Hashimi Hotel

Somewhere on the continuum between hotel and hostel lies the Hashimi Hotel, but labels are less interesting than location: the Hashimi Hotel is within the walls of the Old City, offering an unforgettable lodging experience by dint of surroundings alone.

The 40 rooms themselves are quite basic – antique-feeling, even – but the recently renovated 400-year old building, full of Arabesque flourishes, arches, Jerusalem stone and Middle Eastern tilework, is undeniably lovely, and visitors would be hard-pressed to find a hotel that feels more authentically Jerusalemite. Perks abound.Hot tea is available 24 hours, and hungry guests can choose to dine in Hashimi's restaurant or use the communal kitchen to prepare their own meals, hostel-style (the bountiful markets of the Christian and Muslim Quarters are nearby for ingredient-shopping).

Perhaps the biggest draw is a lovely rooftop patio with panoramic Old City views – and of course, all of Jerusalem's main religious sites are within walking distance.