Jewish tradition holds that in the times of the First and Second Temples, all the Jewish people would gather in Jerusalem three times a year, and despite the huge influx of pilgrims, there was always space for everybody to lodge comfortably. Times have changed, but millions still visit the Holy City every year, with the local hospitality industry currently experiencing a mini-boom, and yes, miraculously, there are places for everybody to sleep, from huge chain hotels to tiny bed and breakfasts. But while big-name hotels like the David Citadel and Inbal are well known and popular with tourists (with good reason), the city is filled with an abundance of less well-known, yet no less great, hotels and inns. Here's our list of the five best Jerusalem hotels you may have never heard of but have good reason to get acquainted with.

 

 

Harmony Hotel

While most of Jerusalem's hotels are situated on the outskirts of town or ringing the Old City, for many, the center of life in Jerusalem remains its downtown, near the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall. There aren't many options for lodging in the area, but those who do opt to stay downtown have one great new choice, the Harmony Hotel. The hotel has 50 chic rooms and all the amenities of the big boys, but is independently owned and maintains an off-the-beaten-path air. Whether you're looking for a fun drink, good falafel, shopping or anything else Jerusalem has to offer, staying at the Harmony means it's all right at your fingertips.

Little House in Baka

If you don't like the idea of getting lost in the hubbub of the industrial machinations of the modern hotel industry - hundreds of guests, staff and sundry - then Little House in Baka is for you. As the name implies, the inn is little (though "house" may be overstating its case a bit) and operates like a bed and breakfast. And do we mean breakfast. The inn, housed in an old Turkish-era mansion and part of a mini-chain of Jerusalem B-and-Bs, may be intimate, but its kosher spread every morning is expansive. Plus, the picturesque Baka neighborhood offers a breath of fresh air, yet is still just a 10-minute cab ride to the center of town.

Mount Zion Hotel

The Mount Zion Hotel is perched above the Old City, in one of the most prominent places available. Yet for some reason it still flies below the radar for many tourists. We're not sure why. After all, the hotel offers Mediterranean lodging in a setting as picturesque as possible, with a view of the Old City, the Valley of Hinnom and Mont Zion (hence the name) - and grounds so alluring that the garden (pictured) is now considered one of the hottest wedding venues in the city. The hotel also offers themed villa-suites not to be missed, plus one of the city's only Hammams (Turkish baths).

Dan Boutique

The Dan name is certainly not underexposed in Israel, where it is one of the country's leading luxury hotel chains. But the Dan's recently renovated and redesigned boutique offering, on the edge of Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood/Old Train Station area, in the building formerly occupied by the Ariel Hotel, is something apart from the company's other offerings. The hotel is still four-star and includes all the trappings of a luxury, but with only 127 rooms, boasts a more intimate feel. Plus, it's got a pool table in the lobby, and a solarium-terrace with breathtaking views.