Al Arab Hostel
Khan El Zeit Street 61, Jerusalem 33618 Israel
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About
#42 of 189 in Jerusalem
Location
Cleanliness
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The Al Arab Hostel is located In the heart of old city in Jerusalem.
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Property amenities
Breakfast available
BBQ facilities
Shared kitchen
Shops
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Location
Full view
95Great for walkers
Grade: 95 out of 100
58Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
84Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
Khan El Zeit Street 61, Jerusalem 33618 Israel
Getting there
Car HireSee all Jerusalem car hire
14Reviews1Q+A1Room tip
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The worst place I have ever slept! Dirty, dirty stinky sheets, dirty blankets, dirty floor at the room, stinky bathroom, when wash at the sink water flows out of the floor and stinks. Huge cockroaches! We didn't want to stay in there, we booked our room at the Palm Hostel but when we arrived to Jerusalem in Palm Hostel they told us they have no room for us, better we go to Al Arab Hostel. Never again! Ido not recommend!
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
I stayed at Al Arab for a few days. The location: amazing. Situated close to the Damascus Gate and major sites. It has a shared kitchen for guests to use; around the hotel there are a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and meat for sale. There is also a fridge, in case need to store anything that needs refrigeration. The room: beautiful, simple but nice decor. The bed was good. Staff is very courteous and offered me tea and coffee. I accepted the tea which the girl made for me. Fresh mint, quite delicious. Other people have mentioned that Al Arab is not the cleanest. They just got a new member to assist with management (the same who offered tea; very nice girl, speaks English really well), who is pointing out the issues and ensuring that the cleaning staff does the job well, then goes to supervise. My room wasn't quite ready when I arrived, she came in for a check of the room while we checked in, and personally cleaned the bathroom for us (we were coming and she was leaving). So the hostel is putting the effort. I'll definitely come back.…
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Travelled
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
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I like that this place is centralised to everything in East Jerusalem. Its located near to the Damascus Gate and definitely not for the fussy people. Its a good place to stay overnight and explore the city. Definitely there is room for improvements such as the walls that are dusty and rooms that might smell a little. It doesn’t bother me so its fine to me.
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
+1
I stayed at the Al Arab Hostel for a week way back in 1996, so while on a return trip to Jerusalem last week I stopped by for a nostalgic visit. They are finishing up a major renovation and the place looks amazing. I got the grand tour from the manager, who showed me what they've done to fix it up. The reception is cozy and inviting, the rooms look spotless, and the view of the Temple Mount from the rooftop terrace is stunning. It is still a budget place, so don't expect luxury. But if you are looking for an affordable place to stay in a historic building in the Old City, give it a try.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Travelled
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
We stayed with a group of friends in this hostel for 2 days. The room was really atmospheric and the staff friendly. And the beds were simple but comfortable. If you are looking for a cheap hostel which captures the atmosphere of old city in a room, this will be suitable for you.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled
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As a group of 10, we stayed in this hostel for 3 nights, room only. It is situated in the old city within the market, making it really convenient for getting to Al Aqsa Masjid. There is no air conditioning in the rooms except an electric fan but that's OK in September as the temperatures were high in high 20s. Up to 7 people per room, sharing a bathroom. Bathroom had no lock and frosted glass on the door making your outline visible whilst you use it. The bathroom was fitted out like a wetroom but needed a shower curtain for privacy and containing the waste water. As the floor tiling was dipped towards the door, any water spillage led to a puddle when entering the bathroom and this was a problem until a squidgy mop was provided. The decor was beautiful, traditional stone look really brought the hostel out and a large lobby area meant you could chill outside your bedroom, although smoking was permitted in the lobby which was uncomfortable if you don't smoke. All in all, it was cheap (£20 per night) and fitted a purpose…
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Date of stay: September 2017Trip type: Travelled
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I stayed here for the last week of Ramadan in a twin room with my friend, we were given a choice of rooms thanks to the owner, Emaad, who wanted us to be pleased with our stay. The hotel is very basic and has a very old rustic feel about it, if you're looking for cleanliness and comfort, this probably isn't the place, however if you want to give your money to a genuine Palestinian run family hotel to a guy striving to do his best living under occupation, then this is the place. I've stayed at The Hashimi and Jerusalem Panorama Hotel and this does not compare to any of those, however I'd stay here again without hesitation due to the location and friendliness of the staff. We really just wanted somewhere to sleep and shower - and to also have excellent wifi whilst we were in the hotel, which it did.…
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Travelled
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: The room on the ground floor near the stairs has excellent free wifi.
