9 Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Israel

Talk about a great first impression—this hotel's lobby, by noted Italian architect Piero Lissoni, is modern and welcoming, illuminated by the natural sunlight streaming in from the arched glass roof. A sumptuous breakfast with omelet and waffle stands is served in the lounge and terrace one floor above, with stunning views of both the Old City and the amphitheater-shape pool area. The contemporary guest rooms, spacious and elegantly decorated in soft tones of beige and cream, have oak parquet floors. Well-appointed bathrooms add to the appeal. The magnificent children's play center has plenty to keep the younger ones entertained, and there are video game systems for older kids.

Jerusalem stone lends a warm glow to this low-slung hotel, which is wrapped around a central courtyard and atrium. In warm weather, the best way to start the day is with an excellent outdoor breakfast in the shaded courtyard. The well-maintained guest rooms are comfortably furnished and all have views. Penthouse suites have balconies overlooking the Old City, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Others face the leafy Talbieh neighborhood. The gym, spa, and heated pool are added bonuses. The hotel's location next to the playgrounds at Liberty Bell Garden makes it ideal for families. Major renovations and rebranding have recently taken place and the hotel is as luxurious as ever, including their in-house restaurant, 02.

This huge hotel offers a large, airy lobby with limestone walls and marble arches, and comfortable guest rooms with soft decor and bright bathrooms, although staff can be unresponsive. The suites are impressively large. Complimentary parking is a nice perk.

This popular hotel makes a practical—if somewhat remote—base for families, since rooms are reasonably priced and there's plenty of space for kids to run around. Standard rooms have a double bed and two fold-out single beds. Shower walls feature large photographs of old Jerusalem. Animal lovers will enjoy being close to Jerusalem's Biblical Zoo. The lobby has a beautiful coffee shop on a terrace overlooking the Jerusalem hills.

A huge circular skylight in the middle of the lobby gives this hotel a sense of light and space. Rooms have parquet floors, sophisticated color schemes, and beds covered with crisp linens. "Superior" is the house term for standard rooms; the better "deluxe" rooms are on the 8th floor and have private balconies. This place is favored by local families and large tour groups.

“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.

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.

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.