Stepping into History At The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

Entering the famed courtyard lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, one is immediately transported to a time of grandeur and luxury, a place filled with history and inspiration.

Designed by, Yehuda Feigin, one of Israel’s leading architects, with interior design by Sinan Kafadar from Turkey, attention is given to every detail, which translates both to the setting and how the staff treats its guests. While all of Jerusalem is defined by a sense of the past, the hotel succeeds in fusing that sense of history and majesty with the most up to date amenities hoped for by the discerning traveler.

The site of the hotel itself is a lesson in history and the designers worked to protect much of the story. Previously housing The Palace Hotel, the site was witness to key events which marked the early period for the establishment of the State of Israel.

In 1935, amidst continued unrest in the region, The Palace, the most opulent hotel in the city, was forced to close its doors. In the post-Independence period, the building was in disrepair for many years before becoming the government offices of Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade until the late 1990’s when its architectural and historical significance were renewed and it was chosen as the site for the landmark Jerusalem property of the Waldorf Astoria brand.

Nearly a decade of meticulous planning and construction were invested to transform the area into the luxury setting that it is today while keeping the integrity and history of the magnificent architecture. As such, immediately upon entry to the lobby, the original winding staircase fills the entranceway leaving guests feeling a combination of awe and wonderment over the types of monumental conversations that filled that space so many decades ago.

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Situated almost equidistant from the Old City and the bustling downtown Jerusalem area, the Waldorf Astoria builds upon the unique Jerusalem character. The majority of public areas utilize Jerusalem stone to ensure that the guests will never forget for even a moment where in the world they find themselves. A look to the sky reveals one of the hotel’s most remarkable engineering elements where the lobby roof can be completely opened to the heavens in a matter of minutes. This feature, involving several dozen moving glass panels was specifically intended to allow the lobby to be transformed into one of the world’s most exclusive sukkah locations.

Fine dining is at the core of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem’s identity and visitors to the hotel are treated to some of the finest kosher culinary experiences available in the world today. Diners can choose from The Kings Court offering an extensive dairy menu and The Palace Restaurant, one of the finest kosher meat restaurants, both perfectly matching the prestige and elegance of the worldwide Waldorf Astoria brand.

“Our objective is that every single guest will not simply have an enjoyable stay at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem but that their time in the hotel will be a central part of their Jerusalem experience,” says Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem’s General Manager Guy Klaiman. “Every one of our team members, whether they are maintenance, housekeeping, the Executive Chef or myself and my fellow managers are committed to making our guests stay one they will always remember.”

It is these elements, among many others which earned the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem the distinction as the Best Hotel in the Middle East by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and number seven in the entire world. Such a distinction, only a year after the hotel opened its doors, provided further proof for what makes this the preferred destination for those in search of true luxury.

Don’t miss out on the history and the luxury on your next visit to Jerusalem – to book your stay or for more information, visit www.WaldorfAstoria3.Hilton.com