13 Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Israel

In this stylish boutique lodging named after Arthur Balfour (of the famed Balfour Declaration that promised the Jews a national home in Palestine), guest rooms feature unusual black-and-white tile floors, comfortable leather armchairs, and soothing periwinkle walls. Try to reserve one of the few rooms with modest balconies. An abundant breakfast is served in the charming lobby with wooden furniture or outside in a small garden. There's an evening happy hour with complimentary drinks and refreshments every day except Saturday.

A combination of stellar service and delightful rooms heralded this first of many boutique hotels in the historic Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. A generous breakfast is served in the lobby, where the ceilings are covered with silk-screened historical photos. You can enjoy an open-air terrace or a lounge with working fireplace. The modern rooms are decorated in sophisticated shades of red and dove gray. The daily happy hour includes complimentary glasses of wine, fruit, and cookies.

Named after the British-Jewish politician who governed Israel during the Mandate, Herbert Samuel is a widely celebrated hotel in the downtown area. Guest rooms are chicly decorated in warm tones of grayish beige and include espresso machines and free international calls from the land line. The lobby is modern and whimsical; you can enjoy a cocktail and a book from the wall library as you sit on a sapphire blue couch. The real draw is the underground pool and saunas, where daybeds, a vintage portrait of Jerusalem, and classical music inspire pure relaxation.

A lovely sundeck, deluxe rooms with delightful views, and a funky lobby lounge give this hotel a contemporary appeal. Staff are accommodating and great food is a constant draw for guests. Rooms are painted in cheerful shades of burnt orange and mustard yellow. Work out in the small, modern gym or by making the short walk to the Old City.

Cascading down Mount Scopus, the sprawling Dan Jerusalem has spectacular views, an oasis-like pool, and a bold design. The sophisticated spa, popular among Jerusalemites and tour groups, includes an authentic marble Turkish bath, which was imported piece by piece. About a third of the guest rooms overlook the Old City. Common areas are clean and spacious, but the decor is a bit outdated. Suites are spacious and offer extra amenities like socks, chocolates, and wine. The location is far from Downtown, but the light-rail is nearby.

The guest rooms at this 11-story landmark in the middle of the hotel district are a bit compact, but thoughtful lighting, well-placed furnishings, and interesting artwork make a difference. It's worth spending a bit more to stay in one of the updated rooms, which have loads of light and are more spacious. Modern touches include flat-screen TVs and handy writing desks. The rooftop terrace has a 360-degree view of Jerusalem.

An unbeatable location and lovely rooftop terrace make this a welcome addition to the neighborhood's growing list of boutique hotels. The spare lobby is tiled in black marble, and one wall is made of fuschia-color glass. More expensive rooms have pocket-size balconies where you can watch the neighbors go about their day, although the local hangouts make it noisier at night. There are 18 free parking spaces underground, as well as complimentary access to a local gym.

Pilgrim tour groups have long been drawn to the modest rooms and stellar location (a 10-minute walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher) of this gorgeous stone castlelike building owned by the Vatican and dating back to the 1880s. Most guest rooms lack TVs and are minimally decorated in beige and brown, but the architecture in the style of a French cathedral is rich with history. Enjoy a glass of imported wine and cheese at the rooftop restaurant, which attracts many nonhotel guests in pursuit of arguably the city's most remarkable sunset views overlooking the Old City. Rooms with balconies are available at an extra charge.

The stone arches, lacey latticework, and bronze ornaments in the reception area help create a distinctly regional atmosphere, as do the old flagstones in the skylit atrium and polished floorboards in the comfortable lounge. The guest rooms are not huge, but are comfortably furnished and decorated with black and gold touches.

“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.

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.

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.