Comfortable mid-range hotel in a renovated traditional house featuring intricate tile work and wooden details. Offers good balance of authenticity and modern comfort. Rooftop area provides relaxation space.
Dar Al Yasmin occupies a sensitively restored Damascene townhouse in the Old City, set within walking distance of the Umayyad Mosque, Souk Al-Hamidiyeh, and the Street Called Straight. The building retains its original courtyard layout, with rooms arranged around a central atrium decorated with interlocking geometric tilework, carved plasterwork friezes, and painted wooden ceilings typical of 18th-century Damascene merchant architecture. The renovation has preserved these elements while introducing private en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Room types range from standard doubles facing the courtyard to larger deluxe rooms with extra floor space and more elaborate décor. All rooms are fitted with comfortable bedding, flat-screen televisions, and quality linens. The hotel's rooftop terrace provides an open-air space for relaxing with views across the Old City's minarets and terracotta rooftops.
Breakfast is included in most room rates and is served in the courtyard when weather allows, typically comprising local cheeses, olives, bread, labneh, and fresh fruit. The hotel does not operate a full restaurant, but the surrounding Old City lanes offer immediate access to traditional Syrian dining establishments. Staff at the front desk assist with recommendations, guided tours, and transport arrangements. The property is well-suited to independent travellers and couples seeking an authentic stay within Damascus's ancient walled city, combining genuine historic character with reliable modern comfort at a mid-range price point that reflects the quality of restoration work.
Amenities
- restaurant
- rooftop terrace
- WiFi
- breakfast included
- air conditioning
Location
Old City, Damascus
33.5125, 36.3088 View on map
Highlights
- Restored Damascene courtyard with original geometric tilework and carved plasterwork ceilings
- Walking distance to Umayyad Mosque, Souk Al-Hamidiyeh, and the Street Called Straight
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Old City minarets and roofscapes
- Included breakfast served alfresco in the courtyard during fair weather
Tips for visiting
- Book rooms facing the inner courtyard for the most atmospheric experience; street-side rooms can be noisy after dark when the surrounding lanes are active.
- The Old City lanes around the hotel are best explored on foot — allow extra time on Fridays when the Umayyad Mosque draws larger crowds and some souk sections close.
- Pack light if arriving with large luggage, as access involves narrow stone-paved alleyways that are impractical for wheeled suitcases.