What the hotel landscape looks like

  • As of May 2025, there are about 829 hotels in Syria total. Rentech Digital

  • Distribution is heavily skewed: cities and main governorates have the lion’s share. For example, Damascus (~238 hotels), Aleppo (~158), Latakia (~110), Homs (~76), etc. Rentech Digital

  • In Damascus, there are over 225 properties of all categories (luxury, boutique, mid-range). hvs.com

  • A smaller number of these are “branded” / international chain hotels. Many are locally owned, boutique or restored heritage houses. hvs.com+1

Some notable and representative hotels

Here are several of the more prominent hotels (luxury / boutique / well known) to give you an idea:

Hotel City What makes it special / notes
Four Seasons Hotel Damascus Damascus Big, upscale, central; 297 rooms + 66 suites. Operated under Four Seasons name though sanctions severed formal franchise connection. Wikipedia
Beit al-Mamlouka Damascus (Old City) Luxury boutique hotel, set in a restored 17th-century Damascene house, charming historic features. Wikipedia
Sheraton Aleppo Hotel Aleppo Large hotel (199 rooms + suites), historically 5-star, with restaurants, and somewhat revived after being closed during conflict. Wikipedia
Blue Tower Hotel Damascus Four-star, moderate size (≈59 rooms), decent amenities (restaurant, café, bar, modern room facilities) in a good area. Wikipedia

What to expect / quality & common issues

Some of the things travelers report or observe:

  • High occupancy: Many hotels are full, especially in Damascus and during popular periods. ynetglobal+2Reddit+2

  • Condition varies a lot: Some hotels (especially heritage or boutique ones) have been restored or well-maintained; others are in need of renovation, losing comfort, or have service issues. ynetglobal+2hvs.com+2

  • Amenities may be inconsistent: Issues like reliable electricity, internet, air conditioning, water can be patchy in some places. Always good to ask specifically.

  • Price volatility & high cost in some cases: With limited supply and rising demand, prices in Damascus and Old City hotels have sometimes gone high. Also, foreigners may be charged in USD or equivalent. Enab Baladi+1

  • Heritage / boutique hotels are popular, especially in Old City / historic district; they offer atmosphere and charm. However, they may have fewer rooms and some compromises (narrow stairs, older design, less tech).

Booking and payment realities

  • Many hotel listings are now on local platforms, e.g. SyriaBooking, which advertises “pay on arrival” options, local deals, etc. Syria Booking

  • International booking platforms sometimes don’t show availability or don’t have accurate info. Travelers often report the need to call / message hotels directly (phone, WhatsApp, social media) to confirm. Reddit+2Reddit+2

  • Payment often needs to be in cash (USD or local currency) rather than relying on credit card / international online payment. Reddit+1

  • Some hotels may be run down or parts closed, so what you see in photos may not reflect full current condition. Recent reviews are valuable.

Trends & Data

  • Hotel profits increased sharply: According to one report, hotel profits in Syria rose ~145% between 2022 and 2023, coinciding with an increase in tourists (arab & foreign nationals). The Syrian Observer – A News Website

  • Nights spent in Syrian hotels by tourists (Arab and foreign) are up, indicating demand is returning. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Library+1

  • The coastline resorts (e.g., Latakia and areas near it) are seeing more use (family holidays) especially in summer. Wikipedia+1

Tips for choosing hotels in Syria

Here are practical tips to help you pick a good hotel and avoid surprises:

  1. Choose location carefully — staying in Old City / historic areas gives charm and access, but may be noisy / harder to reach by car. Staying in more modern districts gives better infrastructure.

  2. Verify recent reviews — look for traveler reports in 2024-2025, particularly for photos (room condition, service, amenities).

  3. Contact directly — via phone / WhatsApp / social media; ask about availability, condition, recent renovations, whether everything functions (hot water, AC, internet).

  4. Ask about payment method and in which currency; check if they accept credit card or insist on cash.

  5. Be flexible with budget; you may pay more than expected because of high demand or limited options.

  6. Book early, especially for popular dates or once flights open up; because occupancy rates are reportedly very high. ynetglobal+1

  7. Stay informed about safety and security — check travel advisories; ask hotels about safety measures, especially in cities or near conflict zones.