Beit Shmuel, Jerusalem

Despite appearances, this is a youth hostel. The airy lobby has rose marble tiles, businessmen hold meetings in the lobby cafe and there is a landscaped courtyard with palm trees and a minimalist Japanese feel. The building doubles as the Culture and Education Centre of the World Union of Progressive Judaism, which means there are frequently concerts and tours that guests can participate in. The simply furnished rooms have stow-away bunk beds (the top bunk looks like a panel in the wall, but can be unfolded to change the sleeping capacity in the room from three to six).