Jerusalem
Israel


The Experience

You know a hotel is truly legendary when it outdates the country in which it is located. And in the case of the King David, the age difference is nearly an impressive two decades. Built in 1930 -- and partially destroyed by Mandate-era Jewish separatists in 1946 -- the hotel is the best known in all of Israel, the nation's only true grande dame, and it lives up to the hype. Located in the heart of West Jerusalem, the hotel overlooks the Old City, yet is in walking distance of the new city's core commercial and cultural venues. With its cool Jerusalem stone facade and classic, European architecture, the King David evokes the glory of the ancient Levant along with the grandeur of its onetime colonial masters.

The Rooms

Although the hotel's rooms were renovated almost a decade ago, they still feel fresh and current thanks to a timeless aesthetic that belies age or era. Dark, tropical woods are the dominant material for most of the furniture, accented with gold and cream-colored fabrics along with large -- though unusually low -- beds and sizable writing tables. The nice-size bathrooms often have separate shower stalls. Opt for a Deluxe Old City View room; larger than standard rooms, they showcase the best of the city's scenic wonders.

The Service

In a nation not generally known for fine service, the King David is -- for the most part -- a welcome surprise. Indeed, from the smiley bellmen at the entryway to the unusually cooperative and informative reception and concierge staff, the hotel ensures that its most discerning clientele is well-looked after. Still, service is not flawless, and small matters (a request for a daily paper, for instance) can fall through the cracks. Many staffers are Israeli Arabs, which adds a nice, multicultural touch to this most quintessential of Jerusalem experiences.

The Highlights

Although the hotel's buffet breakfast is an all-morning, endless-calorie affair, the rest of the hotel's dining options are its major flaw -- you'd do best to eat elsewhere. Still, the hotel lures a who's who of local politicians, major foreign leaders and Hollywood hot shots -- including recent guests Will Smith and Ewan McGregor. Look for them by the hotel's massive outdoor pool, in its soaring Art Deco lobby, or gazing out over the Old City enjoying a drink or dessert on the hotel's outdoor terrace -- with those flawless Jerusalem views.

-- David Kaufman

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