5 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.

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.

This West Jerusalem hotel right on the light-rail line has a good reputation thanks to its pretty stone courtyard, reasonable prices, and tastefully decorated rooms. You have free access to nearby Hebrew University's sports center, which has tennis and squash courts and a year-round pool.

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.

Although this gleaming white tower with sweeping city views is a classic business hotel, the former Crowne Plaza Jerusalem is also a comfortable option for vacation. The bathrooms are on the small side, but the pleasingly decorated rooms are spacious and get plenty of light from pocket-size balconies. The lobby-level bar has a sophisticated vibe, and you can enjoy a lovely meal at the Hamsa restaurant. The pool and its adjacent lawns and playground provide a welcome refuge at the end of a hot day.