Burj AlSalam Boutique Hotel – A Tower of Peace in the Old City of Sana`a – Yemen

Incense, fragrant resin, spices, and perfumed woods dominated Arab trade and Yemen as the centre of this trade prospered and its history is subject to tales. Sana`a assumed significance since the early days.

The merchant houses that line the Old City of Sana`a are evidence of the fact that trade and commerce played an important role in those early times. As a further testimony to Sana`a importance, is the souq of Sana`a. It is reputed to be the one of its kind in the Middle East and the most authentic as well.

I step into the arched gates early afternoon. Walking into the souq for the first time takes you back in time. Winding, dusty pathways greet you as do the fragrance of incense and spices, the cacophony of bartering vendors, clanking wheelbarrows, sizzling food, and lively chatter. Colour lanterns that light the dim confines of the souq and brightly-lit shops make the souq a lively place. Here the old and the new mingle and the present revisits the past as visitors throne its quaint and charming interiors. It has retained much of its old world charm with row upon row of matchbox-size shops. Everything from the purest silk to the coolest cottons, to copper pots, cushions, household items, to gold and silver is sold here.

The most ubiquitous offering of the suq - frankincense – can be found everywhere, and in all possible forms. Golden nuggets nestle with rows of fragrant oils and powders with Hessian sacks of coffee, sandalwood, red saffron, rose petals vying from space with burlap sacks of exotic spices, dried lemons and dates. The shops are mostly small, some barely enough to hold their owners, much less their wares. As you walk up the winding path, deeper into the souq, stalls and stalls of narrow stores sell all kinds of clothing. Antique shops vie with one another for customers holding a treasure trove of sorts.

For some, however, the changing times have bought about more changes than ever.  Burj AlSalam, the new boutique hotel, situated in the heart of the Old city, offers heritage and hospitality, a blend of Yemeni tradition and modern comfort. It is a one of its kind hotel in Sana`a with coffee shop and restaurant, 47 rooms and suites are furnished with hand-made furniture. I`ve come to meet Soraya Abu Monassr, the Burj AlSalam manager, welcoming and stylish, interview.

Q: Burj Al Salam Boutique hotel has become the name for hospitality in Sana`a. Can you reflect on the experience so far?
Soraya: Burj Al Salam Hotel has become an important name for hospitality in Sana’a according to testimonials from our guests over the period of 2 years, also from governments officials, diplomats, ambassadors, NGOs and guests. They rated
our hotel as a first of its kind Sana`a.

Q: Would you like to give us a guided tour, explain the concept and what was important when creating the Burj hotel, what kind of atmosphere does Burj AlSalam offer to the guests?
Soraya: Burj Al Salam is a sophisticated combination of past and present, traditions and modern, culture and comfort. It also represents revival of historical beauty and architectural marvel of the Old city of Sana’a, renowned as a refuge of peace - Sana`a was a place where fighting was not permitted.

Burj Al Salam is - what was once a Yemeni house silently witnessing the passage of time. It took ten years of hard work and stringent measures to renovate the old house and transform it into what you see today, the Burj Salam boutique hotel. The renovation was carried out under supervision of UNESCO in order to respect and maintain the original architecture style.

Burj AlSalam can be translated as Tower of Peace.

The atmosphere guests experience at Burj Al Salam is that of typical Yemeni lifestyle. It is a Yemeni house, well decorated among the crowded daily life of the Old city of Sana`a. From the roof or from any point of the hotel one can see children playing or a lady’s chatting about everyday life, smell the fresh made bread or experience call for prayer from surrounding minarets. It offers a glimpse into the charming Sanaani way of life - with the scent of perfumes -   the famous Yemeni incense.

Q: All furniture has been painstakingly selected, tell us something about the interior design?
Soraya: Burj Al Salam has 47 rooms and suites carefully furnished with typical Sana`ni hand-made furniture. It epitomizes a selection of the best what the Old city can offer in terms of romance, legend and history. While still maintaining the aesthetics of ancient architecture style, Burj Al Salam offers all the necessary comforts and refined hospitality of a modern hotel.
All rooms have daily maid service, a mini-Bar, telephone, refrigerator, a safe in the room, TV, including in high speed internet access.

