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Some travelers insist on a hotel in a central location; others prefer to retreat to a haven at the end of the day, with atmosphere more important than accessibility. Jerusalem has more of the first kind than the second, and many hotels once considered remote are really no more than 10 minutes by cab or train from the city center. Most hotels are contemporary and modern, but a few have retained an old-world allure. There are also guesthouses, B&Bs, and other lodgings that offer more of the local charm coupled with often-cheaper prices.
Defining high season is not an exact science. Some hotels may talk about peak periods in addition to or instead of high season, typically the weeklong Jewish holiday of Passover (March or April), and a similar period around Sukkot (September or October). Because of variations in hotel policy, and because the dates of Jewish holidays shift annually in accordance with the Hebrew calendar, the difference in room rates can be significant.
Almost all West Jerusalem hotels are kosher.
“The Kings"—the name by which it's still known—sits on a busy intersection, less than a 10-minute walk from Downtown and the Old City. Guest rooms and bathrooms can be small, but there are pretty pink flower boxes outside every window, and a well-lit lobby coffee shop, as well as several seating areas around the hotel. If your budget allows, upgrade to a junior suite with a balcony. The entrance is on Ramban Street.
This West Jerusalem hotel right on the light-rail line has a good reputation thanks to its pretty stone courtyard, reasonable prices, and tastefully decorated rooms. You have free access to nearby Hebrew University's sports center, which has tennis and squash courts and a year-round pool.
The centerpiece of this centrally located boutique hotel is a spectacular rooftop deck where you can sip cocktails, listen to classical or jazz music on summer evenings, or gaze through telescopes at the 360-degree panorama. The airy, golden-marble lobby provides a warm welcome. Guest rooms are compact, but nicely designed and enlivened with pleasing prints. Many have views that make them worth asking for. Colorful accents brighten the bathrooms. Breakfasts are accompanied by Champagne and Chopin on the piano. The address is a quiet side street just 15 minutes from the Old City.
In the heart of leafy Baka, this apartment hotel offers mostly two-room suites with well-equipped kitchenettes and extra space for the kids. Ground-floor rooms have nice terraces that are perfect for summer evenings. Three penthouses have huge terraces, full kitchens, and large living areas. This place is a great solution for families on a budget or for anyone who wants the option of cooking the occasional meal. There's no in-house restaurant, but the excellent Grand Cafe is downstairs, where guests can have breakfast for an additional fee.
This massive hotel's marble lobby, with its reflective ceiling, clubby leather chairs, and frilly potted palms, has a feeling of grandeur. The nicely updated rooms are spacious and have modern touches like wall-mounted flat-screen TVs; many have walk-in showers. For the best views, insist on a room with a balcony on the fifth floor or higher. The two swimming pools, fitness center, and children's playground are great assets, and the nearby light-rail whisks you Downtown.
Although this gleaming white tower with sweeping city views is a classic business hotel, the former Crowne Plaza Jerusalem is also a comfortable option for vacation. The bathrooms are on the small side, but the pleasingly decorated rooms are spacious and get plenty of light from pocket-size balconies. The lobby-level bar has a sophisticated vibe, and you can enjoy a lovely meal at the Hamsa restaurant. The pool and its adjacent lawns and playground provide a welcome refuge at the end of a hot day.
Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar, this former treasury building has been transformed into a luxurious lodging wrapped around a four-story courtyard flooded with natural light and sparkling with greenery. Greco-Roman, Gothic, and Ottoman flourishes distinguish the fabulous facade. The location, steps from the Old City and Downtown, is impossible to beat. Rooms are glitteringly well-appointed, pampering you with Nespresso machines, iPads on the writing desk, and bathrooms with heated floors. There are several seating areas, including the cushy King's Court where afternoon tea is served followed by cocktails, and the Palace Restaurant, where chef Itzik Mizrahi Barak features Jerusalem-inspired dishes, in tribute to his own roots. The Spa Guerlain opened in 2021, with an indoor pool, men's and women's Turkish hamams and saunas, in addition to the gym.
Built in 1933, this limestone building with its famous domed bell tower has long been a Jerusalem landmark, and its basic guest rooms have fabulous Old City views. Stone arches, exotic murals, and Armenian tile give the place charm and character. Guest rooms are comfortably spacious, if a bit dated, and include prints by landscape artist Anna Ticho. The gym, pool, location, and live Arabic music performances on weekends make the Y an attractive deal.
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