Hello:
With the ever-shrinking dollar, it's been hard to find a decent hotel in Jerusalem for under $150/night.

We would like a double bed (or larger), ensuite facilities, AC, good location, and elevator if possible - of course, clean and non-smoking would be great but maybe not realistic for Israel.

We don't know Jerusalem but want to be within walking distance of the important sights.

Hotel can be large or small - we love family-run or B&Bs - something on kibbutz would be great but I don't know if there are any in town.

Thanks in advance!

clehrman, youre right--hotels in Jerusalem (and Tel Aviv) have gotten quite expensive.
When is your trip? prices vary a lot depending on season, holidays. etc. There is a kibbutz hotel within Jerusalem city limits--Ramat Rachel. In January, rates can be below $150 per night. In other months, it will probably be much more

AlexA:
We will be in Israel in May - for the 60th anniversary - NOT a time when rates will be cheaper, but still, any and all help is much appreciated.

I'll check out Ramat Rachel.

Thanks.
Carol

The 3 Arches hotel at the YMCA - http://www.ymca3arch.co.il/ - is affordable and directly across the street from the King David Hotel - amazing location.

Gardyloo:
Have you stayed at the 3 Arches - we were considering it but would love some personal input - it gets fairly good reviews on tripadvisor.
Carol

Yes, some years ago. Walked past a couple of months ago; there's some construction neighboring the YMCA, so you might try for a room not facing the construction site. It's not fancy, and the furnishings are not sleek or brand new ("seasoned" in some cases) but comfortable and clean, and the location is superb.

The buildings are major landmarks; same architect as the Empire State Building, and I believe the Nebraska Capitol, which it resembles. But you're not in Nebraska, that's for sure. They have parking, and it's easily walkable from the Jaffa Gate. The tower is a navigation point in Jerusalem for drivers.

Note the restaurant is not Kosher.

Good luck finding a hotel room at almost any price. We just finally found rooms at the Dan Panaroma through a travel agent in New York,
Gill Travel. Four of us are also going for the 60th anniversary. Most of the hotels have been reserved with large tours from all over the United States.

Look at Hotels.com. We did find a few there but the locations were a little out of the way.

Good luck, and it should be a wonderful time to celebrate.

We went to Jerusalem last year. We didn't stay at the YMCA but our friend did (40-something professional) and she thought it was fine. We enjoyed the cafe and the front desk in the hotel was very helpful arranging her a car service, a telephone call, etc. It is simple she said but perfectly nice and a good location.

How about B&Bs?
Look at "House 57" in Jerusalem:
http://www.bnb.co.il/house57/index.htm
Right now they charge 70 dollars for double occupancy.
You'll find more B&Bs under:
http://www.bnb.co.il

If your interested in something a little different you could try this place. I couldn't find their website. Heres the Frommers review.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...em/H30639.html
Its a guesthouse/hopice rather than a hotel but run exactly the same way. We are staying there in Oct.
About 100$ a night. It is just inside Jaffa gate in the old city.
Hopices were originally built by churches for their pilgrims to have a place to stay when they visited Israel. These days they are run like hotels and take all comers. It is much more atmopspheric and interesting than a hotel. Plus it's right in the old city

Thank you all for great input.

It turns out that our friend in Tel Aviv was able to get us very good rates (she's in travel industry) at hotels both in Jerusalem and Eilat.

Again, I appreciate the help.
Carol