Damascus Travel Forum

Hi everyone,
Im a polish student (girl) planning to come to Damascus this summer (August 2008) to learn arabic at the University of Damascus. Does anybody know any place to stay (syrian famielies or hostal or any rooms for girls to rent) Please answer at: ewaluch@ugr.es
Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I'll be studying Arabic at Damascus University in about a month (I'll arrive on 20 May) and I need to start thinking about finding an apartment. I'm sure I will be staying in a hotel until I find a place, but I've got a few questions:

How difficult will it be to find a suitable furnished apartment near Damascus University? How much should I look to spend in rent? Can anyone recommend a real estate agent?

Thanks!

Is anyone visiting Damascus in the first week of May?? would love to have a travelling buddy to see this beautiful city??? My knowledge of Arabic and a pleasing personality would definetely make me a best choice for a traveling partner? But this is my first time in the city and i wish to see it together with a VT Member...it will be great fun!

I've read reviews on two, Ghazal Hotel and Sultan Hotel, both budget hotels for backpackers and travellers on a budget!! I've got the email for Ghazal and made enquiries but only telephone number for Sultan, expensive for me to call from Istanbul, does anyone know the hotel(s), and/or have email for Sultan?? thanks everyone. I'm travelling in May and will be arriving Damascus via Allepo.

Georgie

p.s. any other tips on hotels and tours there would be great

How is the usual weather in Damascus during first week of May?? Is it really Hot or do i have to carry my jackeT??

I am choosing between an accommodation/guide company, and I don't know which one to choose. Two companies I have heard of are Arabesk and Damascus Hostel. If anyone has had personal experience with either (good or bad), please share. Also, if you could, include the prices that were offered to you and how long you stayed in Damascus. Thanks!

I cannot find on the map the Adress "Shallan", where is this road (points nearby)?

Thanks

Daniel

So, I have nearly decided that Damascus University is the place I want to study Arabic this summer for approximately 2 months. Several people have informed me that the best way to sign up for the courses as Damascus University is to do it personally. I would have no problem doing this; however, what I wish to know is that is it guaranteed that there will be a spot for me when I get there? Secondly, is there anyway to find out when exactly the program begins in June? Finally, is there anyway someone could explain how one would go about living alone in Damascus for 2 months? I know the last question is a little broad, but whatever info. you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

U know its a way off yet, but next January/February, i am planning to go from Istanbul to Cairo overland. I will be visiting Syria and Damascus in particular, and as I am travelling alone, i would very much like to have a contact in Damascus who could help me avoid problems etc, and see me safely on my way. I would also love to visit Palmyra.I would of course reciprocate to anyone coming to Wales!!.Thankyou

Has anyone stayed at the "Damascus Hostel" - www.damascushostel.com - it looks like a very interesting choice...Have heard overall negative comments about AL Majib..am not picky at all (see my hotel/hostel picks!) - any ideas for staying in old Damascus houses - ahve not found any good sites/links and guidebooks are hopelessly out of date...

I only have a few days in Syria - coming over from Beirut for three or maybe four days. I was wondering if anyone has done Krak in a day? Are there organized tours or is it best to take a bus (and then connect to Krak) or get a driver for the day - as I don't have time have to pay for the convenience.

Searching for apartment in Damascus. I will be traveling to Damascus this month -- Jan 2008. I prefer the Shaalan. I will need the apartment for months. As I will be alone, I need only two or three warm, secure rooms. Third-floor okay. High-speed internet a plus. A real estate agent in Damascus knows me -- he will handle the paperwork for the rental. Though I am an instructor of writing and literature, I will attend the Kuliat Al Adab in Mezzeh as a student of Arabic.

Hi everyone,
Im a french student planning to come to damascus this summer(June-July-August 2008) to learn arabic at Mezzeh institute.I would like to know if there is any rooms for girls to rent or if anyone know a family who rent a room? Please answer at fiduspassif@yahoo.fr. Thanks!

I know that gay life is relatively quiet in Damascus but does anyone know any places to go? I am a single guy in my 30s.

