Travel guides
Lonely Planet We used the LP as it was the only guidebook available at the time. We did manage to find our way with it although it could be a bit more detailed. Prices were a bit outdated but that's normal. The Jordan section was included in this book. However, they've now split up the 2 books, and the information has become more detailed since.
Order the Lonely Planet Syria now for only 14.36 US$ If you plan to visit more countries in the Middle East, the LP on the Middle East is propbably a more economical (and less heavy) option. It has info on Turkey, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. It has 912 pages, edition 1/2000.
Order the Lonely Planet Middle East now for only 19.96 US$ Rough Guide In the mean time, there's strong competition from Rough Guides. I didn't read the book myself, but many people on the LP site said it was better then the LP book. Edition 11/98
Order the Rough Guide Syria now for only 15.16 US$ Other books If you want to read a nice book which gives you an insight in Syrian society, and especially the place of women in it, then read "The gates of Damascus" by Lieve Joris. She is a Belgian travel writer who has also written other books like Mali Blues. Her books have now been translated in English by Lonely Planet.
Order "The Gates of Damascus" now for only 8.76 US$ 
If you can't make up your mind, click on the Amazon.com logo and search for more books
Hotels
You won't find many great value for money hotels in Syria, except for the one in Hama.
In some places like Aleppo and Palmyra, you will actually have some problems getting a decent room at a good price. If you don't mind sleeping on the roof however, you will have plenty of cheap places catering for you.
Often you only have the choice between the low-budget places charging up to 500 S£, and if you want a bit more you'll have to pay about 25 to 30 US$ which is too expensive for what you get (10/2000).
For those who can afford it, the Cham Palace Hotel chain is the top of the bill, with hotels near to all of Syria's main tourist sights. They have a website at
http://www.chamhotels.com/
Sightseeing
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Sightseeing used to be quite cheap, but since 1994, entrance fees will take a big part of your budget. While the fee for Syrians remained at 10 S£, foreigners had to pay 200 S£. This is not only for the big attractions like the Crac and Palmyra, but also for the smallest museum! I did object to this and even wrote a letter to the embassy when I came back, but this apparently did not make too much impression since they recently increased the price to 300 S£ (5/98). 
