What it is

A storied 1929 icon flanked by manicured gardens, with 206 luxely appointed rooms and 27 suites, plus a sceney summer-only swimming pool and four restaurants.

What it isn't

Hands off. Expect a butler and excellent 24-hour room service.

What we think

When royals and boldfaced names alike visit Jerusalem, this is their go-to hideaway of choice. Everyone from President Barack Obama to Elizabeth Taylor has stayed here, and no wonder. Even the most basic Jerusalem Room has soaring ceilings and is beautifully adorned with gleaming wood and leather furniture in a palette of calming, desert-like blonde hues. For more spacious digs, we love the nearly 500 square foot Deluxe Old City Top Floors, where parquet floors in a fishbone pattern and rounded floor to ceiling windows add architectural interest, or the Junior Suites, which have jacuzzi baths and balconies upon request.

You're here because

You walk a *lot* in storied cities like this, but never quite enough to offset your calorie intake. The hotel has a tech-forward gym (kinesis exercise systems, TechnoGym equipment) plus personal trainers right on site.

The Moment

Some of the best restaurants in the city are right here, including La Regence. In the glow of the candle light, your cod from the Netherlands crusted in wild rice and served in a bath of sage cream tastes even better. Or maybe that’s just the magic of the King David.

Restaurants & Bars

La Regence - Fine dining highlighted by superb local ingredients and subtle Middle Eastern spices and herbs

King's Garden Restaurant - Executive chef, David Biton, has created a delectable menu highlighting a range of cuisine characteristic to Israel

The Oriental Bar - A discreetly decorated bar where good food and drink are in harmony

Poolside Snack Bar - Grab a refreshing drink or a light meal

Location

Tucked in the ancient Yemin Moshe neighborhood, four blocks walk from the Montefiore Windmill, built circa 1857 and now home to a cafe on the observation deck.