Hello,
We are planning to visit Damascus in January. While we will be there we also would like to visit Aleppo as well. Our travel plan is visiting Damascus first and go to Aleppo by train and go back to our country (Turkey) by train also. We would like to know if there are any train services between Damascus and Aleppo. If there is a train between Damascus and Aleppo we will schedule our travel with that option. Could anyone reply my question please? Thank you very much in advance. Zuhal.

We are planning on visiting Damascus and Aleppo next month, December 27, 2007 to Jan 3, 2008. Please advice about good but not outrageously expensive hotels/b&b in both places. We prefer locally run establishments. As well, what is the best way to travel between Damascus and Aleppo? What are the must see/do things in both places. Thank you.

Has anyone recently studied Arabic in Damascus and at which institute or university?
What about accomodation and cost of living?Has anyone a good homestay recommendation?
Tks

i will arrive at 1.30 p.m. in damascus/airport next friday.
does anyone know about save transportation to the city - to be brought to my hotel.
i have heard different opinions about taxidrivers.
thank you very much
kavita

I will be travelling to Damascus on the 18th of October for 9 months.

I am in urgent need of a furnished apartment with at least one bedroom (sleeping 2), kitchen and bathroom near the centre, (within reach of Damascus University).

Does anyone know of any decently priced places? I would be very grateful.

Thanks.

Maybe somebody knows if I can find in Damascus or Aleppo a shop which sells essential oils (aromatherapy)? Thank you!

Hello to everyone!

Me and my friend are planning to go in October from Damascus to Bosra and back (whole day). We would like to hire a taxi/car with the driver. What we do expect to pay? It will be our first time in Syria and we know not too much about prices.

Thank you very much!

Hi there

I've already booked Blue Tower hotel
Could somebody tell me where is it? On the web site there is information that it's in center but I haven't got a clue where is exactly....

Is many minets taks to go by foots from Blue Tower to the Ancent City of Damascus or its better to take a taxi

many thanks for your help
regards,

Serggio

Hi and ahlan everyone,

I'm plannning to travel to Damascus around the 18th of October and am looking to rent a one bedroom apartment that sleeps 2 people, preferably furnished, with TV, and western bathroom and kitchen that is fully equipped.

It would be good if it is near the centre of the city for convenience.

Does anyone know of any good contacts that are reasonably priced for this?

Many thanks

Ameet

im planning to study arabic at abunour.Is there anyone going to this place

Hi there

Is it possible to make 1 day tour Damascus - Palmira - Damascus
I heard that about 200 kilomiters between these cities....

many thanks for your help
regards

Hi,

I am looking for an apartment in Damascus for one month in October.

I would like it in the Salihiyeh/Shaalan/Cham Palace area, 2 bedrooms, with internet access.

Two questions:
1 - can you recommend an estate agent?
2 - how much should I be paying?

Thanks.

Hi,
Planning to visit Damascus and had a few Qs. since my last visit there was ages ago
-which hotel is better Al majid which i`m more inclined towards, Sultan or Salam having read the last two hotels reviews here ,overall and location wise as i would like to visit the old city ,souk al hamediah and ommayad mosque ? Al majid is in assaffra is that close to omayad mosque,hamidiah etc.?whithin walking distance or ?
-Which hotel is close to buses that leave for palmyra ,busra as i would like to go for a day trip? how far is Almajed from the that particular bus station?
-Is it ok if i wonder around in Palmyra on my own ,any possibility of being hassled.
-Are currency exchange outlets widely available , better rates than banks? do they have a uniform rate or ? how many Syrian liras to a US dollar ?
-Do you still need to declare the amount of currency you bring in and leave with ?
-how much is the airport taxi ,is that counter where you pay and get a coupon still there ?
-ok last one, do you need to hand in your passport when checking in hotels like almajed for instance .
Thanks for any replies.

Hello everyone...

Be grateful if someone could tell me which direction, in relation to central Damascus is the Mounth Qasiyoun? Is it south of the city?

Thanks

HEy everyone!

does anyone know of a good Arabic teacher, who gives private lessons in Damascus?

Thanks
S.

Dear All;

My family and I will be in Damascus from June 4 to june 8. I am looking for a nice 3 bedroom furnished apartment. If you can be of any help, please send me an email to marajabi@yahoo.com.

Thanks