was a hotel laptop connected via the free hi-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access, and an assortment of magazines. There were two mirrors, a large ornate entryway door with decorative glass archway, plush bronze velvet drapes with matching tiebacks, and a round table where a plate of fresh fruit waited invitingly flanked by two red cushioned chairs. In-room amenities included a 24" flat-screen Sony television, a safe in the closet, robes, slippers, and complimentary shoeshine service.

Bathroom

The cream marble bathroom featured an oversized vanity with a square mirror in a decorative frame, a sink, a combination tub and a shower with an oversized rain showerhead, and a toilet. Bathroom amenities included a hair dryer, a towel warmer, and L'Occitane toiletries.

La Veranda

During my stay at the hotel, I had an excellent breakfast and dinner at the roof terrace restaurant, La Veranda that featured Syrian specialties. Its prime location affords excellent views of Old Damascus along with views of the courtyard. The restaurant features wrought iron and glass tables and matching chairs with cream leather cushions, and large cream-colored market umbrellas. Lightening is from the clear skies and the sparkling stars, as well as the floor lamps, sconces on the walls, and candles on the tables. For breakfast, I indulged in a variety of delicacies including homemade granola, homemade bircher muesli, and mamouniah, and in the evening, I enjoyed experiencing the traditional Damascene recipe for Sheikh El Mehshi for dinner, which was stuffed zucchini filled with ground beef with a yoghurt sauce.

 
     Breakfast                           Sheikh El Mehshi

With its luxurious appointments, attentive and professional service, excellent restaurants, and its heart of Damascus location, Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme is perfect for leisure or business travelers looking for a welcoming oasis.

View from Liwan to Courtyard

Read about Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme in the Destinations, Restaurants, and Chefs' Recipes sections.

Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme
Bab Touma - Haret Boolad
P.O. Box 31109
Damascus, Syria
Telephone:       +963-11-54386760/1/2/3
Fax:                  +963-11-5443957
Email:               This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:          www.BeitZafran.com  

Read other materials on Syria in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Adventures, and Chefs' Recipes sections.

For more information on Syria, please visit Syria Ministry of Tourism website: www.SyriaTourism.org.

© January 2011. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.