Finding cheap hotels in Damascus is far easier than most travellers expect. The Syrian capital now has dozens of budget and mid-range properties that combine a central location, a reasonable rate and decent service. The real difference between a comfortable stay and a disappointing one is not the price — it is knowing the right neighbourhood, the right room type, and whether the hotel keeps electricity and hot water running all day.
This guide collects six of the best options available right now, with rates starting at $40 a night, real photos of each property, a full room-by-room price breakdown and where each one sits on the map of the city.
What “cheap” actually means in Damascus today
Budget and mid-range hotels in Damascus currently run between $40 and $90 per night, while luxury properties start at around $150. Anything in the $40–$70 range counts as a genuinely good deal in the capital, especially when breakfast is included.
Four practical points are worth checking before comparing cheap hotels in Damascus:
- Electricity and hot water: most decent hotels run private generators so lighting and hot water are available 24/7, while air conditioning usually works only during government electricity hours.
- Payment: the vast majority deal in cash — US dollars or the equivalent in Syrian pounds — so bring cash rather than relying on bank cards.
- Breakfast: some rates include it and some do not, a difference worth $5–$10 a day for two people.
- Location: the same money buys a completely different experience in the modern city centre versus the Old City, which the final section breaks down.
Damascus budget hotel price comparison
The table below shows the lowest nightly rate at each hotel alongside its neighbourhood, for a quick comparison before the detail:
| Hotel | Area | From | Double room | Breakfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Kairawan Hotel | Al Bahsa Street | $40 | $45 | Included |
| Hotel Al Majed | 29 Ayyar Street | $40 | $50–$70 | Included |
| Al Iwan Hotel | Al Bahsa / Youssef al-Azma | $50 | $60 | Not stated |
| Al Zaytuna Hotel | Bab Touma | $50 | $70 | Included |
| Shahrayar Hotel | Bab Touma | $60 | $60 | Not stated |
| Damascus International Hotel | Youssef al-Azma Street | $60 | $70 | Included |
The 6 best cheap hotels in Damascus
1. Al Kairawan Hotel — the lowest rate, breakfast included
Al Kairawan sits on Al Bahsa Street, a short walk from Muhafaza Square, Marjeh Square and the Shaalan district, which makes it the best pick for anyone chasing the lowest possible rate without giving up a central location. A single room starts at just $40 — the cheapest on this list.
The hotel is classified by the Ministry of Tourism and has an in-house restaurant, room service and a lift, plus daily housekeeping, security cameras and night staff. Breakfast is included in the rate, which genuinely raises the value against other properties in the same price bracket.
- Rates: single $40 – double $45 – junior suite $55 – suite $70.
- Features: 24/7 electricity and lighting, restaurant, room service, lift, private bathroom, TV, air conditioning, daily housekeeping.
- Best for: solo travellers, tight budgets and short central stays.
2. Hotel Al Majed — the widest range of rooms and rates
Hotel Al Majed is a three-star Damascene boutique hotel on 29 Ayyar Street, behind Al Sufaraa Cinema, in one of the liveliest parts of modern Damascus for cafés, restaurants and evening life. Its strength is the sheer range of room types, from $40 for an underground single up to $120 for a suite of two connected bedrooms sleeping five.
That spread makes it a practical choice for families and groups, who can book either two budget rooms or a single suite in the same property. Breakfast is included in every rate, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar, room service, air conditioning and refrigerators in the rooms.
- Rates: underground single $40 – underground double $50 – standard double $70 – triple $85 – renovated VIP double $100 – two-bedroom suite or junior suite $120.
- Features: 24/7 electricity, restaurant and bar, air conditioning, private bathrooms, refrigerators, room service, heating and ironing in selected rooms, breakfast included.
- Best for: families and groups, and anyone who wants to be near the restaurants and cafés of modern Damascus.
3. Al Iwan Hotel — four stars at a budget rate
Al Iwan is arguably the best deal among the cheap hotels in Damascus: it holds a four-star classification, yet rates start at $50 for a single and $60 for a double. It stands on Al Bahsa Street near Youssef al-Azma Street, minutes from Muhafaza Square, Marjeh Square and the Shaalan markets.
The hotel has a restaurant serving local dishes, a barber shop, room service, and electricity and hot water around the clock. Reception is staffed day and night, and the team speaks Arabic and basic English — a relief for visitors arriving from abroad.
- Rates: single $50 – twin $60 – double $60 – two-room suite sleeping five $108.
- Features: four-star classification, restaurant, barber shop, room service, permanent electricity and hot water, air conditioning, 24-hour reception.
- Best for: travellers who want a higher level of service on a budget, and short business trips.
4. Al Zaytuna Hotel — an authentic Damascene stay in Bab Touma
Al Zaytuna is a traditional Damascene house converted into a boutique hotel, classified four stars by the Ministry of Tourism, in Aziz Al Masri Alleyway in Bab Touma inside the walls of the Old City. Staying here is a different experience from a modern hotel: an open inner courtyard, Damascene architectural detail, and relative quiet despite being close to the district’s restaurants and cafés.
Rates start at $50 for a single and reach $85 for a triple, with breakfast included plus a mini bar and in-room safe. The hotel runs generators to guarantee continuous electricity, and offers laundry, concierge and 24-hour reception.
- Rates: single $50 – double $70 – suite $70 – triple $85.
- Features: four-star classification, 24/7 generator-backed electricity, air conditioning, private bathroom, TV, mini bar, safe, daily housekeeping, breakfast included, room service.
