4 Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Israel

In the picturesque village of Ein Kerem, this boutique hotel occupies a century-old house famous for the true-life, Romeo-and-Juliet story of a Jewish--Arab couple. Named for famous lovers from the past, the guest rooms are modern creations with arched windows, diaphanous drapes, and billowy beds set against stone walls. The courtyard that once linked the two wings has been transformed into an intimate dining room where the chef creates new gourmet menus each night based on the culinary preferences of his guests. Surrounded by gardens, the Alegra has a rooftop plunge pool and a wooden deck overlooking the valley of Ein Karem. It's a 20-minute drive and 40-minute bus ride from Downtown.

Once a pasha's palace, this cool limestone oasis with its flower-filled inner courtyard and gorgeous garden is in a class of its own—no wonder it's a favored haunt of statesmen and celebrities. It's a 10-minute walk from the Old City's Damascus Gate but shielded from the hubbub of East Jerusalem. Owned by a British family, managed by a Swiss company, and staffed mainly by local Arabs, the American Colony combines the best of all these disparate worlds. The turquoise-and-blue tilework, Damascene wood inlay, and potted palms in the elegant vaulted lobby lead to spacious and luxurious rooms with rug-strewn flagstone floors and antique painted-wood ceilings.

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.

Overlooking Independence Park, the 22-story Leonardo Plaza is a Jerusalem landmark with terrific views, especially from upper floors. Popular with a religious Jewish clientele, the sleek guest rooms are done up in black and white. Primavera, the Italian restaurant presided over by acclaimed chef Shalom Kadosh, has won kudos locally for its tasty food and elegant atmosphere.