Q: What about the location of the Burg boutique hotel?
Soraya: Burj AlSalam is situated in the heart of the beautiful old city of Sana’a. It used to be the diplomatic area until 16th century. We are half way between Bab Al Yemen and Bab Shaub, both well known doors of the old City of Sana`a. 

Q: What extras does Burj offers?
Soraya:  There is a boutique offering Yemeni and Arab souvenirs, traditional designed Yemeni dresses, books on Yemen - tourist guides, photographic book. There is a business centre, a laundry service, a fully equipped restaurant offering Yemeni and International food, panorama terrace with breakfast and coffee shop for light meals, wireless internet connections. A tourist clerk can arrange tours and excursions, as well as car rental and airport transfer

Q: Who are your guests?
Soraya: Both local and foreign, different nationalities, also Yemenis and foreigners residing in Sana`a, individuals, tourist groups, business people, members of NGOs, diplomats, journalists, artists, photographers, anthropologists discovering the beauty of Yemen and its people, guests of all ages…

Q: What is your welcoming message for the guests
Soraya: Discover of the Old city of Sana’a from any window of Burj AlSalam

Q: Single women travellers
Soraya: Most welcome. Yemenis are known to be tolerant. However, we advise them to dress modestly and respect Yemeni traditions.

Q: What is the food experience like?
Soraya: We offer traditional Yemeni food, such as lamb shorba, shafoot, mahshy, salta or grilled chicken Yemeni style, selection of Arabic food, Italian specialities, Continental food, sea food. The variety of our breakfast buffet is much appreciated by our guests,

Q: A Ramadan celebration at Burj?
Soraya: One can enjoy unique Yemeni atmosphere during the Holy month of Ramadan at Burj and choose from our range of Ramadan traditional dishes and share the silent solidarity during the Holy month.

Q: What innovative approach or novelties are being planed?
Soraya: We plan to extend this concept of hotel to other cities and towns.

Q: How are you promoting Burj AlSalam?
Soraya: By words of mouth, during international exhibition or thru representative offices abroad.

Q: Any forthcoming projects?
Soraya: In fact, in a few months, Dar Al Salam Hotel will opened in the historical village of Thula. It will have 26 rooms and 2 bedrooms suites and 2 restaurants, overlooking the old town and fort of Thula,

Final thoughts, invitations:
Soraya: Experience a land with a rich history, discover its treasures, witness nature`s breathtaking panoramas. Be our guest!

But by now, I haven`t realized that I have traversed the souq back and forth a couple of times. A look at the antique clock in the neighbouring store indicates that I have already spend a couple of hours and more in the souq. I turn around for the last stroll to head towards the entrance, the Bab AlYemen, again. This time, the sights and sounds are lot more familiar as are the faces and I am observing more as I walk back. By the time I reach the entrance again, it is almost eight in the evening.

The suq is best enjoyed when you take your time to drink in all the sights and sounds. It is least crowded in the mornings and late afternoon and busiest during the evening hours. The colours, noises, smells, are overwhelming yet welcoming and it takes some time to get used to the experience of people calling out to you.

The dim passage ways echo a tradition that is hundreds of years old, with the richness of a heritage that makes the Sana`a souq appear untouched by time and progress.

Burj AlSalam Boutique hotel location
3 minutes from Bab Al Yemen – the old Souq
5 minutes from the New City
25 minutes from the Airport

From Testimonials
Arriving from Dubai, Sana’a is a totally different world, and Burj AlSalam the fabulous bridge between them. A unique, charming and personal hotel, and all me best greetings and gratefulness to the staff and Soraya .
*
This has to be one of the most memorable hotels we’ve ever had pleasure to frequent. Sunset in the mafaraj is an experience I’ll never forget, as the muezzin sprang to life and the colours bathed the ancient buildings. I’ve fallen in love with Sana’a.
*
I have had a marvelous magical time in Sana’a and at the Burj Al Salam was the perfect place to stay in the old town. I will certainly recommend the country and this lovely hotel to my friends in Dubai and London

Image – Soraya Abu Monassr, the Burj AlSalam Manager on the Burj panoramic terrace. Mirroring behind is the Old City of Sana`a, a World Heritage site.

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