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3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Ateif K, Manager at Al Arab Hostel
Responded 9 Feb 2017
Hi Dear . I agree with you about everything. you saying true. yes was not good place for us .but now we are new management . and everything is change . we have good price good service .very nice staff and many great things i hope to see you again to see it thank you so much Atef
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This nice little hostel in the center of the old city of Jerusalem has just what you need if you just want a bed and a shower for a low budget (about 60 ILS). The staff is very friendly, you have a nice view over the old city on the roof of the hostel and you come and go as you please. If you go to the roof, you can access free WiFi from some other place.
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Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Travelled
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Ateif K, Manager at Al Arab Hostel
Responded 9 Feb 2017
thank you my dear for your message . I hope to see you again Atef
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+1
We went after reading the last review and stayed in a newly refurbished 6 bed room with ensuite. Lots of positives. Good location (few doors down from hashimi hotel in old city). Emad is a genuinely nice owner / manager who was very helpful. Rooms and rates reasonable. Great view from roof. Unfortunately there is no AC so a bit warm at night despite a fan. I felt the bathroom could have been cleaner. Free toiletries would have been good. Too many smokers in lobby - Emad needs to ban. No wifi yet (Emad says he will get it after Eid). Emad say work to continue has been slow due to various factors. His plans for the place are good. I would definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
Response from Ateif K, Manager at Al Arab Hostel
Responded 9 Feb 2017
thank you sir we hope to see you again Atef
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The hostel is now being completely refurbished after the passing of the late Abu Waheed on January 1st, 2014, the long-time previous owner of the hostel. His son, Emad, now owns the hotel and has been doing a marvellous work to completely renovate the hostel. Unfortunately, as with most all renovations, comes a hike in prices. We paid 200 shekels a night for our usual room (around US$60 - up from 80 shekels a night from our previous visit in 2010,) and all rooms now have their own new bathrooms and have been completely overhauled with new masonry work - and very attractive they are too. I have been staying at the Al Arab, every time I visit Jerusalem, since September 1970 already - 44 years. The friendship and hospitality of this hostel, and especially its late owner, Abu Waheed, are legendary. Emad and his brothers are continuing this heritage of friendliness and always make sure to have time to sit, chat and give advice with guests in the new lounge/kitchen area which guests can use and new furniture is currently being installed in the lounge. This area is huge - and a great job they've made of it. Being in the Al Arab hostel, the ambience of the rooms (all ancient cave-like constructions) and hearing all the call to prayers (one doesn't necessarily need to be religious) makes this place a very special place to be. One thing for sure, after staying here for over four decades, I look forward to many more happy stays at the Al Arab hostel.…
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Date of stay: April 2014Trip type: Travelled
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Ateif K, Manager at Al Arab Hostel
Responded 9 Feb 2017
thank you my dear . we hope to see you again as soon Atef
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LOCATION
IsraelJerusalem DistrictJerusalemChristian Quarter
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Al Arab Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Al Arab Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Old City of Jerusalem (0.1 km), Levantine Gallery (0.3 km), and Zak's Jerusalem Gifts (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Al Arab Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include breakfast, barbeque facilities, and shops.
What food & drink options are available at Al Arab Hostel?
Guests can enjoy breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Al Arab Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nafoura, Jaffar Sweets, and Versavee.
Are there any historical sites close to Al Arab Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old City of Jerusalem (0.1 km), Temple Mount Sifting Project- HaMasu'ot Lookout (1.9 km), and Western Wall (0.3 km).