Waldorf Astoria (Jerusalem): Built as the Palace Hotel in 1928-29, this iconic Jerusalem structure is now a modern bastion of luxury with Ottoman-inspired interiors and a stellar level of service.
Saint Mark’s Lutheran Guest House (Jerusalem): Simple, beautiful, affordable, and atmospheric, with tranquil gardens overlooking the main Arab bazaar, this is the best place to stay in the Old City.
American Colony Hotel (Jerusalem): This atmospheric, gardened enclave was once a 19th-century pasha’s villa. As an international meeting place between East and West Jerusalem, it attracts journalists, writers, and archaeologists and may be the most romantic spot in the Middle East (outside Rick’s Café in the film “Casablanca”). The hotel’s Saturday afternoon lunch buffet is famous.
Mount Zion Hotel (Jerusalem): This lesser-known four-star standout features lovely gardens, interesting architecture, a large swimming pool, and the most dramatic vistas of the Old City, Hinnom Valley, and the Mount of Olives of any Jerusalem hotel. The Tower rooms and suites are very special.
Harmony Hotel (Jerusalem): Located on a picturesque pedestrian street in the heart of West Jerusalem, the Harmony is a moderately priced boutique hotel that offers fresh style, attentive service, and pleasant extras, such as a free late-afternoon happy hour with snacks.
Abraham Hostel (Jerusalem): A great new concept in hostels, the Abraham offers guests a lively spirit of camaraderie and lots of tours, ideas, and advice on how to really experience Jerusalem and Israel.
Carlton Hotel (Tel Aviv): This beachfront hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s packed with fine features like a rooftop pool, the Blue Sky by Meir Adoni restaurant and a fantastic breakfast buffet at Carlton on the Beach. Guest rooms are recently renovated and most feature sea views.
InterContinental David (Tel Aviv): For the best luxury fix you can get at the beginning or end of your trip, this modern hotel on the edge of the charming Neve Tzedek neighborhood is the place. The pool lounge area is arguably Tel Aviv’s best and the beach area is right across the street.
Efendi (Akko): A romantic combination of luxury and authenticity, this beautifully restored villa/boutique hotel has helped turn exotic but undervisited Akko into an overnight destination.
Scots Hotel (Tiberias): For many Israelis there is only place to stay in Tiberias, and that’s this categorically beautiful hotel on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. Non-kosher, Scots is run by the Church of Scotland and combines restored stone 19th-century buildings with more modern structures and features a fabulous restaurant and world-class spa. Lush gardens invite lingering, as does the swimming pool with its Galilee sea views.
Vered HaGalil Guest Farm (Galilee): This country retreat, set among gorgeous gardens and vistas, offers rustic family bungalows, an attentive staff, and a great base for exploring the Galilee. It also offers beautiful horses and the best riding programs in Israel, and it lies within walking distance of the ruins of Korazim, a Roman-era Jewish village complete with an ancient synagogue.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
