Hanania Hotel: The Talk of The Town

Passing near the building of  Saint Hanania Church, one of the most ancient churches in Damascus, was built in 1815 A.D in al- Quarshi Alley in Al-Midan neighborhood which is very similar to the Damascene houses, one can see that it constitutes an integrated complex which contains a primary school and charity association in addition to the Church. Still preserved is Ananias (Hanania) Chapel, commemorating the conversion in Damascus of Saul of Tarsus, who became St. Paul, the Apostle. It stands near the eastern end of Midhat Pasha Street

Fifty meters away from, you come across a hotel taking the same name Hanania Hotel, welcoming, clean, calming, comfortable and good value. The building was restored using old materials and techniques and became an art gallery. It is now a small, funky, boutique hotel a short stroll from the al-Sharqi Gate (Eastern Gate) in the Christian Quarter and within easy walking of all sights in Old Damascus, following Saint Paul steps.

Each room is different and decorated with art and antiques. Some antiques are displayed in unusual places i.e. the shower. While others are used in inventive ways adding to the character of the room. Each room offers comfortable beds, air conditioning, satellite TV and Wi-Fi. All rooms’ walls are a sort of a gallery and museum of art and history filled with original charming canvas related to very famous Syrian artists’ real antique furniture. Supplied with shelves contain old items tools and instruments.

The Hanania center courtyard is a cool spot to take a break in the heat of the day. The small but very satisfying buffet breakfast is served in the cellar. If stairs are a problem for you, let them know. Staff goes out of their way to help make your stay memorable and are most helpful with area information and suggestions. A ground floor with an opulent opened unshielded sunny refreshing Courtyard, with exciting walls covered by means of rare old stones arches;  making you enjoy the four seasons weather of orient.

The three levels old building has an underground fancy old bar and lounge, twining to Hanania church, the most original old architectural design of domes in Damascus feel the fever of romance and privacy in a very cold basement.

“We were fortunate to stay at the Hanania hotel in March May and December 2010 while we were training for the Syrian National Council for the Disabled (SNCD). We found the hotel exceptional but the staff were the real stars. They made us feel like family and were there morning noon and night to help. Dr. Ayham owner of the hotel has turned it into an incredible art gallery since each room is filled with original artworks. We would not stay anywhere else in Damascus.” said a SNCD trainer  from Atlanta Georgia.

Another guest called Zoedibb from Brighton United Kingdom recommended “I stayed here for two nights with my friend in April. The staff were very kind and helpful, pointing out places of interest for us to visit on a map and upgrading us to the honeymoon suite! The building has been lovingly restored with great attention to detail and the hotel also serves as an art gallery for modern Syrian painters. The Hanania is located in the old city’s other Christian Quarter and it’s walking distance to restaurants, the souk, Umayyad Mosque and all the old city’s other attractions. I would highly recommend a stay here and would go back whenever I return to Damascus.”        

Whereas Kitty Athome from Paris, France declared “This boutique hotel is perfectly located in the Christian section of the Old City of Damascus. It is four minutes’ walk from the Bab Shaqi (East Gate) of the old city which allows rapid access to taxis. The staff are very helpful. Works by Syrian artists hang in the rooms and around the hotel’s inner courtyard.”

Kitty added “As a boutique hotel featuring the owners own art collection this hotel really stands out. It is very clean the staff is very professional and friendly and the rooms are clean and nicely furnished even if they are a bit small. The best thing about the hotel is that there was always hot water when we needed it a western style toilet and shower in suite and complimentary breakfast. I felt so comfortable in the hotel that it was nicer for me to travel to see the sites in Syria as day trips and return in the evening to Damascus and my comfy room! We went to Palmyra Bosra Hama Aleppo and Krak de Chevalliers. Great country great hotel! We felt like we were leaving family when we left the hotel. I highly recommend Hanania hotel”! 

Haifaa Mafalani