How many hotels in the world are significant to a given city like the American Colony of Jerusalem, Israel? Probably few, very few. When you walk past the front door of this little (not so little, as you'll discover after you'll have explored the annexes...) palace, you will enter the history of the last two centuries in Jerusalem. A history... more

My first night in Jerusalem was not at the American Colony but across the road at another chain hotel. As a war was going on at the time (it is Israel) that hotel was full of refugees from the north of the country and disgruntled young americans confined for their own safety. The latter were so rude and resentful I... more

Our extended family recently returned from an eight day stay in Jerusalem. We chose the American Colony Hotel because of its excellent reviews, but also because we didn't want to stay at a big generic stone edificed West Jerusalem hotel. We wanted a more exotic, authentic Middle Eastern experience. We have stayed at very fine hotels, so our expectations were... more

Service was very attentive and superb, and there's an interesting crowd there, journalists, businessfolks, diplomats, stimulating conversations around the outdoor bar at night. Breakfast buffet is delicious. Almost all of the staff are arab Israeli or Palestinian. As an (obviously ) American Jew I felt totally comfortable there. I noticed prosperous Israelis coming by to eat there on the Sabbath... more

I was enamored with this hotel immediately when I started looking for rooms. We stayed in a Classic Pasha room which was very interesting and unusual. However, several days I found long black hairs on my sheets (neither my husband nor I have long black hair). The service in the restaurants the two nights we ate in the hotel was... more

We spent just one night in the American Colony but this was my best experience in Israel. All staff spoke good English and were generally very helpful. Restaurant prices were moderate ($109 for dinner for two including wine) and the food was excellent. Breakfast was served in a beautiful sunlit courtyard with lots of sparrows flying around. I loved it!... more

The highlight of the American Colony is the building, a lovely Ottoman house with a courtyard (cafe / restaurant, weaher permitting) and a garden. While the location is good to explore East Jerusalem, the immediate surroundings of the hotel are somewhat neglected. There is a mosque right next to the hotel, and you will hear the call for prayer at... more

I love uniqueness, and this hotel certainly gave me what I like. I booked a pasha room, and I felt in Turkey or La Alhambra. The bed was big and comfortable and the bathroom had the heated floor which was excellent since it was snowing when I arrived. The hotel is a piece of history, and it felt wonderful to... more

I have stayed at this hotel each of the five times I have visited Jerusalem, and plan to continue visiting this property each time in the future. It is an excellent hotel with much going for it, although not perfect. Here are the pluses and minuses: STYLE. This hotel has class. It is the furthest thing from a generic Hilton... more