The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel is a “5+ star” luxury hotel in Jerusalem located in the Mamilla neighborhood area. Mamilla is a bustling tourist area and is considered to be one of the best locations in Jerusalem. In fact, the hotel is located between Agron and King David streets; close to the King David Hotel, the David Citadel Hotel, and the Mamilla Hotel.
So in 2008, the Reichman brothers signed an agreement with the Hilton hotel chain to operate the hotel under the chain’s prestigious super brand, Waldorf-Astoria. In the renovation of the hotel, a new wing and 6 additional floors were added to the original building; so that the current hotel has 230 rooms compared to 140 in the original hotel. The master plan of the building was prepared by architect David Kroyanker; an expert in the study of old buildings in Jerusalem, and the architect Yehuda Fagin was entrusted with the construction work.
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel: An Amazing Restoration of the Palace Hotel
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel was built while demolishing the historic Palace Hotel and preserving its facades. The hotel opened in March 2014. At the corner of Agron and King David streets, a luxury Arab hotel called the Palace Hotel was established in the late 1920s. In fact, the hotel got closed in about 1935 due to the tough competition with the nearby luxury hotel – the King David Hotel. After it closed, the British rented the hotel building and housed various government offices. Even after the establishment of the State of Israel, the building was used for government offices and for several years stood abandoned.
American Colony Hotel
So the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel is set in a grand 1920s building, this high-end hotel is 1 km from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 2 km from the Western Wall, and 55 km from Ben Gurion Airport. Also, it offers ornate rooms that feature free Wi-Fi; minibars; safes, and flat-screen TVs; along with espresso machines. Upgraded quarters add balconies or terraces. Suites include living areas; saunas, and/or whirlpool tubs. Room service is available 24/7.
Moreover, the Amenities include complimentary breakfast, an atrium restaurant; an old-world bar; and a cozy kosher-Italian fusion eatery, as well as a garden terrace, a beauty salon, and a fitness center. Valet parking is available for a surcharge.
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel: Restoration Work
So the facade of the hotel was kept completely intact throughout the construction, and the rest of the hotel was demolished and rebuilt. The entrance hall, which was discussed for preservation, was demolished for the construction of the parking lot after it was photographed and documented, and then rebuilt in its original format. The entire building was scanned with a laser test to prepare construction plans as the originals were lost over the years. In front of the hotel; the building of the customs house was demolished and another wing was built in its place, with apartments affiliated with the project.
In order to accommodate a religious audience; a courtyard covered with glass cladding that opens for the purpose of building a sukkah was built in the courtyard of the hotel. The hotel has two kosher restaurants; one dairy; and the other meat. It is planned to open two separate swimming pools for women and men and two separate spa rooms.
On the private tours that I offer, I like to pick up my guest from that hotel since it is so close to the Old City. No need to use a car and we can just walk a little at Mamila Boulevard. Also, the hotel has an amazing breakfast that personally just for that I would choose the Walldorf.
