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Monday, August 10, 2009

Aleppo and our room with a view

Aleppo is Syria's most atmospheric city after Damascus and it's our next favorite destination after the capital, the highlights for us being the medieval souq, the labyrinthine old quarters dotted around the inner-city, and the complex cuisine, arguably the most interesting in the Middle East. The new town with its stylish cafes - currently full of hip young Syrian expat kids home for the summer holidays - is pretty appealing too. We're here to do hotel reviews and a feature on Aleppo's oldest restaurant dynasty, as well as gather content for other stories, so we've been at the Aleppo Sheraton for a few days. While it can't compare in terms of atmosphere to Aleppo's myriad boutique hotels in restored old houses, the hotel's location, slapbang in the centre of Aleppo, mid-way between Al Jdeida and the souqs, is unbeatable. As is the comfort and space of our room, the big desk, and internet access - things that become more important to a writer and photographer on deadline than sleeping under an Ottoman-era ceiling, I'm afraid. Oh, and the views, pictured, are pretty special too.

3 comments:

Mark H said...

Aleppo sounds absolutely enchanting. How do the great ancient Middle Eastern cities compare to the souqs/medinas and historic centres of Morocco?

- Susan - said...

Hi Lara,
I am here in Calabria enjoying your travel guide ! Great Job !
Have been on Gerace and Reggio with your very practical guide and have met the handsome bronze statues and ate the fantastic ice cream by Cesare .... THANKS !
Will post about this later on my blog !
Greetings to Terry as well,
ciao
S.

- Susan - said...

What a view !
Must be a great city to visit !
Love your pictures !!!