Yet the hotel, run by the Hilton chain, was completely renovated prior to opening, and the fresh, modern touch layered on top of the old-school grandeur and charm is what makes a stay here both comfortable and unique in Jerusalem.
Like other hotels in Israel, the Waldorf, which is often used for conferences and large-scale events, including former US president Joe Biden’s press conference in 2022, was clearly suffering from low occupancy due to the wars with Iran and Gaza – and before that, COVID-19 – during our recent stay.
But despite the struggles facing Israel’s tourism industry, the hotel has striven to maintain a high level of service and make sure visitors receive the same care and attention.
One of the biggest draws of the Waldorf – for those who are now eager to return to Israel and want to experience its special history without compromising on comfort – is the hotel’s perfect location.
Equidistant from the Old City and the newer parts of Jerusalem, the Waldorf is the perfect place to stay. It faces Mamilla’s pleasant shopping street, which leads directly to the Old City, with its bustling shuk and, beyond that, the spiritual holy sites.
But after a long day of sightseeing or shopping, the hotel’s amenities are perfect for relaxation and recovery.
The rooms are plush and well-maintained. We stayed in a corner suite, which, while it did not have a view of the Old City, boasted a comfortable living room, a bathroom with a full bath, shower, and vanity counter, and a large bedroom complete with a pillow menu.
While the room was luxurious enough, the hotel’s basement spa, with a lap pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, was top-notch. Filled with Guerlain products brought in from Paris, the effects of the professional massage were felt long after it ended.■
The writer was a guest of the Waldorf Astoria.
