I feel particularly well qualified to run my own survey of Jerusalem’s finest hotels, as I have been fortunate to spend many Shabbatot and holidays in nearly all of them. A close friend of mine even jokes that I could get a PhD in hotel studies. As my father advanced in years and I would fly back and forth to visit him, we found the perfect solution by combining spending quality time together and experiencing a change of scenery at Jerusalem’s top hotels. Having returned permanently to Israel after many years abroad, those fine hotels offered a taste of what Israelis call hutzlaretz – an overseas experience in Israel.
The Inbal
After corona restrictions were lifted, I decided to revisit my old haunts and explore what has changed since the pandemic. We started out at the Inbal hotel, which overlooks Jerusalem’s Liberty Park and the Old City. Inbal had undergone massive renovation during the pandemic lockdown.
What sets Inbal apart from other hotels is its ambiance, a very cozy and homey air about it. Their family-friendly atmosphere attracts large numbers of families. My father was very fond of praying at the hotel’s synagogue prior to eating our Shabbat meals there, and almost always was honored to lead services.
Praying at the Inbal synagogue added “flavor” to the food. Their buffet can be best described as “meat and potatoes.” No wonder my family kept on going back for seconds of the special blend of mashed potatoes invented by Chef Eric Atias. This new chef has designed quite a few creative dishes. Inbal prides itself on having both loyal employees and loyal hotel guests who keep coming back. Not surprisingly, these two loyalties are related.
David Citadel
David Citadel is an upscale hotel with one of the best views of the Old City. It features a large swimming pool and a range of dining facilities, all with panoramic views. Ideally one should try dining on the balcony facing the Old City. We had Friday night dinner there during Passover. The setting was very elegant with full service.
My mother used to say, ”You eat with your eyes.” The perfect scenery there enhanced the taste of the food. The menu was versatile. Moreover, I was able to reconnect with many friends from Manhattan who keep going back to the Citadel. One of my friends told me that after two years of corona, they felt like “prisoners let loose.”
Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria is in a league of its own. Located a 10-minute walk from the Jaffa Gate near the historic Old City, it is a true luxury hotel. The interior decor of the hotel is majestic. Several years ago I was lucky enough to spend numerous Jewish holidays there with my father.
This time, under new management, they outdid themselves. Savoring fresh fish for Friday night dinner transported me back to Barcelona. The aroma of their salmon and sea bream melted on the tongue. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed the huge selection of salads on display.
The service was impeccable and fully compatible with my gluten-free diet. Meirav, our little one, was surprised by a birthday cake after the maître d’ overheard that it was her birthday. This was typical of their meticulous attention to detail.
When I complimented co-chef Mohammad Ashayer that the meal left us with a taste for more, he recommended a visit to the Garden Terrace after Shabbat. The exotic taste of the cocktails and tapas served on the terrace was matched by their exquisite presentation.
The great 20th-century Jewish thinker Abraham Joshua Heschel called Shabbat “an island in time.” Each week we welcome Shabbat with a brief service and a festive dinner. When not at home, what better way can there be to welcome Shabbat than exploring exotic “islands” in the holy city for a gourmet Shabbat experience? ■
Shoshana Tita is a writer, journalist and director of TLC in Potomac, Md.