Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem's most iconic hotel since 1931, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Old City walls and Mount Zion. Hosted every world leader from Winston Churchill to Barack Obama. Rose-stone exterior, opulent interiors with Oriental rugs and antique furniture, legendary outdoor pool with Old City panorama, the Terrace Restaurant, and impeccable Dan Hotels service. 23 King David Street.

A palatial building blending Gothic and Ottoman architecture (the former Palace Hotel from 1929), restored to staggering grandeur. Soaring ceilings, marble floors, and the rooftop terrace with an uninterrupted Old City panorama. The Palace Restaurant serves refined Middle Eastern-European cuisine. Full spa, concierge, and a location steps from Mamilla Mall and Jaffa Gate. 26-28 Agron Street.

Modern luxury by Alrov Properties, the most design-forward of Jerusalem's high-end hotels. Sleek minimalist rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, direct access to Mamilla Mall's open-air promenade, the legendary Mirror Bar rooftop lounge (panoramic Old City views, creative cocktails, beautiful crowd), indoor pool, full Akasha spa, and the Dining Room restaurant. 11 King Solomon Street.

A legendary boutique hotel in a 19th-century stone compound in East Jerusalem, founded by Bertha Spafford Vester and the American-Swedish colony. Long favored by journalists (it was the press HQ during every conflict), diplomats, and writers — featured in novels by John le Carre. Stunning courtyard garden with fountain, vine-covered walls, Saturday brunch institution, and an atmosphere of timeless literary elegance. 1 Louis Vincent Street.

Modern luxury hotel with commanding views overlooking the Old City walls, Jaffa Gate, and the Tower of David. 385 well-appointed rooms, multiple restaurants, a spectacular outdoor pool perched above the Hinnom Valley, full-service spa, and a grand lobby. Its terrace is one of the best spots in Jerusalem to watch sunset paint the Old City walls gold. 7 King David Street.

Modern 4-star hotel in the city center, steps from Mamilla Mall and a short walk to the Old City. Contemporary design with clean lines, comfortable rooms, rooftop terrace, and one of the best Israeli breakfast buffets in the city. Excellent value for the prime location. Mamilla area.

Large, well-established hotel near the Old City with 270 rooms, outdoor swimming pool, and panoramic views from upper floors. Popular with tour groups for good reason — reliable quality, generous Israeli breakfast, and walking distance to Jaffa Gate. King George Street area.

Family-friendly hotel in charming Jerusalem stone architecture, within walking distance of Mahane Yehuda Market and Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall. Comfortable rooms, friendly service, and solid value for a central location. Good choice for families with children. City center.

Part of the reliable Dan Hotels chain, offering consistent quality in the Zion Square area. Modern rooms, good breakfast, attentive service, and a central location for exploring both the Old City and West Jerusalem's restaurants and nightlife. Zion Square / Ben Yehuda area.

Upscale mid-range hotel overlooking Liberty Bell Garden, with views stretching to the Old City walls. Elegant rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, full spa, and the Ouze restaurant. A step above typical mid-range — feels closer to luxury at mid-range pricing. Liberty Bell Park area.

Widely considered the best hostel in Jerusalem and one of the best in the world. Legendary social atmosphere with daily events (pub crawls, cooking classes, Shabbat dinners), organized tours to the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Hebron via the in-house tours desk. Rooftop bar, communal kitchen, clean dorms with privacy curtains and personal lights. Staff goes above and beyond. 67 Hanevi'im Street.

Backpacker favorite in the Zion Square area with a lively social scene. Clean dorms, a rooftop terrace with Old City views, bar, and communal kitchen. Steps from Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall, Mahane Yehuda Market nightlife, and the Old City. Great budget value. Zion Square.

Budget accommodation inside the Old City walls, steps from Jaffa Gate and the Tower of David. Incredibly atmospheric — sleep within ancient stone walls and step out directly into 3,000 years of history. Simple dorms and private rooms, shared kitchen, and a rooftop terrace. The location alone is worth it. Old City, Jaffa Gate.

Basic but character-rich hostel inside the Old City, in the Muslim Quarter near the Chain Gate entrance to the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif. Ancient stone walls, shared rooms, and an unbeatable location — the Western Wall is a 2-minute walk. Rooftop terrace with Old City views. No-frills but the location is simply unbeatable. Old City, Muslim Quarter.

A unique guesthouse experience unlike anything else in the Old City. This 19th-century Austrian pilgrims' hospice sits right on the Via Dolorosa in the Muslim Quarter, offering private rooms with European elegance (think high ceilings, heavy drapes, polished floors). The rooftop viewpoint is one of the best-kept secrets in Jerusalem — 360-degree panorama over the Old City. The ground-floor Viennese cafe serves Sachertorte and Melange coffee. Old City, Via Dolorosa.