JEWISH QUARTER
Heritage House. Office: 90 Habad St. Men's hostel: 2 Or Ha-Hayim St.
. Free nightly classes
(optional) at the men's hostel. Kosher dairy kitchen for guests. Lock-out 9am-5pm. Cur-
few midnight, lam in the summer and on Shabbat. Dorm accommodations only; free
except on Shabbat (NIS20). О
Hotel Ha-Kotel, 18 Haye Olam Rd. near the Western Wall. A chain of beautifully furnished rooms
(all with A/C, fridge, and microwave on request) organized in response to the shortage
of accommodations in the Jewish Quarter. Ideal for families. Check in at Mama's Deli in
Hurva Sq. Reservations required. Doubles weekdays US$80, Shabbat and holidays
US$125; flexible, minimal rates for additional people.
CHRISTIAN QUARTER
Ш Petra Hostel, 1 David St. , just inside Jaffa Gate, on the left before the
entrance to the market Built more than 175 years ago, this is the oldest accommoda-
tion in the Old City. Mark Twain and Herman Melville stayed here. Has fantastic rooftop
views (some say the best in the city) and a vast, sunny lounge. Pool table, bar, Internet,
laundry, and kitchen. Full breakfast NIS14. Luggage storage NISI per hr. or NIS5 per
day. Check-out 10am. Roof mattresses NIS20, with sheets and blanket NIS25; rooftop
tents (in winter only) NIS25; dorms NIS32, weekly rate (paid in advance) NIS28 per
night; private rooms US$35-50. Reservations accepted only for morning arrivals. О
Casa Nova Hospice, on Casa Nova Rd.
From Jaffa Gate, take the second left up Greek Patriarchate Rd.; from New Gate, turn
left on Casa Nova and follow it as it curves right. Italian-speaking Christian pilgrim's
heaven. Breakfast included. Half and full board available. Private baths. Reception
5am-llpm. US$22 per person; single supplement US$15. Reservations required. О
Greek Catholic Hospice. From Jaffa Gate take the sec-
ond left onto Greek Patriarchate Rd. The elegant hospice is on the right, under a sign
that reads "Patriarchal Grec-Catholique." The attached church had its moment of fame
in March 2000 when visited by the pope; a plaque outside commemorates the occa-
sion. Breakfast included. Half and full board available. Singles US$39; doubles US$58;
triples US$72. Reservations recommended. О
WEST JERUSALEM
Accommodations in West Jerusalem are generally roomier and safer than their Old
City counterparts. They are correspondingly more expensive, and what they boast
in amenities they lack in rustic charm. Hostels here are better for club-goers; most
establishments have no curfew and some are located directly above the action.
The 17% VAT can be avoided by paying in non-Israeli currency.
Privately-run small-scale bed-and-breakfasts are excellent alternatives to hos-
tels. They are often more private and comfortable, and they provide some contact
with an Israeli family. The Home Accommodation Association is a group of independent apartment owners who offer rooms of
all ranges. These all come with a telephone, TV, kitchenette, bathroom, and usu-
ally air-conditioning. Prices range from US$25-70 per night, including breakfast
(discounts for longer stays). No collective office can answer queries, so each B&B
owner must be contacted individually. View the list of rooms (with pictures) on
their website or request a list. A list is also available from the government tourist
office in Safra Sq. (see Tourist Information, 45). Good Morning Jerusalem is an accommoda-
tions agency, which charges 20-30% commission to match room requests.
UZion Square Hostel, 42 Jaffa Rd. in a fantastic
location. A/C, laundry service, Internet (with a web camera), cable TV, 24hr. reception
and security, lockers, and luggage storage. Some rooms have balconies overlooking
Zion Sq. Breakfast included. Check-out 10am. Dorms NIS60; doubles NIS190.