- Best for: lovers of the Old City and heritage atmosphere, and visitors who want to walk to the Umayyad Mosque and Midhat Pasha Souq.
5. Shahrayar Hotel — a Damascene house with simple, flat pricing
Shahrayar is a three-star boutique Damascene house in Tal Al Qadi Alleyway in Bab Touma, a short walk from the Umayyad Mosque and the best-known restaurants of the Old City. Most of its rooms look onto the inner courtyard, which gives a real sense of staying in a Damascene home rather than a commercial hotel.
Pricing here could not be simpler: $60 a night for either a single or a double, plus $15 per extra guest. That simplicity is welcome for anyone who does not want surprises on the bill. Worth noting: air conditioning runs two hours in the morning and two hours at night, a detail to weigh up at the height of summer.
- Rates: single $60 – double $60 – $15 per additional guest.
- Features: 24/7 electricity and reception, private bathroom, TV, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer, daily housekeeping, enhanced security.
- Note: air conditioning is available two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening only.
6. Damascus International Hotel — spacious rooms in the heart of the city
Damascus International Hotel stands on Youssef al-Azma Street near Muhafaza and Marjeh squares, classified four stars by the Ministry of Tourism. It stands out for its spacious rooms and a terrace overlooking the city, along with a wedding hall and hairdressing services, which makes it a familiar choice for family occasions as well as tourist stays.
Rates start at $60 for a single, $70 for a double and $90 for a suite sleeping three, with breakfast included across all categories. Payment is cash in US dollars or the equivalent in Syrian pounds, check-in and check-out are at 12:00 noon, and pets are not allowed.
- Rates: single $60 – double $70 – suite for three $90.
- Features: four-star classification, spacious rooms, terrace with a view, permanent electricity and hot water, air conditioning, TV, hair dryer, 24-hour room service and reception, breakfast included.
- Best for: families who need more space, and anyone who prefers a well-known traditional hotel in central Damascus.
Where should you stay? A Damascus neighbourhood comparison
The six hotels fall into three main areas, each with a completely different character:
- Al Bahsa and Youssef al-Azma (Al Iwan, Al Kairawan, Damascus International): the heart of modern Damascus, near Muhafaza Square, Marjeh Square and the Shaalan markets. Best for getting around, for business trips and for anyone who wants transport and services close by.
- Bab Touma and the Old City (Al Zaytuna, Shahrayar): a stay inside a heritage Damascene house, walking distance from the Umayyad Mosque, Al Hamidiyah Souq and the Old City restaurants. Best for sightseeing, photography and historic atmosphere.
- 29 Ayyar Street (Al Majed): a lively district of cafés, restaurants and evening activity, midway between modern and old Damascus.
If you are planning a wider tour of the capital, our guides to the top travel destinations in Damascus and 14 things to do on a first visit help you build a daily plan around your hotel.
Practical tips for booking a cheap hotel in Damascus
- Book ahead to pay less: the rates above are advance-booking rates and are often higher for walk-ins, especially in peak season.
- Ask for a long-stay discount: most Damascus hotels reduce the rate for stays over three or four nights — you only have to ask when booking.
- Confirm whether breakfast is included: a $5 difference in the nightly rate can disappear entirely once breakfast is factored in.
- Ask about air conditioning and heating: AC hours differ from hotel to hotel and it is the key question in July and August, while winter heating may only be available in certain rooms.
- Bring cash: paying cash in dollars is the norm, so arrange the money before you arrive rather than counting on ATMs or cards.
- Confirm your arrival time: telling the hotel roughly when you will arrive keeps the room ready, particularly for late arrivals or overland crossings. See our guide on how to get to Syria for the details.
Frequently asked questions about cheap hotels in Damascus
What is the cheapest hotel in Damascus?
Al Kairawan Hotel and Hotel Al Majed share the lowest rate on this list: a single room starts at $40 per night at both, and breakfast is included.
How much does a hotel in Damascus cost per night?
Budget and mid-range hotels in Damascus run between $40 and $90 per night depending on the room type and neighbourhood, while luxury properties start at around $150.
Are budget hotels in Damascus safe?
The hotels listed here are all classified by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism and keep a 24-hour reception. Many also have security cameras, night staff and in-room safes. Choosing a classified hotel in a central district is the single most important factor.
Do hotels in Damascus have electricity all day?
Lighting and hot water run around the clock at every hotel on this list thanks to private generators. Air conditioning usually works during government electricity hours or within set hours defined by each hotel.
Which area of Damascus is best to stay in?
Bab Touma and the Old City are best for a heritage stay within walking distance of the Umayyad Mosque. Al Bahsa and Youssef al-Azma streets are better for transport links, shopping and business trips.
Can I pay by credit card at hotels in Damascus?
Almost all of them are cash-only, in US dollars or the equivalent in Syrian pounds, so it is best to bring cash rather than rely on cards or ATMs.
The bottom line
Choosing between cheap hotels in Damascus depends on the kind of trip more than on price alone: Al Kairawan and Al Majed for the tightest budgets, Al Iwan and Damascus International for four-star standards at a reasonable rate, and Al Zaytuna and Shahrayar for anyone who wants to sleep inside a Damascene house in the Old City. All of them sit within easy reach of the capital’s landmarks, and rates start at $40 a night.
For higher-end options, see our list of the best hotels in Damascus, or carry on planning with the best restaurants in Damascus. To book any of these hotels or arrange a full itinerary, get in touch with the Terhal team directly.
