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[edit] AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Jerusalem hotels available.
[edit] No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
[edit] Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices between US$100 and $200(depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Jerusalem tend to be moderately expensive, all hotels listed on this site are under US$175. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
[edit] Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
[edit] We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
[edit] Jerusalem Crash Course
Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, represents the spiritual home of two world religions, Judaism and Christianity, and is sacred to another, Islam. This vibrant city remains a fascinating destination for any traveller interested in either the past or the present.
[edit] Districts
[edit] Old City
Jerusalem's Old City is the heart of everything, where four religions live in close proximity to each other, the Jews, Armenians, Christians and Muslims, each with their own quarter. Completely surrounding the city are huge 16th century Ottoman walls.
The history of the Old City dates back more than 3000 years, as Jerusalem has been at the crossroads of traders from three continents, a city constantly faught over for millenia. The street layout dates back to the Byzantine era, the walls are relatively new, only four hundred years old.
You don't need to be religios to be taken back with the whole concept. You derive such a sense of spirituality and history once you enter the walls of the Old City. What is amazing is that it is not in ruins, or a chuck of desert with little action, but rather it is a living, breathing organization of humanity acting as he has for thousands of years, ever evolving, yet staying the same.
[edit] Getting in
Take any of the seven open gates to enter the Old City, each of the four walls is about a kilometer long.
[edit] West Jerusalem (secular Israeli)
West Jerusalem or New Jerusalem is the economic heartland of the city, and has had this focus since Independence in 1948. However, this has not always been the case. In fact this area of Jerusalem was not able to contain its burgeoning population in the last of the 1800s.
[edit] Landmarks
- The Knesset is the Parliament Building of Isreal. There are guided tours in several languages Thursdays and Sundays from 8:30am to 2:30pm. There is a public gallery to view the proceedings, Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, bring your passport.
[edit] Memorials
- Yad Vashem or the Holocaust Museum was built under the Knesset authority in 1953. Since its beginning, it has been collecting documentation about the history of each of the individual six million Jews who were forced to face the Nazi Holocaust and attempting to leave a legacy for years to come with its libraray of books and archives, the school and museums. It is situated on Har Hazikaron or Remembrance Mount and is vast with tree-lined paths leading to all of the exhibits, sculptures and museums - certainly eye opening.
[edit] East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem represents the eastern half of the once divided city and became the focus of Palestinian settlement around the Old City of Jerusalem in the period after the Second World War and Israeli independence in 1948. Since East Jerusalem fell under Israeli control in the Six Day War of 1967, reuniting the city, a large number of Jewish neighbourhoods have also been settled. East Jerusalem is the location of the first campus of the Hebrew University on Mt Scopus. Despite the high level of coexistence, the area remains a point of contention in Arab-Israeli relations, somewhat intensified since the outbreak of hostilities in the last few years
[edit] Chareidi Jerusalem
Chareidi a.k.a. Haredi is the area in the northwest of Jerusalem that is almost exclusively populated by about a quarter of a million Chareidi or ultra-Orthodox Jews, or thirty percent of Jerusalem's population. More than half of the Jewish youth of are now considered ultra-orthodox.
[edit] Getting there
Chareidi's center lies north of the Old City and can be walked to from the Old City, or take any number of short bus rides. If you take a taxi, ask for Kikar Shabbos or Kikar Shabbat, which means 'Sabbath Square', a busy place to people watch. From Friday at sunset til Saturday when the stars come out, the principal Strauss Street will be shut down for vehicles.
[edit] Suggestions for behavior in Chareidi
- Jewish females need to wear a dress or shirt that falls below the knees, shoulders covered, long sleeves.
- Visitors must not move about in big groups.
- Ask permission from residents to photograph or film them, though general street scenes are fine except in sections of Meah Shearim.
- During the Sabath hours respect means no cell phones, cameras, dress even more conservative, and no smoking or alcohol. Do not even carry a camera visible, use a plastic bag, and remember to shut off your cell phone.
- Don't wear crosses or symbols Christianity nor anything pro-Isreali, as extremists may take offense. Just lay low.
[edit] Buses
Certain buses require that women and men do not sit together, except family. Women get on and leave through the back door.
