david citadel hotel jerusalem

trendytravelista — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:06:30 +0000

I spent the entire day sick in bed. Ugh! Not how I imagined spending my time in Jerusalem. But I suppose these things happen. In fact, I’m surprised they don’t happen more often. Traveling has got to be one of the easiest ways to pick up a bug or virus. So, I missed a day exploring the city and rested up in my hotel. But it’s not a bad hotel to be stuck in!

I’m staying at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem. Located in Western Jerusalem, this five-star hotel offers modern, luxury accommodations and breathtaking views of the ancient walls of the Old City. The decor is grand – from the vast marble lobby to the sweeping staircases and snaking hallways. The hotel has 384 suites and guestrooms and a variety of restaurants to choose from, including: Scala, The Seasons (pictured above), Yakimonotoo and the Lobby & Terrace restaurant, which offers great views during both day and night. Food is also served poolside.

My room is a generous size and the bed is super-comfortable. (Thank goodness since I spent all day in it today!) The walls are a bit thin, making noise from the hallway and rooms next door a bit of a problem but other than that, you’ll find everything you need here. Most importantly (for me, anyway!), you can get wireless Internet for 24 hours for 65 scheckels (that’s about $18CDN or $15USD).

There’s shopping nearby and a number of restaurants within walking distance. It’ll take you less than 10 minutes to walk to the Old City from here, making this hotel perfectly situated for most things you’ll probably want to do.

For more information:
The David Citadel Hotel, 7 King David Street, Jerusalem, 94101, Tel: +972 2 621 1111.

a walking tour of jerusalem

trendytravelista — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:19:06 +0000

Upon landing in Tel Aviv, which I wrote about yesterday, I met with my guide Amir and we made our way to Jerusalem. It was a 35-minute drive. After a quick breakfast (hot chocolate and yes, another bagel), we commenced a walking tour of Jerusalem. Before I share with you the highlights, I must tell you that if you do a walking tour of this holy city, be sure to wear GOOD walking shoes (I love my Rockport shoes for walking!) and wear light clothes because the sun can get really hot. But be sure to bring a shawl or pashmina with you so you can cover up if necessary to gain entry to certain sacred sites. I just happened to have one with me, which was lucky, because I was told (quite brusquely, I might add) to cover up when visiting the Western Wall. (Surprising, since I was covered from head to toe, but for bare arms; I hadn’t changed since arriving from Toronto.)

Anyhow, it was an action-packed day, visiting some of the holiest Christian sites in the world. We visited the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested, we walked the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus walked carrying the cross on his back and finally, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial. There are no words to describe what I felt there. This was only my first day in Jerusalem and I knew that this incredible and special start was merely an indication of all that was yet to come.

Trendy Travelista» jerusalem

david citadel hotel jerusalem

a walking tour of jerusalem