Lonely Planet Review

In an exquisitely restored old stone mill, this elegant boutique sleep is much more than a hotel. With regular art exhibitions, musical concerts and tai-chi classes, and a relaxing creek-side location, Art House has become a destination in itself for artists and musicians.

Revered Syrian architect Ghiath Machnok oversaw the reconstruction of this ramshackle mill into a stylish boutique hotel and now manages the hotel with the creative attention to detail you'd expect from an artist. With a regular program of music recitals and art exhibitions - along with an open door policy for artists that sees music students pulling up a seat at the baby grand and cigar-chomping pop stars moving their mixing desks into the studio suite for a week - Damascus now has a vibrant arts space and unique retreat. The public spaces are dramatic with bare stone walls and high ceilings, particularly the grand lobby-cum-gallery reached via a sweeping staircase. There's a cosy restaurant with charming mismatched furniture, a beautiful spa, and sleek rooftop swimming pool, cafe-bar and sun terrace. The individually decorated spacious rooms are each inspired and named after a different artist.