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Hotel Class: 
5 Stars - 4 Reviews and 166 Opinions
Nablus Rd, Jerusalem, 97200, Israel
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of people enjoy staying here
170 Opinions
Maria81
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While the American COlony may not have all the amenities of a mammoth 200-room chain hotel, but it more than makes up for that with atmosphere. Oh, and all the 5* stuff is still there: excellent service (without being over the top), good food and a very good wine list, pool, massages, fitness, travel services, free room internet, etc.
Unique Quality: East Jerusalem may not be the best address in the city, but there's little that can beat the American Colony for atmosphere. The setting is such that you can easily imagine all of the former guests there in the lounge, reading the newspapers and sipping coffee/tea/something stronger. Winston Churchill, Jimmy Carter, Ingrid Bergman, Bob Dylan, Mikhail Gorbachov, Lord Allenby, Peter O'Toole, Graham Greene and many others have all stayed there - and you can follow in their footsteps.
It also tends to attract a broader than usual range of guests, with journalists and diplomatic staff added to the usual complement of pilgrims and tourists. So, if one is of an easy-going nature, an interesting conversation in the lounge is almost guaranteed!
The American Colony Hotel
leffe3
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The American Colony is one of those very special places that half wants to tell the world, the other wants to keep it (the worst kept) secret!
Originally a rich landowner's mansion, built in typical Ottoman style (ie solid blank exterior walls with all rooms opening out into the inner courtyard), the building was rented (and later purchased) in 1860 by a group of devout Christian Americans from Chicago - and so the 'American Colony' was thus born. It was the beginning of the 20th century, however, when Peter Ustinov's grandfather made arrangements for the overflow of visitors to stay at The American Colony, and so the concept of the hotel was first born.
Nowadays, the hotel has all the luxuries of a 21st century hotel, with a new wing housing comfortable ensuite rooms. But the orignal building remains and a number of the rooms have been converted into luxurious rooms and suites. (owned as it is by Relais & Chateaux, only the best will do).
Unique Quality: The hotel is second to none in Jerusalem (and arguably Israel). Hidden behind palms and established foliage, the 19th century oasis is the place for a comfortable and relaxed stay. 21st century meets Ottoman: the public rooms are grand without being ostentatious. The courtyard cafe (with the tinkling fountain) one of the most laidback places in Jerusalem. The Cellar Bar one of the happening places with Belly Dancers to provide that 'touch' of a flavour of the geographical location. The swimming pool at the rear of the building a welcome spot for some light relief.
Rooms in the old building are grand with that touch of the 'old-fashioned'. Over-plumped pillows, billowing net curtains, dark mahogany furniture, extensive use of heavy Egyptian cotton. The new wing is one of less character but more modern in its functionality and facilities.
On top of this, what is also a pleasure about staying at the hotel is the staff. Genuinely welcoming and helpful.
Traveler342
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Unique Quality: I didn't actually stay at the Colony, since I lived in the city, but the place is an historic spot in Jerusalem, and has been a gathering place to journalists, dignitaries, and scholars for decades now. It has remained in the same family which orginially built the place, and is currently run be one of the sweetest, most self-reliant old women I have ever met - I think she's in her 90s now, and still does the flower arrangements herself.
The staff is friendly and helpful, the food is excellent, the courtyard is beautiful and peaceful, and the bookshop is among the best in town for current Middle Eastern topics in English. Even if you decide to stay elsewhere, I highly recommend at least taking in a meal at the American Colony.
FrankW
US$300
Unique Quality: Great surroundings, great athmosphere, pool, restaurant, folklore shows
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Val’s Brasserie is open from lunch through late dinner all year round. Situated beside the pool and the Cellar Bar, guests will enjoy favorite local dishes, continental specialties and quick snacks in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Afternoon tea, a British classic, is served here daily from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with tea, variety of sandwiches, scones with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries or English cake.
The Dome of the Rock mosque. Inside the citywalls of Old Jerusalem.
The wall around the old city.
The American Colony Hotel. A beautifull hotel.
The western wall. We got paper "hats" to put on our head, before we approached the wall.
Closest to the camera is the "womens section".
This road is more than 2000 years old....
The third station on Via Dolorosa
The Mount of Olives.
I will be driving into Jersualem on a Saturday night. I am staying at the Novotel Hotel in the American Colony.
1. Are restaurants open on Saturday night?
2. Are supermarkets open on Saturday night?
3. Whether they are open or not, where is the nearest decent supermarket to my hotel and will it stock beer and ice -- my brother is arriving later -- 2 am and I am sure he would like a cold one.
Thanks in Advance
NYTim
Novotel Hotel is on the borders of West and East Jerusalem (but officially in East Jerusalem) near to the American Colony Hotel. It's a fairly quiet part of the city at night although only a few minutes walk from Damascus Gate (and a few minutes further to Jaffa Gate).
Kiosks/small shops rather than 'supermarkets' are likely to be the place in the evening close to the hotel.
Some restaurants are open on Saturday night, some not although dependent on what time you arrive (1 hour after sunset is the end of Shabbat) and what you want and where you want to eat. East Jerusalem not affected by Shabbat but some of the places near the hotel will not be open (you can always eat at the American Colony Hotel itself.
If you are driving pre-sunset in Jerusalem, careful that you follow the signs and barriers. The hotel is not so far from the orthodox Mea Shari'im area - take a car into that area and you are likely to get stoned. Other parts of town are fine but just follow the traffic :)
No problem getting food on Saturday night as the Shabat is over at night fall. Even on a Friday night you'll find some restaurants open, and of course Shabat is not a factor at all in the Arab parts (like where your hotel is).
If you look for beer, you can go to Jaffa street, near Nachalat Shiva (look for the corner of Jaffa and Solomon streets). They have pubs there and corner stores where you can get beer.
You shouldn't worry about driving your car as it's Shabat any more after dusk. So, you can drive in the religious places at Saturday night.
Thanks for all the help. Are those beer places within walking distance or should I drive?
Thanks
It's possible to walk that but you might be more comfortable to drive as it's not a 5 minutes walk. You can use http://www.e-map.co.il/eng_index.asp to find places and routes in Jerusalem (or anywhere in Israel).
Great surroundings, great athmosphere, pool, restaurant, folklore shows
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Address: Nablus Rd, Jerusalem, 97200, Israel
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