Some of the cheapest and best-value hotels in the city can be found in or within easy walking distance of the old town.
A few budget hotels can be found inside charming traditional Damascene courtyard houses in the city centre alleys, though keep in mind that taxis won't be able to drop you off at the door.
Most budget options are slightly tired-looking hotels grouped around the western entrance to the city's souks, where Syrians from out of town traditionally came to conduct paperwork and business at the local courts and offices.
One of the best budget hotels in Damascus, however, can be found inside the St Elias monastery complex just east of the Bab Sharqi city gate. 

From bare-bones one-star affairs to pleasant courtyard lodgings, here are the hotels that won't break the bank.