Functional and comfortable
This is one of those places that can divide opinion! Having stayed there several times, I can understand why!
Fantastic location, a few minutes walk from the Liberty Bell Gardens and part of a block of buildings that is covered in newish Jerusalem stone (so where shades when approaching the hotel :)). It's big, it's impersonal, it's comfortably decorated if a little on the ostentatious side. Public rooms are spread out and dark, providing relief from the intense heat outside (assuming you are there during the summer months!). Rooms vary according to payment, but all are fairly big, furnished comfortably if a little bit 'knocked around' by the wear and tear of it being a popular hotel.
Small pool overlooking the back of the hotel, although does provide the occasional glimpse of the Old City. Top floors at the back also provide same view.
Breakfast is one of the highlights of the place, although it is served in a cavern of a room so this is not an intimate moment of the day. This can also be the most confronting of yor stay, especially if it is a busy period. Lots of large families do not result in a quiet start to the day :)
Staff mixed - some are friendly and helpful, some little more than courteous. But that's OK - professionalism is there - just allow for a bad day or the receptionist having just dealt with the rudest customer imagineable. (I have seen this on a couple of occasions and told the receptionists involved that they deserved a medal).
Unique Quality: It's not such a unique place - a comfortable, tourist hotel. I understand it is a 5 star hotel - would question that rating but more than comfortable place to stay alhtough worth avoiding at the height of holiday season - simply because it being such a large hotel, the noise and general 'hub' factor can be a little unpleasant (although this is no fault of the hotel itself). It's also extremely popular for functions, further adding to the general melee of people!
