Beit Zaman - New Boutique Hotel in Old Damascus

Damascus, possibly the oldest continuously inhabited city still standing, has inspired legends, visions, and literary tributes for millennia. Centuries of visitors, from the early Arab geographers to European merchants and travelers, have sketched the spiritual and natural dimensions of Damascus, honored as "The Garden of the World."

Behind Damascus rises rugged Mt. Qasiyun, with the ancient suburb of Sali-hiya clinging to its slopes, below, on the plain, stretch the old city and the Ghuta, a flaring skirt of orchards. Canals flow with the mountain water of the Barada River, threading through the city to the gardens beyond. Night transforms the panorama, swept by soft jasmine-scented breezes, into a scattering of star-like lights across the plain, dimming into the dark oasis beyond.

Damascus holds special significance for Muslims. The city was the capital of the Umayyad state, which ruled during an important part of Islam's greatest cultural flowering. It is one of three main gathering places, along with Baghdad and Cairo, for pilgrims to Makka. And a Damascus cemetery holds the grave of Bilal, the Prophet's muezzin.

Damascus's rich bazaars impressed travelers with the variety of goods and the excellence of craftsmanship. The fine damascene swords were praised about a century. They were so highly polished that when anyone wants to arrange his turban, he used his sword for a looking glass.

Many travelers have painted vivid portraits of Damascus's people, who have long held a strong sense of identity as citizens. They have also enjoyed renown for their elegance and taste for cultivated living, as expressed in their opulently appointed homes with fountains, Persian carpets, inlaid ivory and mother-of-pearl furniture, and damask silk textiles.

Even present-day Damascus, with industries sprawling outward into the Ghuta and apartment blocks creeping up the slopes of Mt. Qasiyun, continues to captivate travelers. The grace of the Damascenes is still spoken of, their love of fine clothes and food, their passion for music. Some cities oust or smother their past. Damascus lives in hers. In a breath of Jasmine, a splash of rose water, the play of a fountain - or the lilting rise of the Damascene drawl - the many splendor city continues to enchant.

The Old city of Damascus had a face lift. Opened a year ago, Beit Zaman Boutique hotel is a painstakingly restored 300 – years old courtyard house located on Damascus - Roman – era Street. The hotel hosts luxury tourists and hosts special events.

But let me introduce Mr. Hani Malek, General Manager of Beit Zaman Hotel. A born  Damascene, with university degree in law, brings a wealth of experience from tourism industry (GM of Zenobia Hotel in Palmyra, GM of Legend Hotel in Beirut, and GM of Windsor Palace in Alexandria) to Beit Zaman.

Among his hobbies is football and swimming, while his favorite music is – naturally – the Arab music, his favorite books are from the field of history, and here is one of his favorite sayings :

"Don't detest a negative thing that happens to you, it might turn to be for your own good", interview.

Q: A journey begins in imagination, a dream about adventures and the luxuries. What one can hope to find in Beit Zaman?
Hani Malek: While choosing to stay in a traditional house – Beit Zaman boutique hotel -  in the oldest inhabitant city in the world and to be served in luxurious way.
  
Q: Any reason to name the new boutique hotel "Beit Zaman"
Hani Malek: "Zaman" in Arabic means "house of old days". The hotel was named so, to reflect the type of living in the traditional Damascene house style.

Q: Your welcome message and philosophy?
Hani Malek: Hotel means hospitality and service.  If a person does not know the significance of these two terms, thus the person should not run a hotel.

Q: Give us a guided tour, explain the concept, what was important when creating the boutique hotel in old Damascus?
Hani Malek: To highlight the old Damascene architectural style and expose it to the contemporary generation especially to people from different civilizations and backgrounds … while keeping the old inherited style. We added facilities in order to better serve our guests while staying at our boutique hotel.
But let me guide you through Beit Zaman. The boutique hotel has 28 rooms and suites on two floors overlooking the damascene fruit trees:

Damascso Room offers oriental and occidental food. Damasco Room is equipped for business meetings & seminars for 25 persons.

