In the days of the Holy Temple, the trek to Jerusalem involved a lot of walking, donkey or horseback convoys, and a whole lot of luggage, goats, cows, and first fruits.
Today, walking (sans goats) can be a lot of fun throughout the city. Double strollers can be challenging on narrow sidewalks, but for the young and young-at-heart, the people-watching, window-shopping, and meandering, with spontaneous coffee or lunch breaks, is a relaxing and restorative way to spend a summer day.
Israelis visiting Jerusalem have easier transit, such as trains, buses, light rails, and cars, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. While there are many hotel options for overnight stays, they can be costly and crowded. In Jerusalem is exploring unique and beautiful places to stay overnight in Jerusalem. If you have a special vacation rental, reach out and tell us about it. We will consider including it in this ongoing feature.
1. The Old City
In Israel, holiness infuses the air everywhere, but there is a concentrated spiritual feeling in Jerusalem’s Old City. Steps (many up or downhill) away from the Western Wall, the stone walkways and small shops and restaurants beckon as you walk in the ancient paths of our ancestors. Note: This is not the best place to stay if you need accessible accommodations. The apartments in the Old City tend to be vertical and have many stairs and no elevators.
The Western Wall Luxury House is listed as the largest private property in the Old City. The complex of four vacation apartments is centrally located on one of the most prestigious ancient streets in the Jewish Quarter. Its 200-meter terrace offers a panoramic view of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. It features modern furnishings and appliances and 380 meters of living space spread out between two buildings. Its four luxurious apartments can be rented separately or together for a large group or family.
Another apartment, Villa Avraham, is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Its 2,500-year-old living room is in what used to be a mikveh (ritual bath). Carved into the ancient stone, this apartment is beautifully appointed with luxe furnishings, art pieces, Tiffany-style fixtures, spiral staircases, and a full kitchen and dining room.
To book your stay, visit oldcityluxuryhouse.com.
2. Conveniently located, well appointed
Mamilla View Suites and Mamilla View Urban are not easy to find. They are located on an industrial-looking street in the neighborhood of the Interior Ministry, catty-corner from the Mamilla Hotel and Mall. They are, however, hidden gems, offering 11 and 16 beautifully appointed and landscaped suites, with features such as an ancient well, arched windows and doors, private hot tubs in some rooms, and clad in Jerusalem stone, of course. With consistently high ratings on booking sites, the suites are relatively affordable.
The smaller units include a small kitchenette and breakfast nook; a beautiful bedroom, large enough for two; and an attractive bathroom, replete with toiletries and a bathrobe. Amenities include a complimentary bottle of wine, which you can enjoy in the private garden right outside the suite, which features tables and chairs for shaded outdoor relaxation.
The largest unit has three bedrooms. Others have separate primary bedrooms with sofa beds, as well as jacuzzi tubs in the outdoor private terraced area. The Villa Deluxe unit features a hot tub in the upstairs bedroom.
These suites provide a charming, comfortable, and convenient way to enjoy Jerusalem.
Mamilla View Suites rates range from NIS 500 to NIS 3,000 per night, depending on the number of guests, the type of suite, and the season.
For more information: mamillaview.com.