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New Imperial Hotel

Brownwood, Texas
Level Contributor
17 posts
8 reviews
1 helpful vote
New Imperial Hotel
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We have booked this hotel in the Old City in January. Now, I’ve read some things that make me doubt my choice. Should we find another place to stay?

Haifa, Israel
Destination Expert
for Jerusalem
Level Contributor
7,270 posts
71 reviews
45 helpful votes
1. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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Choosing a hotel is very personal - what are you looking for? I haven’t stayed there but know some who have; the New Imperial hotel is a solid budget option just inside the Jaffa gate of the Old City which gives you the opportunity to stay in a historic building within the walls with decent access to the new city. There are a couple of restaurants in that area and in the adjacent Mamilla mall; you have a slightly longer walk to public transport and other restaurants than you would have if you stayed downtown. We generally suggest people stay in the new part of the city for convenience but if you want the atmosphere of the Old City this is a good location.

Houston, Texas
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3,916 posts
81 reviews
30 helpful votes
2. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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I agree that a hotel or accommodation is such a personal choice. For example, are you looking for relaxation, maybe modern facilities with a lot of options and perks? Do you enjoy strolls each day to your destination and want to save money? Maybe you always have luxury and quiet. Perhaps you are on the ultimate budget and need hostels etc…or perhaps you care about none of the above but want to immerse yourself and experience another way of life? A modern or ancient way of life?

I can now say I’ve been to Jerusalem, twice since I left a week ago and returned just now! The first 3 nights, we were in a charming Airbnb room in the heart of the Jewish Quarter amongst the sound of families and just around the corner to all the sights. I loved it because I appreciate the Jewish culture and wanted to respectfully learn more by living amongst them. I covered my hair and dressed accordingly. The room was smaller, we ate at a coffee bar next door, and brought groceries to a hot plate. Everything was not pristine but it was clean and comfortable and I like to save money since I am retired. We scheduled our Old City adventures for those 3 days.

Then we spent 4 nights in Baka/German Colony because we planned anyway to take taxis to New Jerusalem sights such as the museums, and a day trip to Bethlehem and Masada/Dead Sea. This was wonderful for us because, again, we wanted to be among modern locals too and we enjoyed the “non tourist” evening outdoor cafes etc with all we could need on the Main Street Beit Lehem. If we had wanted night life and bars we probably would have stayed in the triangle— Nachelot would have been nice if we had found something there since cabs would have been shorter and we could walk to the market. (Buses and trams are an option but not for us). Again, we had a wonderful authentic experience and saved money with a room for only 89$ a night. But we had some water leaking problem— again one must be flexible to enjoy this experience.

We are back now at the end of our trip staying at the YMCA Three Arches now (not like American YMCA places) in an historical building. It’s a short 10 min walk to the old town and a great value in a beautiful building, again we plan to take a taxi to the market before we leave for Tel Aviv. The buffet is fantastic! The view from the tower is wonderful!

So, you see, you may want to give more information as to what you are wanting, I would not trade my time in the Old City… IF you are looking for an immersive experience in the cobblestone, narrow walkways, I can make a recommendation. It was near the Sephardic House on the map. But you must be the type of traveler that has fun wandering around, maybe getting lost and bending to those around you rather than expecting the other way around.

Avigail is right that if you want a combination experience, then the Old Imperial Hotel would serve that purpose well— it seemed nice enough and right at the entrance so for me, it was not “immersive” enough, we were a 10 min walk deeper into the heart of the Old City. The Imperial Hotel is on the edge and across from the beautiful Citadel/David’s Tower, but again, it may be more convenient to catch taxis.

A lot depends on how long you stay. I liked changing rooms for an additional experience—most people might not,, hope this helps!

Cincinnati, Ohio
Destination Expert
for Israel
Level Contributor
18,351 posts
251 reviews
236 helpful votes
3. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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Janet gave a great summary of a number of options and a flavor for the pros and cons of each. When I go in May, I will have to check that place out -- it sounds like a good option for those who wish to stay in the Old City. In the fall of 2009, I decided to "scratch that itch" and stayed at the Lutheran Guest House not far from there. I'm glad I had the experience, and it was fine, but I much prefer staying in the New City/center city, and I always stay at the Jerusalem International YMCA/Three Arches Hotel, as Janet mentioned.

You should know that unlike many old European cities or even places like Montréal, the "old city" is not the center of culture and night life. It gets fairly deserted and (to some) spooky at night, not dangerous -- just not the place with much to do. That is big part of why most people prefer the New City. But 2009 was my ninth trip and I was friends when the then Propst (head) of the German-speaking Lutheran Church in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan, and I wanted to try a different kind of option. Having done that, I have reverted to my usual preference. But if that experience is your goal, it sounds like you picked a good option. Let us know what you think.

Douglas Duckett

Edited: 2 years ago
7 posts
4. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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Six months ago I booked at New Imperial Hotel for mid December through Booking.com. A few weeks ago I sent them an email to confirm the reservation and received a message from them that they were closed until further notice. I canceled the reservation and re-booked with Sephardic House in the Jewish quarter of the Old City. They may have re-opened

Houston, Texas
Level Contributor
3,916 posts
81 reviews
30 helpful votes
5. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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Tessie, I was at the Old Imperial Hotel and with the more and more tourists arriving each day, and the taxis and cars at the Jaffa gate next door, I would be afraid that this hotel would be too noisy for me… if fact, I think I read in their reviews that some felt this to be the case— I always like to read the reviews of a place. You cannot always count on the reviews but something may be mentioned to give you pause. For the Old City stay, I would prefer the Lutheran House that Douglas mentioned or the Sephardic House.. and Sephardic House you can catch a cab or bus right behind the hotel (no bus on Friday evenings or Saturday, so plan accordingly).

Europe
Level Contributor
3,448 posts
7 reviews
9 helpful votes
6. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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It can be that the Imperial Hotel has to close because the property has new owners.

Guildford, United...
Level Contributor
12,661 posts
28 reviews
34 helpful votes
7. Re: New Imperial Hotel
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As Viagiatura hints, there is a complex and controversial recent history to the ownership of the New Imperial that ended up in the courts. I lost track of what the eventual outcome was, if indeed it has finally been decided. If that is what is concerning the OP, then it’s a decision that only you can make.

8. Re: New Imperial Hotel

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