MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Israel Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

The city's accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels to opulent luxury hotels, alongside unique local options.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Ideal for budget travelers and solo adventurers, offering dorms and private rooms, with communal spaces.

  • Guesthouses / Boutique Hotels

    Mid-range choices with a personalized feel, often reflecting local architecture and history. Comfortable amenities are common.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    International chains and local hotels offering standard amenities and reliable service at a reasonable price point.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Premium services, sophisticated facilities, and opulent experiences, with fine dining, spas, and exceptional views.

Unique and Specialized Stays

  • Christian Pilgrim Guesthouses

    Run by religious orders, these offer basic, clean, and atmospheric accommodation, often in the Christian Quarter.

  • Kibbutz Guesthouses

    Found in surrounding regions, these offer a distinctive Israeli experience with a rural setting and facilities such as pools.

  • Self-catering Apartments

    Through platforms like Booking.com or Vrbo, these offer more space, privacy, and self-catering facilities.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Some individuals rent rooms for cultural exchange. Initiatives might exist for cultural immersion.

Neighborhood Guide

Jerusalem's diverse neighborhoods each possess a distinct atmosphere and differing advantages for accommodation.

Old City

Advantages
  • Immediate proximity to major holy sites.
  • Unparalleled a journey into the past.
  • Immersive, timeless feel.
  • Access to unique guesthouses.
Considerations
  • Can be very crowded and noisy.
  • Challenging to navigate narrow alleyways.
  • Limited modern amenities.
  • Awareness for security considerations.

City Center

Advantages
  • Lively atmosphere having stores and cafes.
  • Convenient for shopping and dining.
  • Excellent public transport links.
  • Good access to Old City and New City attractions.
Considerations
  • Can be very busy and sometimes noisy.
  • Accommodation prices can be higher.
  • Might seem commercial.
  • High tourist traffic.

German Colony & Baka

Advantages
  • Quiet, pleasant, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Offers a nice variety of restaurants.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Beautiful Ottoman-era buildings.
Considerations
  • Farther from the Old City.
  • Transport (bus or taxi) is often needed.
  • Accommodation the rates are typically higher.
  • Less immediate bustling street life.

Neighborhood Insights

Safety & Awareness

Old City generally safe during the day, with awareness for throngs of people. West Jerusalem areas are very safe. East Jerusalem requires heightened cultural and governmental sensitivity.

Proximity & Ambiance

Old City for immediate access to major sites. City Center for excellent public transport and dining. German Colony/Baka/Rehavia offer a quieter, residential ambiance. Old City and Machane Yehuda Market can be noisy.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking makes sure you get your preferred accommodation at a good price.

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • Advance Booking: High season (spring/autumn & holidays) book 3-6 months ahead; shoulder 1-3 months; low season 1 month or less. Winter holidays still require planning.
  • Trusted Platforms: Utilize platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb. Direct booking often yields better rates or packages.
  • Negotiation Customs: Not widespread at established hotels. Occasionally achievable at smaller guesthouses/hostels during absolute low season.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Always check specific terms before confirming. Many options give free cancellation up to a certain date.

Price Trends & Tips

  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices are normally spike during major Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holidays, as well as during the spring and autumn tourist high seasons.
  • Lower Season Savings: Summer and winter generally see lower prices, although summer can still be busy.
  • Direct Contact: For niche requests or unique experiences, contacting hotels or guesthouses directly can be beneficial.
  • Flexibility: Seek out options with no-cost cancellation to maintain adaptability in your travel plans.

Additional Booking Insights

  • Jerusalem's high seasons are spring, autumn, and major holidays across all faiths.
  • These periods experience peak demand and elevated prices.
  • Early booking is strongly advised for these times.
  • Expect busier sites and dining options.
Low Season Opportunities
  • Consider summer and winter for potentially reduced rates.
  • Fewer tourist numbers are often present, excluding specific holiday weeks.
  • Additional choices for spontaneous bookings.
  • Some attractions may have modified hours.

Accommodation Recommendations Overview

Top Budget Picks

Abraham Hostel Jerusalem and The Post Hostel are popular for their social atmosphere, organized tours, and central locations.

Mid-Range Comfort

The Sephardic House, Herbert Samuel Hotel, and City Center by Isrotel provide comfortable, convenient, and stylish options.

Luxury Experiences

The iconic King David Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, and Mamilla Lodging deliver opulent stays with world-class service.

Tailored Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks across various categories assist your search for the ideal stay.

Family & Solo Stays

Family Travel

Accommodations with swimming pools and vacation rentals through platforms like Vrbo offer space and amenities for families.

  • Hotels with pools (e.g., Inbal, Dan Panorama).
  • Self-catering for more space and privacy.
  • Properties near parks (Sacher Park, Liberty Bell Park).
  • Child-friendly amenities in many mid-range hotels.
Solo Adventures

Hostels such as Hostelworld listed properties or Abraham Hostel are ideal for social functions and meeting people. Guesthouses also offer a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Social Hostels (Abraham Hostel Jerusalem).
  • Welcoming Guesthouses.
  • Organized tours and gatherings.
  • Opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.

Long Stays & Heritage

Extended Visits

For stays of a week or more, self-catering or serviced apartments typically represent better value, with more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Better weekly or monthly rates.
  • More living space.
  • Full kitchen access.
  • Home-like amenities for comfort.
Historic Stays

The King David Hotel, American Colony Hotel, and Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center possess deep cultural or historical significance.

  • King David Hotel (iconic landmark).
  • American Colony Hotel (historic oasis).
  • Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center (historical presence).
  • Properties with distinct heritage.

Family-Oriented Amenities

  • Hotels with Pools

    Inbal Jerusalem Hotel or Dan Panorama feature pools, great for families, especially in warmer months.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments offer more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities, suitable for families. Find options on Booking.com.

  • Proximity to Parks

    Properties near Sacher Park or Liberty Bell Park offer easy access to playgrounds and green spaces.

  • Child-Friendly Features

    Many mid-range hotels offer amenities catered to children's needs, like areas for children to play or special menus.

Solo Traveler Insights

  • Hostel Community

    Abraham Hostel Jerusalem is popular for its social atmosphere, tours, and opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Guesthouse Comfort

    Smaller guesthouses can provide an inviting and safe environment for individuals seeking a more intimate stay.

  • Organized Activities

    Many hostels and guesthouses organize events or tours, ideal for connecting with fellow travelers.

  • Meeting Others

    Shared common areas in hostels create opportunities for meeting people and shared experiences.

Long-Stay Considerations

Value for Extended Stays

For stays of a week or more, holiday rentals or serviced apartments are a better deal.

  • Better discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
  • More living space and privacy.
  • Access to kitchen facilities.
  • Reduced daily costs compared to hotels.
Extended Stay Amenities

Many platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb) offer long-term stay discounts and full amenities.

  • Full kitchens for self-catering.
  • Laundry facilities for convenience.
  • Dedicated workspaces.
  • Long-term stay discounts.

Historic & Unique Stays

Legendary Hotels

The King David Hotel is a historic landmark, hosting countless world leaders and celebrities.

Unique Heritage

The American Colony Hotel, an oasis in East Jerusalem, provides an unique cultural experience with a rich past.

Spiritual Stays

Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, a large Christian guesthouse, has a significant historical presence near the New Gate of the Old City.