The Four Seasons, Damascus

Located about 30 minutes from Damascus airport, the Four Seasons Damascus is nestled in the heart of the city, a short cab ride away from the National Museum (filled with archaeological treasures) and the historically rich Old City.

The 18-storey hotel was opened in 2006 and still looks fresh and new. It has a sleek and modern exterior that stands prominently amidst the city's skyline.

Inside, the lobby is warm and inviting, with soft muted colours and live piano music that sets the tone for the peaceful vibe that characterizes the interior space.

Exceptional service

One of the outstanding features of the hotel is its service, which is truly exceptional. We never had to look far to find a staff member eager to assist us, and they always responded cheerfully and promptly to any request we made, no matter how small.

We stayed on the eighth floor in a one-bedroom diplomatic suite, which was spacious and offered splendid views of the city. At night the sounds of the busy streets below were barely audible and never distracted us from our sleep.

Our suite was comfortable and well appointed in soft tones of beige and green with traditional Syrian accents. It had a large marble bathroom with a double vanity, deep soaking tub, and separate glass-walled shower. A guest powder room was also located adjacent to the living area.

The only aspect of the room that we found disappointing was the TVs, which were not flat screens. The old, boxy-looking TV's seemed a little dated in the otherwise modern-looking room.

Although our suite offered many creature comforts, perhaps our favourite was the bed, which was the most comfortable we had ever slept on. After a long, hot day on our feet wandering through the many tourist sites that are located in and around the city, we truly looked forward to collapsing in our bed and drifting off in a deep sleep. In the morning we always felt refreshed and ready for another day's touring.

Like everywhere else in the hotel, guests at the pool are pampered by eager hotel staff. The Balloran Spa, located next to the pool, offers a complete range of massages and body treatments, as well as Hatha yoga classes.

Food and beverage choices

Three excellent restaurants are available for guests who have worked up a hearty appetite after a day of business meetings or touring. Al Halabi features Aleppo cuisine of northern Syria, Al Circo offers Italian food, and Safran features a mix of Syrian and international cuisines.

The superb breakfast brunch offers a dizzying array of choices and stays open until 11:30, which is good news for late risers.

The hotel, like most city restaurants, serves alcohol, and the dark, club-like XO bar is perfect for a late night drink. For a livelier vibe, visit the outdoor cafes and coffee shops adjacent to the hotel in the bustling Damascus Boulevard mall. Although these establishments do not serve alcohol, they were overflowing with customers on the Friday evening we were there.

The exclusive shops in the mall also carry internationally renowned fashion brands such as Gianfranco Ferre, Versace, Emporia Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Aïshti.

Overall, we believe the Four Seasons Damascus, with its top-notch facilities and service, is an excellent choice for business or leisure travellers who plan to spend time in the Syrian capital.