Ramat Rachel Hotel, Jerusalem

Ramat Rachel does a great job of what they do; they just need to be open about what they are. It is reasonably clean, practical, fairly well run, but by no means luxurious. Food is Israeli plentiful. Service level is, well, Israeli. If you have been there, you know what that means; if not, enjoy learning! It is 35-50 shekels cab ride to town; agree w/the cab driver before-hand, or it is 60. Upper floors are superior if you can get them. (Promises ahead are meaningless) Lots of weddings held on beautiful grounds; fun to watch.

Having stayed here twice in the past twelve months for conferences I would certainly stay again. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The views from the grounds of the centre of Jerusalem on one side and Bethlehem on the other are superb. The rooms were comfortable and clean and the ones in the New part of the Hotel are massive. The area around the Hotel like the Archaeological Gardens and the Olive Tree Monuments were wonderful The food was excellant and being Buffet style you could have as much as you wanted. I wish we could obtain salad and fruit that fresh in the UK.

1. the room did not have towels..had to request 2.the head of the dining room acted annoyed that we arrived 15 minutes before closing time for breakfast... 3.when my 87 year old mother using a cane requested coffee,the waiter said get it yourself. 4.my car was broken into and the window broken and cd player stolen in hotel parking lot. while the security guard was helpful ,the management including the manager of the hotel ignored the incident and claimed no responsibility. that may be or may not be the legal case, but Iexpected at least an apolgy... I later called the hotel and requested to speak with the manager..I was told he would receive my message.. 3 weeks and 3 telephone callslater not even an apology forget this place...

As a hotel it was OK, but we should have stayed near the center of the city. The facilities are above average and clean. It was inconvenient to walk all the way around the hotel to get to the pool, even though our room opened up to it. THe desk staff were friendly enough but not very well-informed. Nor did the hotel seem able to provide some of the tourist services they imply they offer; maybe they do better with groups.