One of the top luxury hotels in town, located in the south-western Al-Mazzeh district of the city, Golden Mazzeh is well-placed for the embassies and international organisations in this district but is still just a 20-minute taxi ride to the old town or 30 minutes to the airport. The newly built highrise is infused with surprising modern art, both in the public areas and the spacious rooms, some with sweeping city views. There are no less than nine restaurants and bars, including an Italian garden restaurant, the Dukes Bar pub, and the top-floor Sky Diyar serving top-end Syrian food, and cocktails along Syria's longest bar or on a glass floor with views straight down. The highlight of the hotel is the large outdoor pool and terrace (open summer only), where sunbathers are regularly treated to live music and DJ sessions. Double rooms $169-189, suites $250-400.