Learn about the Carlton Hotel in Aleppo, Syria. Once a historic luxury hotel facing the Aleppo Citadel, the Carlton played a key role in the city’s heritage before its destruction.
What Was the Carlton Hotel in Aleppo?
The Carlton Hotel Aleppo, also known as the Carlton Citadel Hotel, was a historic luxury hotel located in the Old City of Aleppo, directly facing the iconic Aleppo Citadel.
It was one of the most elegant and well-known hotels in the city before the Syrian conflict.
The hotel held both historical and architectural importance, as it was built inside a restored Ottoman-era building.
Historical Background
The building originally served as an Ottoman military hospital in the 19th century.
It was later renovated and transformed into a high-end hotel known for its heritage architecture and prime location.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Carlton was one of Aleppo’s top luxury accommodation options for tourists, diplomats, and officials.
During the Syrian war, the hotel was heavily damaged and eventually destroyed due to ongoing clashes in the Old City.
Main Features (Before the War)
Historic stone architecture inspired by Aleppo’s Ottoman heritage.
Luxury rooms and suites with views toward the Aleppo Citadel.
Fine dining restaurant, conference rooms, and hospitality services.
Popular venue for events, receptions, and international guests.
Cultural Importance
The Carlton Hotel symbolized Aleppo’s rich history, cosmopolitan character, and tourism industry before the conflict.
Its location next to the Citadel made it part of the city’s most photographed area.
Today, it stands as a reminder of Aleppo’s destroyed heritage and the ongoing efforts to restore the Old City
Location
Situated directly across from the Aleppo Citadel in the UNESCO-listed Old City.
A few minutes from:
- Al-Madina Souk
- Khan al-Shouneh
- Great Mosque of Aleppo
- Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower