Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem.
Mamilla Hotel
11 King Solomon St., Jerusalem; mamillahotel.com; 972-2-548-2222. From $310. No eco-rating.
Mamilla Hotel marries old Jerusalem and modern luxury.
Design: Designed by architect Moshe Safdie and Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni, the Mamilla has a historic look, but a contemporary façade and interior.
Amenities: The hotel's wine bar houses a collection of 300 bottles of kosher Israeli wines. The Akasha Wellbeing Center offers a wide range of services and a well-equipped gym. The lavish spa with its variety of hydro treatments and special hammam treatments are a treat. A dip in the indoor pool refreshes and soothes.
Rooms: The 194 rooms are sleek, with flat-screen TVs, wood floors and exposed Jerusalem stone on the walls. The liquid-crystal glass bathroom walls, a smart touch that makes the rooms appear significantly larger, become opaque with the flick of a switch. Closet space is lacking.
Food: Dinner at the Rooftop Brasserie offers a view of the Old City and a taste of the new Israeli kitchen. At breakfast, find a changing assortment – from fennel and arugula to striped tomato and artichoke salads, amazing Israeli cheeses, local fruits and artisanal breads.
Verdict: A luxurious refuge from the hustle and bustle.
Special to The Globe and Mail