The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem has won, for the second consecutive year, the title of “Israel’s Leading Hotel 2025” from the international tourism organization World Travel Awards, considered the “Oscar of the tourism world.”
The prestigious organization, celebrating 32 years of activity this year, is regarded as the leading global benchmark for recognizing excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry. Winners are selected annually by professionals and consumers from over 160 countries, with more than 650,000 votes from around the world.
The announcement of the award was revealed at a glamorous ceremony held in Dubai. This is the third time in the hotel’s history that it has won the prestigious title, following previous wins in 2022 and 2024.
“This is a tremendous pride for the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, for the entire chain, for the hotel staff, and for Jerusalem itself,” said Avner On, the hotel’s CEO. “This win, the second in a row, proves that it is possible to lead the tourism sector in Israel even during challenging times, while maintaining an international standard of service and hospitality.”
Ninth time for the Jerusalem boutique
Meanwhile, another Israeli (and Jerusalem) hotel received recognition in the prestigious Dubai competition: The American Colony was again chosen as Israel’s best boutique hotel for 2025. This is the ninth time the hotel has received this prestigious title, first awarded in 2013 and then in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The hotel’s CEO, Alex Nasser, noted this morning following the announcement of the prestigious award: “We are very proud of the selection of the American Colony as Israel’s outstanding boutique hotel for 2025, and for the trust and appreciation expressed by the World Travel Awards organization. Over the past year, the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation to enhance the guest experience. I promise that we will continue to maintain the high level of service, atmosphere, and the uniquely exceptional hospitality experience of the hotel.”
Step right in
Another Israeli hotel was honored in the competition – the InterContinental David Tel Aviv was chosen as the best conference hotel in the country. This is the fourth time and the eighth consecutive time, in various categories, that the hotel has received this distinguished title.
Franco Vola, CEO of the InterContinental David Tel Aviv, said after the win: “We are very proud of winning the award for the best conference hotel in Israel for the fourth time. The hotel’s conference center is one of the largest and leading in Israel, managed by a skilled and professional team, and they are the reason for this win.”
Additionally, the Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel won the award for “Israel’s Best Business Hotel” for 2025. “For the ninth time, the Carlton Tel Aviv continues to lead the business hospitality experience in Israel,” said Yossi Nabi, CEO of the Carlton Hotel. “The win reflects the hard work, the uncompromising commitment of our staff, and the high standard of hospitality we maintain every day.”
One of the country’s largest hotel projects
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem was built on the foundations of the historic Palace Hotel and is considered one of the largest and most impressive hotel projects in Israel, with an investment of about NIS 150 million. The hotel has 226 rooms, including 29 luxury suites, a grand ballroom, meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology, gourmet restaurants, a gym, a luxurious spa, and a high level of service.
The American Colony Hotel is a stunning 160-year-old Ottoman gem, built in 1860 and serving as the palace of the local Pasha and his four wives. The hotel features Arabic arches, colorful wooden ceilings, Oriental rugs, and antique furniture that blend East and West, creating a romantic, tranquil, and unique atmosphere. The hotel includes four historic buildings, blooming gardens, and ancient fountains. It has 85 rooms divided into seven categories, each with its own unique charm. The hotel rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, some featuring colorful wooden ceilings or Oriental arches. Over the past year, the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation covering all four floors of the main building.