We (family of 4...myself, husband, and two teenagers) just returned from two weeks in Syria and Jordon...a fantastic trip! We flew Turkish Air from O'Hare, which gave us 3 days in Istanbul, Our visas for Syria were double entry; Jordon single entry..we obtained them about 6 weeks prior to departure. Stayed at a lovely guest house in the heart of Old Damascus called Maria Old House...www.mariaoldhouse.com. We were welcomed by all we met. I always felt safe except when trying to cross streets. HIred a driver from guest house who took us to Aleppo and Palmyra. Palmyra is a must see...esp at sunset. Long live Queen Zenobia! Stayed at the Heliotrope hotel; clean and moderate priced. Overland border crossing to Jordon took about 2 hours each way. Petra and Dead Sea do-able as side trip from Damascus. Also, outside Damascus, side trips to Convent of Thecla; crusader castle, and other must-sees per LP guide!

Thanks for all the info. Very encouraging for our soon holiday in both countries. Would like to know how your crossed borders? Taxi, bus??
Nadja
Hi, I don't think there is such a hotel name In Palmyra ( Heliotrope hotel), do you mean Heliopolis hotel?

I just had a look at Maria Old House's website and watched the video. There seems to be no mention of prices. Does anyone have an idea of the cost of a double room?
Thanks.

Click on the 'Rooms' tab (ie not the drop-downs, the actual tab) and you get this:
Maria Old house has four convenience rooms
The prices for the rooms are as the following:
Room one: 90 Euros
Room two: 60 Euros
Room three: 60 Euros
Room four: 65 Euros
All prices are including breakfast
Note: Special offers for long-term bookings