US citizens in Syria and Jordon

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

Thank you.

Yes you are correct it is the Hotel Heliopolis in Palmyra. Lovely view of ruins from the dining room at top of hotel! Go - it's amazing!

We hired a very competent and capable driver from Maria Old House, Imad, with his own van. He was helpful with the border crossings, and speaks good english. The entire exit/entry process took about 2 hours each way, so allow time for that!