How to Find Hotels in Jerusalem, Israel

Every year, millions of tourists flock to Jerusalem as a center of religion, history and culture. Here's how to book accommodations on your next visit.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection
• Passport

Instructions

Locate Accommodations

1. Stay in the Old City, where famous and holy sites are located. The Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and other historical venues are within walking distance of most accommodations.

2. Visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism Web site to search for accommodations in Jerusalem (see Resources below). You'll find descriptions of property types in the city as well as useful links.

3. Prepare to pay a premium to stay in the Old City. This is the premier destination for religious travelers, and prices can be fairly steep.

4. Save money by finding accommodations in East Jerusalem. This is the Christian and Palestinian section of town, and you'll find many hotels and lodgings that cater to tourists.

5. Be ready to pay more during Christmas, particularly in East Jerusalem. Prices can jump as much as 25 percent.

6. Remember Zion Square, which is also popular for Jewish tourists because of its proximity to holy sites (by day) and its vibrant social scene (by night).

Get To and Around Jerusalem

1. Fly into Israel and you'll go through a rigorous security process. The good news is that some airlines, including El Al, offer air/hotel package discounts if purchased far enough in advance.

2. Enter the volatile world of taxi transit. Taxis are a bit expensive, and prices can vary depending on the mood of the driver.

3. Take the bus. Buses represent the chief mode of transportation for most citizens, and certainly the cheapest. All-day bus passes are easy to obtain.

Tips & Warnings

• You can't book accommodations directly through the Israel Ministry of Tourism Web site, and there is no dedicated booking phone number.

• It's a good idea to reserve your rooms through the hotel's Web site. Besides gaining access of special Web rates, you often can take a virtual tour of the property.

• Jerusalem is divided into two parts: the Old City and the New City. Most of the quaint, vintage hotels and hostels stand within the walls of the Old City, whereas you'll find most of the business rooms and more standardized fare in the New City.

• Many tourists save money by booking rooms just overlooking the walls of the Old City, such as the accommodations you'll find on Jaffa Street.

• The Old City at night is nearly deserted, which can be intimidating to some.

• Buses do not run on Shabbat (Saturday). You must find a taxi.

• Hotel prices are generally high. You can choose among many luxury hotels, but finding cheaper lodging might be somewhat difficult.

• Be prepared for substantial price hikes during holy times of the year (Christmas, Passover). Many hotels require a five- to seven-day minimum stay during Passover.