Extreme comfort
Without doubt, the King David Hotel is the most famous and prestigious hotels in Israel and possibly the Middle East.
Opened in 1931, the iconic building overlooking the Old City has played an important part in the history of the state of Israel. To this day it is the chosen place to stay of visiting politicians and dignitaries and, in 1946, the scene of a bombing by the Irgun movement against the British Mandate.
The King David is very much part of the establishment and any stay reflects this.
Try sitting in the (large) foyer - chances are on any day of the week except Saturday Israeli security will be casing out the joint (in my recent 2 week stay, the American Ambassador, the Indian Minister of Finance, former PM Ehud Olmert, current Foreign Minister Liberman, Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat, British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Birt and many other politicians were all in the hotel at different points).
The public rooms are sweeping, grand and retain an old-fashioned appeal - large comfortable sofas and chairs, huge flower displays in the Reading Room, tasteful decor. The large terrace overlooks the Old City as does the outdoor pool (closed during the winter months).
Breakfast is taken in the grandly named President's Hall and, as any Israeli hotel breakfast, is grand in scale - salads, fruits, cheeses, fish, eggs, breads and pastries.
The three restaurants are, sadly, wholly lacking in atmosphere although La Regence (meat) is by far the best. Food is excellent but they're not places you want to spend any time.
Rooms - all 290 of them - have been recently modernised. Varying in size - from standard to the two-floored President's Suite - all rooms are large, extremely comfortable with all the modern extras one would expect from a 5 star hotel with such a reputation. 'Goodies' are frequently left - hand-made chocolates, jellies, cake.
Unique Quality: It's grand, it's extreme, it's old-fashioned luxury. Yet it's not wholly my thing.
It's the very old-fashionedness of it is one of the problems. And it's therefore ultimately about personal preference than any issue with the hotel.
Sign in with Facebook
King David Hotel, Jerusalem
King David Hotel, Jerusalem
My room at the King David Hotel, Jerusalem
Lounge at King David Hotel
