Being a budget traveler, I have never thought of a hotel as a destination. All I want is my own bathroom and a bed and a TV is a bonus. However, I made an exception in Aleppo, and I owe it all to a romantic crush on a bygone era.
The Baron Hotel first came to my attention through the man in seat61.com.. It was the first proper hotel built in Syria. It was built to serve the new railway traffic.
Agatha Christie stayed here.
As did Charles Lindbergh.
Among many, many, more.
In the lounge area, Lawrence of Arabia's tab is displayed in a glass case.
My room is functional, and it is clear the joint is on its last legs. Nonetheless, the hospitality is exceptional, and as I pour myself a beer at the historic bar, I think about the giants of an era who quenched their thirst in this room at a time when the British Empire ruled the world.
Agatha Christie wrote part of Murder On The Orient Express while staying at this hotel, and those in the know will note the fact that her novel opens on the platform of the train station at Aleppo, Syria, which is not part of the Orient Express line.
I marvel at the phone booth.
And I wonder about the calls that were made on this phone.
Yeah, I'm digging this place. Best sixty-two bucks a night I ever spent.
http://www.goyestoeverything.com
