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Nestled atop the modest but still striking peaks of the Judean mountains and on the edge of the barren desert that plunges steeply towards the Dead Sea, Jerusalem would boast an embarrassment of stunning views even if it weren't also one of the most historically and culturally rich cities on the planet. But it is, of course, which means that one can hardly turn a Holy City corner without being confronted with yet another unforgettable vista of ancient church spires rising above the walls of the Old City, or the distant glint of the Dead Sea and Jordan beyond. Naturally, many of Jerusalem's fine hotels have taken advantage of the city's aesthetic qualities, offering postcard-worthy views of the city's topography and landmarks from the comfort of your very own deluxe suite in the sky. GoJerusalem.com has chosen the five best ones - but they're hardly the only.

The Dan Jerusalem Hotel

Perched atop Mount Scopus, just down the road from the famous Hebrew University campus, the Dan Jerusalem Hotel is one of the city's more far-flung hotels - but that distance (and elevation) is what makes the views so remarkable. Mount Scopus itself was named for the commanding views of Jerusalem it offers, and the Dan Jerusalem does not disappoint: from the hotel's rooms and terraces, you can expect to see modern eastern Jerusalem, the Old City and the gleaming Dome of the Rock, and modern western Jerusalem all spread out before you.

The David Citadel Hotel

A standout among the luxurious mega-hotels situated in the King David Street environs, in addition to world-class pampering and dining, the David Citadel Hotel offers a unique viewpoint on the intersection between the oldest of the old in Jerusalem and newest of the new. From the David Citadel, you can see the glimmering Mamilla Avenue (home to the glitzy Mamilla outdoor shopping mall and the exclusive Kfar David neighborhood) - which, for all its brand-new charms, still pales in comparison to the Jaffa Gate and the venerable walls of the Old City looming above.

Ramat Rachel Hotel

Kibbutz Ramat Rachel is technically outside the city, but barely so - and the views this kibbutz in the far southeast boasts are enough to tempt any savvy guest away from the urban environment. At Ramat Rachel, you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the city, the countryside, the mountains and the desert. To the east, you can revel in a pastoral and sparsely populated Biblical landscape of olive-studded hills and tiny villages giving way to the desert and the Dead Sea beyond. To the west are the Judean mountains and many of the newer hillside neighborhoods of western Jerusalem. And to the northwest, of course, is the city itself in all its glory.

Mount Zion Hotel

The view is right there in the name for the Mount Zion Hotel - from this hotel imbued with old world Mediterranean charm, you'll have a perfect view of the famous Mount Zion, the humble hill whose name became a universal byword for longed-for redemption. But that's not all: you'll also be able to look into the Biblical Valley of Hinnom, which gave its name to a place where the dead's sins are expunged in Jewish eschatology, as well as the duly impressive walls of the Old City.

Inbal Hotel

A five-star hotel with memorable spa and dining facilities on the border of the German Colony, the Inbal is no slouch when it comes to offering expansive Jerusalem views. Close at hand, you'll be able to see the pleasant Liberty Bell Park; in the near distance, the holy slopes of Mount Zion in the shadow of the walls of the Old City; and if you train your gaze even further, you'll see the hills of Jerusalem give way to the desert, and on a clear day, even the mountains of Jordan beyond the Dead Sea.

A special honorable mention goes out to the Leonardo Plaza Hotel - while it offers impressive views in its own right, staying at the hotel is a special treat on Independence Day, when fireworks light up the sky directly above.