[edit] Sites
- Malchei Yisrael Street is the most exciting shopping street in Chareidi, and particularly active Thursdays around sundown, or nights in the summer, or on the eve of a festival. It is a narrow street with stores of all types selling conservative dresswear, music of the kosher variety, household appliances, even pizza.
- Attend a tish, particularly the Belzer Rebbe's tish on a Friday night, a Chassidic celebration overseen by a Rebbe, the supreme leader of the Chassidic movement. If you go, take someone who speaks Jewish or Yiddish to explain the goings on. Often thousands of people attend. Men and women are separated after entering the building. It is mainly directed for the men, and women may be a bit bored, but it allows you an interesting view into what ultra-Orthodox Jews are about.
[edit] Ein Kerem
Ein Kerem is a secluded village suburb on the outskirts of West Jerusalem. Surrounded by hills dotted with olive and cypress trees, the village is refreshingly quiet although only 20 minute bus ride southwest of the city centre. Ein Kerem's stone houses are now mostly inhabited by Israeli artists and sculptors, and there is a wide variety of art galleries in the village. Alongside, there is also a choice of small cafes and restaurants. Travellers will be interested in visiting also the large number of religious sites (Jewish and Christian) in and around Ein Kerem, the reputed birthplace of John the Baptist.
[edit] Talpiot
Talpiot is a neighborhood of Jerusalem located on Jerusalem's southern side. Talpiot is characterized by an industrial section as well as a residential section. It borders the neighborhoods of Baka and Arnona. The ancient road known as Derech Hevron passes through Talpiot and links the biblical cities of Jerusalem and Hebron. Also a collouial feature of Talpiot is a street intersection known to locals as "Bank Junction" (known as such due to a number of banks that grace its corners).
[edit] Jerusalem's Culture
Aside from the secular residents of Jerusalem, three of the planet's monotheistic religions make their home in Jerusalem, making for some very interesting if not strained relationships. Different areas of the city attract one of the three faiths, with a lot of overlap.
[edit] Language
In the west of Jerusalem, Hebrew is spoken, in the east is Arabic. English is the most common third language, or the language of communication between the first two. You will also hear Yiddish for German communication, Spanish, French and even Russian. If you have money, you'll be understood.
[edit] Politics
Where do you begin? Jerusalem, historically is one of the most faught over cities in the world. With Zionism, the Jews started taking over Jerusalem as far back as 1924. In the beginning when they were the minority, elections were not held, but after they became the majority as their populastion increased by immigration, especially after WWII, they held and won all elections, basically religating the Palestinians to an inferior life. It can be argued the Palestinians did nothing with the land, and were poor sheep herders, and it was the Jews that took it from rags to riches, but the Palestinian question of what to do with and for the displaced Palestinians was never resolved, hence the major conflict.
[edit] Currency
As of February 10th, 2007, one US$ = 4.22880 New Israel Sheckels (NIS)
[edit] Arriving
[edit] Jerusalem entry requirements
United States, British, Canadaian, Australian, South African, New Zealand and Irish citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay in Israel. Travellers intending to visit Arab countries (other than Egypt, Jordan or United Arab Emirates) after leaving Israel should ensure that their passport does not contain Israeli visas or stamps, otherwise entry into Arab countries with such passports will be denied; it is sometimes possible to have a separate sheet of paper stamped instead. However if travelling to the Occupied Territories proof of entry to Israel must be shown in passports. Since February 2007 all foreign nationals need a multiple re-entry visa to enter and exit Gaza through the Erez crossing point.
[edit] By plane
The Ben Gurion International Airport (code:TLV) is named for the first Isreali prime minister. It is located at Lod, half way between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and relatively convenient to both.
Ben Gurion is the home base for Isreal's airline, El Al, the most secure airline in the world. Several IATA airlines use this airport as well.
It takes less than an hour to reach Jerusalem, but count on long security lines and proceedures.
If you are arriving for the first time, it is a good idea to have telephone numbers of friends or your contacts in Jerusalem to verify your reason for visiting, particularly if you have Visas from an Islamic country.
[edit] By train
There is a scenic train ride from Tel Aviv of about $7 connecting through the airport and ending in the Malcha Train Station in southern Jerusalem, next to the Malcha Mall where you will find many brand name stores. The train is very comfortable and modern. Once you get to Jerusalem, there are a number of buses that will take you anywhere in the city, or grab a taxi. If you want to go downtown, just ask for 'Mercaz Ha-ir' or for 'Kikar Etzion' (Zion Square).
[edit] By bus
You can't go too far wrong taking a bus from the airport to Jerusalem as they are comfortable, reasonable, and plentiful. From the Central Bus Station you can enjoy a beautiful downhill walk to the Old City, or a quick bus. It is difficult to locate a city map, so print the one off of our website and take it with you.
[edit] By shared taxi
There are no public buses on Shabbat or Sabath (Saturdays), and you may need to share a taxi (sherut) to get around. Expect to pay $12 to $15 to get from the airport to Jerusalem, and maybe $5 to $7 to get around inside Jerusalem.
Palestinian shared taxis are half the price, and are your best bet to get to Ramallah, Betlehem, the Damascas gate or any other Palestinian city.
[edit] Getting around
There are lots of taxis in Jerusalem, but many aren't all they try to make you think, taking your on indirect 'scenic' routes around the city, or they don't use their meter and hammer you with a high price at the end. If the meter isn't on, ask immediately how much it will cost, even if you don't know, he doesn't know that.
The sole cost-effective option for getting around are city buses. If you can find bus 99, it has a tourist-type trip around the whole city, costing about 4$12 for adults and $9 for kids for the whole day of use.
Jerusalem is completing a light rail line linking most parts of the city by 2008.
[edit] Things to see
There is so much history in Jerusalem, it is hard to say where to begin, but start with the Old City. It has walls from the Ottoman times, and just jam packed with things of great significance religiously. Here you will get the feeling of a place that time just keeps marching on, and nothing changes, and nothing stays the same. You can visit the Isreal Museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, plus, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
[edit] Something to do
[edit] Night Life
Even though religion is the major theme in Jerusalem, it doesn't mean they don't like to have fun, as a great nightlife with clubs and bars, especially around the Ben-Yehuda area downtown that stay open until the sun comes up. You won't have much problem if you speak English. Image:Jewish worshippers converge on the Western Wall.jpg|right|thumb|Jewish worshippers converge on the Western Wall]]
[edit] Shopping
Judaica are literary and historical materials of Judaism, and make excellent momentos. Much of the things for sale come from other parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and many are reproductions of the original. Enjoy walking through bazaars of bronze antique menoras and mezuzas. There are about eight malls now in and around Jerusalem, but skip them, you've been in one, you've been in them all. Try your haggling luck around the Old City.
[edit] Cuisine and eating out
Because Jerusalem is so multicultural, each has brought their own foods and ways to prepare it here. You can eat in a different counry each night, from European, African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. Prices vary widely also, so go out and don't be shy, become an international food connoisseur without leaving Jerusalem! A good rule of thumb in Jerusalem is to try the places that are popular, even if it may take a bit longer for service. The food will be fresher, and the experience you can write in your diary. If you just want a snack, try falafels, sold in little food stands. They are very typical, they fry a ball or patty of fava beans or chickpeas, and add spices in the process, delicious!
[edit] Safely.travel
Jerusalem is a very safe city, especially for tourists, however watch for pickpockets especially in the Old City, near the Western Wall in particular.
Jews entering Muslim areas and Mullims entering Jewish areas, especially at night, is not a good idea. There are security checks everywhere so be sure to carry identification at all times.
You will find it is best to avoid Muslim areas on Fridays, and Jewish areas on Saturdays
ATMs are all over the city so never carry a lot of cash, nor leave valuable visible inside your car.
Attacks between the Isrealis and Palestinians are a constant problem, but not so much for tourists, an=s tourists are seldom the target, and attacks don't happen very often in tourist areas.
Police can be reached by calling 100, and ambulances by 101.
Due to high security levels throughout Israel, any unattended packages will be assumed to be explosive in nature and will be destroyed. Standard proceedure requires that a bomb squad treat all such packages as live ordinance. A large majority of unattended packages turn out to be souvenirs that have been left by preoccupied or absent minded tourists.
[edit] Check out this site, it may save your life
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling in Jerusalem, and the Third World in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely.travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
[edit] Jerusalem hotels
As mentioned above, the following Jerusalem hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$175 per night.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
[edit] The most popular independent Jerusalem hotels under $175 (in order)
- Eldan Hotel - Experience the magic of the holy city! Enjoy your vacation at the Eldan Hotel where personal requests are always accommodated so you can find the comforts of home. The Hotel Eldan Jerusalem offers warm hospitality with courteous service provided by skilled professional staff at attractive prices. Eldan Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Jerusalem on King David street, minutes away from the old city and other intriguing landmarks. Featuring 76 air-conditioned rooms equipped with a variety of comforts including a television, radio, telephone, and a mini bar. Business travelers will also find the Eldan Hotel to be a great choice as each room is equipped with modern day online access and faxing capabilities. The elegant "Pisces" top quality restaurant in the hotel offers a luxurious choice of breakfast delights, including salads, fish dishes with home style dressing, and fish prepared in creative culinary style. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshing cold and hot drinks in the lobby.
- Jerusalem Hotel - Rooms are timelessly decorated with antiques that are inspired by eastern culture and traditions. Each of our 14 rooms has its own character partly due to the nature of the architecture and partly because of the uniqueness of each room's furniture. All furniture is carefully hand carved with formations inspired by early Islamic and Andalucian designs. Each bed, closet, bureau, mirror, chair and side table offer additional details that further differentiate each room. All rooms have private facilities providing twenty four hours comfort to guests. All rooms have two separate telephone lines, which is particularly handy for those occupying one of the lines for internet or fax use. Free fast ADSL internet access is available free of charge to guests carrying laptops with Ethernet connection. All rooms have a Cable satellite television that offers a variety of news, movie, sport, music and nature channels free of charge to guests. Video machines are available upon request. There is electrical air conditioning in some of the smaller rooms. Large rooms are airy due to their high ceiling and thick wall architecture. They are sufficiently ventilated with a ceiling fan. A central heating system maintains a warm and pleasant temperature during winter. Room balconies overlook the Mount of Olives, the Old City, the Holy Sepulcher, the Lutheran Church, the Dome of the Rock, the Russian Compound and other historic sites.It will be a great pleasure for us if you can spare a few minutes to navigate our site. We have tried to collect a wide range of information that may be beneficial for you when visiting Jerusalem or the area. Feel free to click on the attached icons, boxes or links and let us know of any additional information that you think is worth adding. You have arrived at would like to welcome you to our home and hope that you will enjoy our family hospitality and experience the warmth of the Palestinian traditions, culture and architecture. It will be a great pleasure for us if you can spare a few minutes to navigate our site. We have tried to collect a wide range of information that may be beneficial for you when visiting Jerusalem or the area. Feel free to click on the attached icons, boxes or links and let us know of any additional information that you think is worth adding.
- Jerusalem YMCA International Three Arches Hotel - Here is a place whose atmosphere is peace, where political and religious jealousies can be forgotten, and international unity fostered and developed. The Three Arches Hotel commands a magnificent view and is part of the impressively designed YMCA complex. The complex was designed by the world famous architect of the Empire State Building. In a city that blends the past and the present, the YMCA 3 Arches Hotel with its 152 ft high central tower is a landmark. The Three Arches Hotel overlooks the fabled old city and the modern vistas of new Jerusalem. Located in this historic city, across the street from the King David Hotel, the Three Arches is famed for it's unique atmosphere, comfortable facilities and friendly hospitality. It extends to guests from all parts of the world.
View from YMCA
- Gloria Hotel - The only tourist class hotel located withing the 'Old City' walls. The Gloria hotel odffers comfortable accommodation within the historic heart of the Christian quarter of the old city. Located just inside the Jaffa Gate, overlooking the Citadel, it is a few minutes walk from major religious, tourist, cultural and historical sites. The Glorioa Hotel has recently undergone a major renovation and refurbishment program. It now combines modern comforts with a chance to experience the atmosphere and history that the Holy City has to offer.
- Jerusalem Gold Hotel - Quiet European elegance, comfort, and true affordability meet in the Jerusalem Gold Hotel to create a hidden sanctuary amid the overwhelming blaze of history, diversity, and faith that is Jerusalem. Ezra Attia of London has designed a haven of gentile tranquility and warmth set into the very hub of local and national transportation in Jerusalem, thus allowing guests to enjoy the seemingly impossible combination of calm and serenity, with the ultimate accessibility. Each of the guest rooms welcomes you with soothing quiet, and extra long and comfortable beds to encourage your rest. The imported mahogany and the crisp white linens together with the calm and serenity lend an air of quiet elegance to make the room a special retreat. Draw the curtains –which, like the rest of the facility, are treated against allergens- and in most rooms the famous surroundings and the view of Jerusalem, will all enchant you and enhance the magic of this remarkable city. The Jerusalem Gold Hotel has 196 rooms, studios and junior suites.
- King Solomon Hotel - All of King Solomons rooms are spacious and luxurious. The top floor have a great distant view of the Dead Sea and the Old City.
- Ambassador Hotel - The Ambassador Hotel is one of the first hotels built in East Jerusalem. Located in the consulate district,15 minutes walk to the holy sights in the old city. The hotel offers spacious rooms, friendly and efficient service combined with a warm welcoming atmosphere. All rooms were recently renovated, fully furnished and equipped with air-condition, mini bar ,hairdryer, satellite TV, internet service, and fiber optic for direct link. Conference and meeting rooms to accommodate 10-35 persons.
- 7 Arches Hotel - A warm welcome awaits you within the Hotel 7 arches. Offering every modern comfort and convenience, the hotel is tastefully decorated expressing the spirit of Jerusalem in colors, textures, motifs and crafts of the region. From the spacious lobby to the graceful low rise guestroom wings. you will find a cool of comfort befitting the surroundings. For recreation there an all-weather tennis court, Or, relax and enjoy the view from the magnificent garden terraces. The hotel also has an arcade of shops, travel and tour desk and business services for the traveling executive. From its hilltop location on the Mount of Olives, the 7 arches hotel looks out onto one of the most inspiring views in the world...the old city of Jerusalem. The hotel is a short distance from the ancient historical sites of the Holy City and is the perfect base for excursions to Bethlehem, Jericho, Massada, Balilee and beyond.
- Prima Royale Hotel - The Prima Royale Hotel is the first boutique hotel in Jerusalem, centrally located in Talbieh district, the heart of the City. The hotel's dining hall serves the highest quality European and International food while the spacious lobby contains a Bar & Coffee Shop for a quick snack or beverage. The hotel offers elegant and relaxing atmosphere within walking distance to all tourists' attractions: Western Wall (Kotel), Migdal David, Old City, theaters and museums.
- Grand Court Hotel - The Grand Court Hotel is in the heart of Jerusalem, located a short walk from the Old City with its holy sites. The Grand Court Hotel boasts 442 luxurious rooms including 13 suites and 2 presidential suites. The new hotel’s rooms are lavishly furnished and equipped with every modern convenience. Enjoy the spacious sun lit dining room and garden view lounge. Well-planned banquet facilities equipped with the latest in technology. The Grand Court team creates imaginative and inspirational settings with outstanding service.
- Montefiore Hotel - Formerly the Hanagid Hotel, the hotel is located in the center of Jerusalem on 7 Shatz St. near the Great Synagogue and the Yeshurin Synagogue. The hotel is within walking distance from the Old City, the Western Wall, and from other tourists attractions. The hotel has 48 spacious rooms including 1 large suite. The entire hotel has been newly renovated, with an exclusive Lobby Bar and a Business Lounge with wireless high-speed internet access. All 47 rooms are equipped with quilt comforters and orthopedic pillows, colored television with cable T.V., air condition, and telephone, maximum three guests per room. Non smoking rooms are also available.
- Golden Walls Hotel - The Jerusalem Golden Walls Hotel is located in the center of the Holy City. Lying just outside the city walls, between Damascus and Herod's Gate our hotel is within walking distance from the most religious, historic and cultural centers.
- Jerusalem Gate Hotel - Highway Number One to Jerusalem, after first two Jerusalem intersections (Saharov Gardens and Dead Sea) turn left at third intersection onto Yirmiyahu Street, and immediate turn right into the driveway of the Shopping Mall – Center 1, Follow road to hotel entrance. The parking garage is past the hotel entrance. From the North or from Highway 443, continue on Begin South to Givat Shaul exit to traffic light; Left turn onto Highway Number One and then left again onto Yirmiyahu St. as above.
