Syria's first luxury hotel, built in 1950 and named after the legendary Assyrian Queen Shammuramat, the builder of Babylon, has been recently brought up to date, with comfortable rooms and modern art throughout. On the upper floors there's a Syrian restaurant, a pool, gym and terrace with views. The Marco Polo restaurant is currently the only place in Syria for Asian fusion food, open for dinner. The city centre location, overlooking the main road toward the old town, means you can easily walk to most historical sights. Room rates including tax: singles from $460, doubles $495-560, and suites $790.