Hi,
i want to backpack through syria this august. this website says that booking accomodation in advance is essential at this time. How true is this? i will be by myself and want to stay in hostels (if they exsist?) or the cheapest hotels. do the cheap hotels have A\C?
thanks
Dan
Edited by: zchaai3
I wouldn't say essential no,as they're arnt that many visitors to Syria(not when I was there in 06 anyway) the hotels which are frequented by holidaymakers from other parts of the Middle East might get a bit busy though,and also the popular backpacker places might be worth booking ahead just incase. As for AC, in the cheaper places,some do some don't and it will probably cost a little extra for an AC room.
i did syria autumn 07
we did not book anywhere in advance and had no problem finding a bed
if you want to have some guarantee of the general ambience of the hotel you'll probably need to book ahead
at some point the LP will be printing a new book for syria and its a long time over due. use the recommendations of the new book
we made the mistake of staying at the "wilted winter thistle" as we like to call it aka "the springflower hotel". there was no one spying us when we were in the shower, though there were some odd guys who just seemed to sit around all day stroking their chins. if you do visit the springflower give my regards to the boss and keep an eye out for the finish backpacker who decided to never leave.
you'll find the springflower gives you a 25 percent discount on the bedding, as the bed sheets only actually reach 75 % down the bed for the bottom sheet and only 75 % up the bed for the top sheet.
the tourist hotel across the road from the springflower was meant to be better.
the saving grace of the springflower is that it can arrange some very reasonably priced tours of the local area, so if you stay elsewhere check them out for a tour.