Expert recommendations for the top accommodations in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury ($$$$).
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Allenby #2 B&B
“A good place to meet other people on the road.”—Michael Kohn, coordinating author, Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories. Clean and comfortable nine-room bed-and-breakfast; short walk to outdoor Mahane Yehuda market for fresh vegetables, spices, and baked goods. 2 Allenby Square, Romema; tel. +972 (0) 2 534 4113. www.bnb.co.il/allenby/
Lutheran Guest House
Prime location inside the Old City walls; accessible only on foot. Housed in a 19th-century building on Crusader foundations near major religious sites and the alleys of the Old City souks (bazaars). The 23 recently renovated rooms have stone walls; roof garden views of minarets, domes, and turrets. St. Mark’s Road; tel. +972 (0) 2 626 6888. www.luth-guesthouse-jerusalem.com
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Jerusalem Hotel
Restored Arab mansion near the Damascus Gate; arched windows, high ceilings, thick stone walls. Continuously operated by the Saadeh family since 1960; 14 rooms. Tip: Hotel arranges tours to difficult-to-access West Bank areas. Nablus Road; tel. +972 (0) 2 628 3282. www.jrshotel.com
Montefiore
Unpretentious and pleasant. Excellent midtown location; nestled on a secluded side street. Reception area and all 48 guest rooms recently remodeled. 7 Shatz Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 622 1111. www.montefiorehotel.com
Prima Royale
Elegant, boutique hotel in the quiet Talbieh neighborhood; 126 rooms and seven suites. Contemporary Middle Eastern style; blue and green glass features in the lobby; cream-colored rooms accented with beige and olive detailing. Walking distance to downtown and the Old City. 3 Mendele Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 560 7111. www.prima.co.il
Saint Andrew’s Scottish Guest House
The Church of Scotland owns this 1927 stone guesthouse and adjoining church originally built as a memorial to Scottish soldiers who died in the region during World War I. Twenty plain, yet comfortable, rooms; some with balconies and views of the Old City and Hinnom Valley. Undergoing renovations. 1 David Remez Street; tel. +972 (0)2 673 2401. www.scotsguesthouse.com
YMCA Three Arches
Landmark building designed by Empire State Building architect; combines art deco, Byzantine, and Islamic styles; surrounded by gardens. 52 clean, small rooms and four suites enjoy the same prestigious location as the legendary King David Hotel for less than half the price. 26 King David Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 569 2692. www.ymca3arch.co.il
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Dan Panorama
Two-hundred-ninety-two-room chain hotel lacks local character yet offers prime location within walking distance of the Old City; rooftop pool; spa features therapeutic Dead Sea salt skin treatments. Request a renovated room or one in the newer wing. 39 Keren Hayesod Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 569 5695. www.danhotels.com
Eldan
“Have afternoon English tea on the terrace of the King David Hotel and sleep across the street [at Eldan].”—Dita Kohl-Roman, publisher, Eretz Magazine. Efficient business-oriented hotel; easy walk to Old City, landmark King David Hotel, and historic sites; 76 rooms. 24 King David Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 567 9777. www.eldan.co.il/hotel/index.html
Inbal
Favorite of both families and business travelers; adjoins Liberty Bell Park; expansive lobby, dining area, and convention facilities; attractive courtyard, swimming pool, and spa. Most of the 283 rooms have golden-hue decor with floor-to-ceiling windows, some with views of the Old City. 3 Jabotinsky Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 675 6666. www.inbalhotel.com
Mount Zion
“Well-executed Middle Eastern-themed decor and atmosphere with great views. The corner suite is right out of The Arabian Nights.”—Dita Kohl-Roman. Excellent value for money. Book well in advance and ask for an Old City view. 17 Hebron Road; tel. +972 (0) 2 568 9555. www.mountzion.co.il
Olive Tree
Built around an ancient olive tree that, according to legend, dates back to the days of King David; 304-room modern hotel has traditional Arab-style design features including stone walls and arches, and brass and copper mirrors, trays, and urns. 23 St. George Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 541 0410. www.olivetreehotel.com
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American Colony
Swiss-run luxury hotel favored by foreign correspondents and diplomats. Restored pasha’s (Ottoman officer’s) palace; Old World elegance; spacious rooms, stone courtyards, and genteel service. Nablus Road; tel. +972 (0) 2 627 9777.
David Citadel
Horseshoe-shaped luxury hotel overlooking the ancient walls of the Old City; rough-hewn limestone exterior; glass-domed lobby; heated outdoor pool; terraced building design creates rooftop garden for each suite; 384 rooms. 7 King David Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 621 1111. www.thedavidcitadel.com
King David
Landmark pink sandstone grand dame built in 1931; rich tradition of hosting royalty, celebrities, and other international dignitaries; 237 rooms, most with expansive Old City views. Even if you cannot afford to stay here, the lavish marble lobby and manicured gardens are worth a visit. 23 King David Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 620 8888. www.danhotels.com