- Holy Land Hotel - The Holy Land Hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem. From all guest rooms and from the hotel lobby and restaurant, one can enjoy a view of the Old City of Jerusalem, the city center or the surrounding mountains. Every Hotel guest is lucky enough to see either the walls of the Old City, the Golden Dome of the Rock or the Mount of Olives among many other interesting sites. Within a few minutes walk, hotel guests can reach the city center and most historical and religious sites.
- Mount of Olives Hotel - The Mount of Olives is a family run hotel situated at the summit of this historic mountain. The hotel was built in 1960 around the home of the Khweis family which is presently used as the bar. Renovations to restore this centuries old room are scheduled for next year. In addition, the hotel also has a pleasant sitting and dining room which seats over 80 people at one setting. All 61 rooms have bath and / or showers, a telephone, and comfortable beds. The hotel can comfortably accommodate groups of over 120 guests. The majority of customers are pilgrims who come to be near the areas where Jesus lived. There are many churches and holy sites around the hotel commemorating the historic events of the Bible. These include the Chapel of the Ascension, the Garden of Gethsemene, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Pater Noster Church, the Tomb of the Prophets, Dominus Flevit, and the spectacular Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary Magdalene with its seven golden cupolas making it one of Jerusalem's most distinctive landmarks. The hotel is situated atop the highest point in Jerusalem. As a result, approximately eleven of its rooms command a dramatic view of the Old City. Indeed, it is fair to say that the Mount of Olives Hotel has the single best view of Jerusalem from any vantage point in the city. The most popular room is 317-318 which is surrounded by large glass windows. Past visitors have described their stay in this adjoining room as "a remarkable spiritual experience, as though you are sleeping in a helicopter overlooking the Dome of the Rock." Public transportation to and from Damascus Gate runs daily until approximately 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, it is possible to either walk or take a private taxi for about $4.00 depending on the guest's negotiation skills with the driver. A walk to the Old City is a very pleasant experience though most visitors generally prefer to walk down the hill than up.
- Arcadia Hotel - The newly renovated Jerusalem Arcadia Hotel offers an ideal opportunity for lodging in an especially warm and cozy atmosphere at the most attractive prices. The Jerusalem Arcadia Hotel is ideally in the city center. the famous open mall. shopping and Tourist Center, Ben-Yehuda is just around the corner. There you will find exciting day or night life no matter what you prefer. Fashion boutiques, Art shops, Pubs, Theatre, Restaurants and Coffee houses of all styles are just outside your door. Personal and professional service. The management of the Jerusalem Arcadia Hotel, upon opening to the public, decided to provide a unique atmosphere that only a very small establishment can offer. We work 24/7 and give all the logistical help (car rental, maps, tour services, etc.), no charge.
[edit] About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
[edit] Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
[edit] Asian hotels
- Japan hotels
- Beijing hotels
- Taiwan hotels
- Taipei hotels
- Macau hotels
- Macao hotels
- Hainan hotels
- Philippines hotels
- Manila hotels
- Hanoi hotels
- Bangkok hotels
- Chiang Mai hotels
- Koh Samui hotels
- Phuket hotels
- Jakarta hotels
- Bali hotels
[edit] Australian hotels
[edit] New Zealand hotels
[edit] Pacific Island hotels
[edit] Micronesia
- The Federated States of Micronesia hotels
- Marshall Islands hotels
- Palau hotels
- Northern Mariana Islands hotels
- Nauru hotels
- Kiribati hotels
- Guam hotels
[edit] Melanesia
[edit] Polynesia
- Cook Islands hotels
- Niue hotels
- Samoa hotels
- Tonga hotels
- American Samoa hotels
- French Polynesia hotels
- Easter Island hotels
[edit] Hawaii
- Hawaii in general
- The Big Island hotels
- Maui hotels
- Moloka'i hotels
- Lana'i hotels
- O'ahu hotels
- Kaua'i hotels
[edit] Central America
[edit] Central America hotels
- Guatemala hotels
- Belize hotels
- Honduras hotels
- El Salvador hotels
- Nicaragua hotels
- Costa Rica hotels
- Panama hotels
