Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

This luxury property from the Waldorf Astoria brand features decadent interiors and impeccable service. The palatial building it occupies, a grand structure made of pale Jerusalem stone, its beautiful facade dotted with arched windows and stone balconies, dates back to the 1920s. Interiors are opulent without being ostentatious, blending lavish luxury with a modern sensibility and hints of history. Decoratively patterned marble floors catch the eye, as do the vases of orchids abundantly dotted about the lobby. Touches of the brand's New York heritage shine through Art Deco details like chandeliers and geometrically patterned wrought iron work (such as the staircase railings that look almost labyrinthine).

An airy interior courtyard with an atrium roof feels a bit like the innards of a palace, surrounded by elegant arched windows. It's a lovely space with a trickling fountain wreathed in plants and palm trees dotted about, as well as fresh flowers topping tables that spill out from the hotel's two restaurants, both elegant and refined spaces.

Clientele is composed of well-heeled travelers in town for leisure and business. It's a luxurious and convenient choice, but a lack of some facilities, like a pool or spa, might tempt some to look elsewhere.

The hotel is situated right outside the Old City's historic walls, far enough away from the bustle to be calm, yet conveniently close to some attractions. It's across the street from the Mamilla cemetery. Mamilla Mall, an upscale shopping street/open-air mall lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, is just a four-minute walk from the hotel, and walking further along it, guests can reach the historic Jaffa Gate in eight minutes, which leads into the Old City. Most top attractions can be reached on foot, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (16-minute walk), Mount Zion (16-minute walk), the Western Wall (20-minute walk), Dome of the Rock (21-minute walk), and Temple Mount (22-minute walk). Downtown Triangle, a central commercial and entertainment district with lots of dining options and shops, is a 13-minute walk from the hotel. Ben Gurion Airport is around a 50-minute drive away. Tel Aviv is about a 60-minute drive.

Rooms are elegantly adorned, full of light thanks to large windows, and stocked with luxe amenities. A soft color palette of neutral hues verges on metallic, with silvery accents and bronze damask curtains with a sheen. Tasteful art lines the walls, mirrors catch the eye and allude to a more spacious feel. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead; and plush beds are topped with crisp, high-thread count sheets. 

All rooms come with conveniences and modern technology, including 46-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, fully stocked minibars, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and a personal tablet that controls air-conditioning and lighting. Some rooms have private furnished balconies with views over the city or furnished terraces. Luxurious marble bathrooms are large and come with both soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers, plus they have TVs embedded in mirrors and heated marble floors. Toiletries are supplied, as are plush robes and slippers.

For an even more decadent stay, the hotel offers a number of luxurious suites, with living rooms and a host of added perks that may include whirlpool tubs, saunas, balconies, and kitchenettes.

The hotel has two kosher restaurants, both elegant spaces with seating that spills out into the interior courtyard. The Palace Restaurant serves Mediterranean-style fare with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. It offers a daily breakfast buffet (included in rates) that dazzles with copious amounts of options, plus guests can choose from a la carte items as well. Dinner is a la carte, plus there's a seven-course tasting menu. King's Court is the other restaurant, serving Italian fusion, plus it has a chic lounge bar and a great selection of wines and drinks. 

The seasonal Garden Terrace, a tapas bar, offers an alfresco spot to dine or have a drink in accompanied by views over the city. There's also a lobby bar, plus room service is available 24/7 (which can be ordered via the in-room tablet).

Fitness facilities are mediocre, comprising a small room with limited machines, and there's no pool. The hotel also lacks a spa, though it does have a hair and nail salon. Other amenities include a business center with iMacs and printers, as well as eight meeting rooms and a ballroom that are available for events. Wi-Fi is free throughout