The King David Hotel, 23 King David St. First opened in 1931, this majestic
hotel has a long history and an impressive list of former guests. You cannot afford to
stay here. You can, however, stroll around the gardens or order a drink while relaxing on
the terrace overlooking the Old City. The rooms are impossibly comfortable and luxuri-
ous. If you must know, singles start at US$260; doubles US$280, before taxes.
LONGER STAYS
For a stay longer than two months, consider renting an apartment. During July and
August, college students go on vacation and many rent out their flats. A single
room in a shared apartment will cost at least US$250-400 per month. The best
source of information is the classified section of the local weekly Kol Ha-Ir. Kol
Ha-Ir also prints apartment request ads in Hebrew for free. The bulletin boards at
Hebrew University and upstairs at the Israel Center on the corner of Strauss and
Ha-Nevi'im St. may also be helpful (many postings are written in English). A more
thorough but expensive option is the She'al Service, 19 King George St. which maintains voluminous
English listings and will keep you posted by fax for a full month for NIS149 (one-
time print-out of all listings NIS49). See their website for free listings access in
Hebrew. (Open Su-Th 8am-7pm, F 8am-lpm.)
EAST JERUSALEM
East Jerusalem contains a beautiful and vibrant slice of Palestinian life and repre-
sents a stark contrast to the western parts of the city. However, it is also a hotbed
of political tension. Feel out the situation before deciding to stay here. Remember
that this area can be unsafe at night, though most travelers don't have problems.
Visibly Jewish travelers (particularly men in kippot) should exercise caution.
Although not technically in the Old City, the hostels right outside Damascus
Gate provide easy access to the Muslim Quarter and with equally easy access to
the Russian Compound, they can be an excellent (and cheap) alternative to stay-
ing within the walls. Several hostels line the parking lot at the base of Ha-Nevi'im
St. which intersects Suleiman St. across from Damascus Gate. Buses #1, 2, 23, 37,
and 44 go to Damascus Gate from the city center.
H Cairo Youth Hostel, 21 Nablus Rd. , on the left when coming from Dam-
ascus Gate; from the central bus station take bus #27. Perhaps not the most aestheti-
cally pleasing hostel, but it wears its age well; the friendly, laid-back atmosphere will
quickly overshadow the drabness of the walls. Comfortable TV sitting area, a view-
lover's roof, and an immaculate kitchen. Heat in winter. Reception 24hr. Check-out
10am. Curfew lam (flexible). Roof mattress NIS15; coed and single-sex dorm beds
NIS20; private room for 1-4 people NIS90. О
Faisal Hostel, 4 Ha-Nevi'im St. in the
parking lot opposite Damascus Gate, on the right. Crowded bunks, satellite TV lounge,
cramped kitchen, and a computer with Internet access (NIS10 per hr.; a 5min. email
check is free). Large but cozy bar on patio overlooking Ha-Nevi'im St, where service driv-
ers can be heard yelling at almost all hours (don't expect to sleep in if your room is on
that side). Reception 24hr. Check-out 11am. Curfew lam. Coed and single-sex dorm
beds NIS20; private doubles and triples NIS80. О
Palm Hostel, 6 Ha-Nevi'im St. , opposite Damascus Gate, just past the
Faisal Hostel. Small but comfortable; has the same noise problem as Faisal. Upper
common room for eating, smoking, and watching videos. Heat in winter. Reception
24hr. Check-out 10am. Curfew midnight. Dorms NIS25, students NIS20; private rooms
NIS100-120, NIS80-100. Ask for discounts for longer stays О