4 Best Hotels in Center City, Jerusalem

This grande dame of Israeli luxury hotels opened in 1931 and has successfully defended its title ever since, adding modern amenities like a well-appointed gym and luxuries like a French-style restaurant (La Régence). The ceilings, columns, and walls of the bustling lobby and bar are decorated in "ancient Mesopotamian" geometrics. Airy guest rooms are elegantly orchestrated in burgundy and gold, with old-fashioned writing tables adding a gracious touch. Pricier rooms and suites have views or balconies facing the Old City. Shaded by palm trees, the landscaped pool area and tennis courts are the most beautiful in Jerusalem.

With clever and soaring architectural flourishes by starchitect Moshe Safdie and a restrained yet luxurious modern interior design by Piero Lissoni, the Mamilla is a sleek and comfortable haven with bars and restaurants that appeal to locals and travelers alike. Perched above the outdoor Mamilla pedestrian shopping mall, all rooms include wood floors, black metal headboards, espresso machines, and richly textured drapes, while the contemporary bathrooms boast deep rectangular soaking tubs and see-through walls that frost over for privacy. The dining establishments offer stylish surroundings, as well as appealing menus. Take a dip in the underused underground pool, tiled in navy blue mosaics, and then head over to the award-winning Akasha spa. Don't skip the in-house breakfast, as Mamilla takes the Israeli morning repast to a whole new level. Visitors also have complimentary access to the David Citadel's outdoor pool.

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.

Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar, this former treasury building has been transformed into a luxurious lodging wrapped around a four-story courtyard flooded with natural light and sparkling with greenery. Greco-Roman, Gothic, and Ottoman flourishes distinguish the fabulous facade. The location, steps from the Old City and Downtown, is impossible to beat. Rooms are glitteringly well-appointed, pampering you with Nespresso machines, iPads on the writing desk, and bathrooms with heated floors. There are several seating areas, including the cushy King's Court where afternoon tea is served followed by cocktails, and the Palace Restaurant, where chef Itzik Mizrahi Barak features Jerusalem-inspired dishes, in tribute to his own roots. The Spa Guerlain opened in 2021, with an indoor pool, men's and women's Turkish hamams and saunas, in addition to the gym.