Jillak Tea Room is a place to meet and relax under "Ajami Style" wooden ceiling.

Al Dardasha Café is the hotel side walk cafeteria where one can have a hubble-bubble and delicious beverage.

Hammam Zaman,  traditional steam

Al Areesha Terrace is nice for gatherings during summer, it is overlooking old Damascus.

Abou Nawas Bar  offers a variety of drinks and cocktails in a delightful cozy atmosphere.

Q: Tell us something about the interior design, atmosphere which awaits the guests, traveller
Hani Malek: All in-house furniture are original antique pieces, carefully selected and bought from damascene families and renovated by specialists.

The narrow walkways which lead to the courtyards with the traditional fountains and fruit trees, take our guests to an unique ambient.

Q: A "Beit Zaman" " breakfast?
Hani Malek:  We serve intercontinental breakfast in addition to the traditional home made like damascene breakfast variety.
 
Q: Festive settings, private dining, hosting of memorable events, a brief reflection?
Hani Malek: The main courtyard of the hotel is equipped to host around 60 to 70 persons for special events like engagement, weddings or private dinners.

Business conference and meeting service are available in our Damasco Room, which is equipped with all essential equirement in order to make any conference a success.

Q: What kind of entertainment facilities are you offering, cultural evenings, etc.
Hani Malek: Here, I should like to mention our Hammam, the traditional steam bath.
 
The hotel has as a cosy cave bar, a coffee-shop, tea room "Jullak" where guests can  enjoy a drink while reading a book under a unique "Ajami style" wooden ceiling.

" Al Areesha: is a summer terrace where the guests can enjoy a pleasant nightly breeze and enjoy the view of Damascus with its many churches and mosques.
 
Q: Who are your guests, from which countries, what are responses so far?
Hani Malek: Our guests are from all over the world, many different nationalities but mostly European. According to our guests testimonies, most of our guests were satisfied with our service, hospitality plus the unique location of the boutique hotel.

Q: Which markets or group are you targeting?
Hani Malek: We look forward to welcome guests from all countries and - all markets.

Q: When was the hotel inaugurated and started its operations?
Hani Malek: In summer 2008 Al Zaman opened its door to welcome visitors. During this short period Beit Zaman was able – due to its excellent reputation – to host a number of VIP guests.

Last June, for example, the hotel hosted a delegation of Cardinals form all over the world, among them the representative of the Pope. The Patriarchal group was in Damascus to participate in the festivity at the end of St. Paul`s year in Damascus.

During this July, hosted a high level French delegation, presided by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bernard Kouchner.

Q: How is your season so far?
Hani  Malek:  Our pick season, i.e.March, April and May exceeded all expectations. Even the low season. i.e. June and July reached a high level of occupancy.

Q: Rates, promotions…?
Hani Malek: All available and updated on our website: www.beit-zaman.com

Q: A new generation of travellers is looking to pair unique foods and locations – worldwide tastes, where does Beit Zaman fit in?
Hani Malek: The concept of staying in a traditional Damascene house, built in   handmade mosaique, tiles, doors and other features or accessories makes a stay in  Beit Zaman Hotel an unique experience, in addition to its location in the Old city of Damascus and easy access to cities attractions.

Q: Final thoughts, recommendations, invitations
Hani Malek: Should you visit Damascus, do visit us, and experience stay in our luxurious boutique hotel.

Mr. Hani Malek, thank you.

Location of Beit Zaman Boutique Hotel. Damascus Syria  
25 minutes drive from Damascus International Airport 
15 minutes walk from Hamidiyya Souq, the Umayyad mosque
05 minutes from Bab Touma Square - Madhat Basha Street.
Contact Email: info@beit-zaman.com

Image: Beit Zaman GM Mr. Hani Malek welcoming French Foreign Minister Mr. Bernard Kouchner in Beit Zaman in July 2009

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