Traveling the World in Search
of Truly Enchanting Places
Israel
Overview
From Andrew Harper
Most visitors arrive in Tel Aviv, a thriving, cosmopolitan Mediterranean city, founded just 100 years ago, with cafés and lively gallery districts. In contrast, Jerusalem’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site; its nearly 220 historic monuments include the Western Wall and Temple, the Dome of the Rock, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Outside of the walled Old City, West Jerusalem is a modern and bustling place. Shopping and nightlife areto befound here, along with a multitude of museums, includingthe Yad Vashem memorial and Holocaust museum.
CLIMATE: The long summer (late April to early October) is dominated by hot, dry air from the Arabian Desert to the east. From October to April, low-pressure systems sweep in from the Mediterranean, producing cool and rainy weather.
TIME: Seven hours ahead of New York (EST).
CURRENCY: New shekel (ILS). Fluctuating rate valued at ILS4 = US$1.00 as of January 2012. Note: All of our suggested hotels quote rates in US$.
U.S. EMBASSY: Tel Aviv, Tel. 3-519-7575. Jerusalem consulate, Tel. 2-630-4000.
DIRECT DIAL CODES: To phone hotels in Israel, dial 011 (international access) + 972 (Israel code) + city code and local numbers in listings.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay). Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Visit goisrael.com before your trip.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Israel
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The American Colony HotelHistoric and elegant 93-room mansion-style hotel within a walled compound in Arab East Jerusalem, long a favorite with the world’s press corps, celebrities and dignitaries. |
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The King DavidRenowned and ideally located 237-room luxury hotel in a parklike setting overlooking ramparts of Old City. |
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Hotel MontefioreStylish boutique hotel in a restored two-story 1920s mansion, steps from Rothschild Boulevard in the center of the city. |
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- Have you been to the Galapagos Islands? We are fascinated by the vibrantly-colored wildlife there: http://t.co/TCy0sLTepw ... 5 hours ago
When planning a trip to Jerusalem, be sure to ask your agent at the Andrew Harper Travel Office to include the Tunnels Tour. It is well worth the money!
http://english.thekotel.org/content.asp?id=116
Recently visited the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem. I loved it, but I loved it 30 years ago, and it's non-kosher, so great for Americans and/or non Jews. Unfortunately there's nothing around it within walking distance for evenings out. No shopping close by either. The hotel has a new non-smoking building across the garden from the original building. The Loft Suites in this section are stunning!
In fact, we met a gentleman who has been living at the hotel for 4 1/2 years which should be a testament to something!
Lovely grounds with an outdoor restaurant/bar that is very popular in the warmer weather. Hotel has great history to go along with everything else.
Great location! Very modern. The rooms are a little strange - especially the baths. There's this weird shower thing going on that Americans would have to get used to, but it's new, it's vibrant, and it's a happening place with it's Mirror Bar and unique and trendy restaurants. There is also a Rooftop Bar that is extremely popular. Reservations at any of the dining or drinking venues in this hotel should be made in advance. The Mamilla would probably appeal more to younger clientele or those that feel young. Attached to the Mamilla shopping mall, so there are restaurants and stores to walk to right out of your front door. David Citadel is across the street.
Does anyone have any good recommendations for hotels in Herzliya, Israel? I've heard The Daniel is okay, but customer services is lacking ... their Web site is literally without email or phone number, which is a bad sign.
Hello,
Mr. Harper, as you are already most likely aware, does not recommend any properties in Herzliya.
We must admit that we (the Travel Office staff) have not personally inspected any hotels in this city, however we checked into the options, and it looks like the best available property is the Dan Accadia, set on the sea. If you click on the link above, the website does include contact information.
If you would like assistance with reservations or guiding/transfers in Israel, the Travel Office would be happy to assist. Feel free to contact us at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office
Would anyone be able to recommend a good guide in Jerusalem? Thank you.
Hello,
We work with an excellent travel partner in Israel, and we would be happy to arrange for some private touring in Jerusalem for you. For more information, feel free to contact the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office