Damascus Biker Friendly Accomodation
 

Hi Guys,
MostlyHarmless and I are slowly making our way down through the Middle East on our way to Cape Town. We've really fallen in love with the region, tripling our intended time in Turkey imbibing the wealth of culture, natural resources, and charitable people. Anyway, we were wondering if anyone has any experience or recommendations in regards to biker friendly accommodation in Damascus? We intend to spend a day or two resting and roaming the historical city and don't want to have to worry about our bikes being vulnerable in an urban area. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Cheers,
Remy

secure parking in Damascus
 

Hi Remy, I parked by the police checkpoint behind the mayors building on Martyr Sq. I bought a big box of sweet cakes for the police, who were very friendly. I had a room across the street. I had to leave the bike for a family trip, and got a good deal from the car park on the street leading north from Martyr Sq. Parked right by the 24 hour watchmen cabin.
The budget hotels have no parking, but usually have a deal with a parking lot. One essential piece of urban kit is a cover for the bike, the 'oportunity knocks' thieves and the fidlers just don't see the bike anymore.
If you like hubbly bubbly pipe, opposite the Saladin statue outside the Citadel, second floor, balcony.
Hammam Nureddin is a terrible rip-off for tourists, ok for locals.
Safe travels, enjoy the oldest inhabited capital city.

Peter, in Oslo

New Kaboun Camping
On the Damascus - Homs main road coming into town.
After the "Panorama Harasta" 60m past the Skoda agent take the small road to the right.

Excellent campsite with very friendly owner.

N33 32 46.7 E36 20 52.4

Hello Remy!
I motorcycled Syria last year, but unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the hotel in Damascus where I lodged (it was veeery close to the main train station, anyway).
They allowed me to park my Harley in front of the hotel, and it stood there for one and a half day (without any cover) with no problems at all.

Syrians are very friendly people, I don't think there's a real danger of bike theft there.

hi remy and mostlyharmless,

it is nice to hear from you. hope you enjoy your trip after istanbul and izmir. actually, i suggest you to join the hospitalityclub.org or couchsurfing.com community. you can find many hospitable people around the world.

ride safe and enjoy!!

I did the exact same thing. The cops are there 24/ 7 and I just asked them to keep an eye on it and they did- for about a week. I liked having a cover too- kind of makes it "disappear".