American Colony Boutique Hotel

History, Environment & Location

For over 120 years, The American Colony Boutique Hotel has provided luxurious hospitality services and a 5 star experience. The American Colony hotel prides itself on being a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. After a fire consumed Chicago in 1871, devout Christian Horatio Spafford and his young Norwegian wife Anna travelled to Jerusalem along with 16 other members of their church. The group called themselves the “Overcomers” and settled a small “American Colony” in a small house in the Old City. In 1902 when Baron Ustanov found Turkish Inns unsatisfactory for housing European and American guests in the Middle East, the Baron turned to Jerusalem to find hospitality. Jerusalem soon became a popular destination and the American Colony became a lodging for Western travelers and pilgrims whose expectations were not met by the establishments then existing in Jerusalem. There is an archive and museum on site, where guests can browse the detailed history of the founders, the hotel, and the city of Jerusalem.

The American Colony Hotel is still owned by descendants of the original “Overcomers”. In 1980 active management of the hotel was transferred to Gauer Hotels, based in Switzerland. The American Colony Hotel is famous internationally as an exceptional and unique hotel and has a global reputation for excellence, hospitality and service.

The American Colony Hotel is within 10 minutes walking distance  from the Old City of Jerusalem, 5 Minutes walking distance from the nearest Tram Station , and a convenient 45 minute drive from Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Building

The property consists of The Main House, The East House, The Palm House and the Cow Byre. Within these buildings, American Colony’s rooms, restaurants and amenities are housed. American Colony is home to some of Jerusalem’s most unique and fine dining experiences as well as legendary bars.

Restaurants & Bars

The Arabesque

The main dining room of the hotel, located in the Main House. In a gracious traditional setting, we offer a varied menu which includes Middle Eastern dishes as well as a varied international gourmet menu. In The Arabesque we serve international and local wines including some from the many boutique wineries in the area, from bottles stored in our private wine cellar.

The Courtyard 

Leading straight off our Lobby, this is the heart of the American Colony Hotel. This celebrated Courtyard has hosted many famous guests. Shaded by tall mulberry trees throughout the summer and cooled by a central fountain, this leafy outdoor restaurant is warmed by the sun on winter days. Open when weather conditions permit, this is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Val’s Brasserieis

Overlooking the pool and adjacent to the Cellar Bar, this informal setting provides lunch and dinner during the winter months. Guests can enjoy favorite local dishes, continental specialties and quick snacks in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Afternoon tea, a British classic, is served here daily from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with tea, a variety of sandwiches, scones with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries or English cake.

The Cellar Bar

Once the American Colony dairy, this is Jerusalem’s most enchanting and intimate bar. Floored with ancient pink stone, this legendary bar is a place to unwind for visitors and residents, and a popular meeting place for journalists from across the world.

The Summer Bar

This popular bar and barbecue, open during the summer months, is set in the romantic tranquility of the Palm House garden. You can meet all sectors of Jerusalem’s multi-cultural population along with foreign tourists. Let our friendly, professional bar tenders serve you with exotic cocktails, local and imported beer on draft, or wines from our cellar. Try pizzas and focaccia from our newly built wood burning pizza oven.

In addition to all the mouthwatering restaurants, American Colony hotel offers everything one would expect at a five star hotel including: car rental, transportation services, concierge, restaurants & bars, 24/7 room service, lobby lounge, events for 10 – 250 pax with AV facilities, same day laundry, baby-sitting upon request, bookshop and Antiques shop, free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, free 20 min local & international calls per day, free business center, secretarial services, English language newspapers, fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool (May – Oct), dry sauna, massage and free parking on-site.

Plan your Event at the American Colony

Venue: The Pasha Room ceiling central dome is one of Jerusalem’s architectural masterpieces. Offering indoor seating for 100, paired with an expansive outside terrace suitable for cocktail parties.

Event Details: Non-kosher catering, free parking and Wi-Fi, event planning, state of the art sound system, HD projector, 4 x 3 m projection screen, Breakout areas, multiple lighting options, climate control.

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