This West Jerusalem hotel (until recently the Park Plaza; cabbies still know it as the even older Sonesta) clings to its good local reputation. The bar-lounge offers comfortable sofas, deeply upholstered in burgundy or bottle green. Guest rooms are better than adequate, with pastel duvets and dark carpets; a tasteful touch in the small bathrooms is aqua accents on the light tiles. At this writing, two designated business floors were to be thoroughly renovated in 2009. Breakfast is served in a roofed stone courtyard. Guests have free access to Hebrew University's sports center, a 15-minute walk away (gym, tennis, squash, year-round pool). Pros: friendly; good aesthetics; intimate atmosphere. Cons: sports facilities not on-site; guest rooms small.
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