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.
In-Room Facilities & Amenities
- Complimentary WIFI
- Complimentary 20 Minutes International and Local calls
- 24 Hour room service
- HD TV 4k, with sizes from 43” to 55”
- USB charger socket
- Safe
- Minibar
- Ironing Facilities
- Voice mail
- Coffee and Tea maker
- Nespresso Machine from Classic Pasha category and up
- Acqua di Parma Toiletries
- Italian Frette linens
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Flip-flops
- Hair Dryer •
- Umbrella
- Scale
- Oriental Carpet
- Mineral Water on daily basis
- Heating
- Air Condition
- Working Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Polish Stone
Visit American Colony's Restaurant
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 1293 traveler reviews
We have made multiple trips to Israel and chose the American Colony based on its reviews and reputation. Upon arrival, we requested a room with a balcony. The view and noise level were not acceptable so we moved rooms. The bathrooms need updated and the bathtub shower combo was dangerous to get...
MoreWe have made multiple trips to Israel and chose the American Colony based on its reviews and reputation. Upon arrival, we requested a room with a balcony. The view and noise level were not acceptable so we moved rooms. The bathrooms need updated and the bathtub shower combo was dangerous to get in and out of. The cellar bar was a nice relaxing place in the evenings. The breakfast buffet was very extensive and good. The grounds are beautiful however the location of the hotel requires transportation to sites. We will stay somewhere with a better location and more updated hotel.
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Recently completed a 10 day tour of Israel where we stayed in 3 different tourist hotels; all hotels came with breakfast & dinner. Our last day in Jerusalem was "free time" and we were staying near the American Colony, and as I heard good things about the restaurant there, we decided to give it...
MoreRecently completed a 10 day tour of Israel where we stayed in 3 different tourist hotels; all hotels came with breakfast & dinner. Our last day in Jerusalem was "free time" and we were staying near the American Colony, and as I heard good things about the restaurant there, we decided to give it a try for lunch. Beautiful setting for dining with a courtyard in the middle of the hotel complex. The food was very good, although pricey, but offered a nice change of pace from the breakfast & dinner buffets we had at the tourist hotels. My wife and another couple had the hamburger, and although it LOOKED like an all American burger, undoubtedly it was Kosher beef which has a different taste to it than what we are used to. However, very much worth the visit, and who knows, next time in Jerusalem we might even give the hotel itself a try.
LessI have really enjoyed my six night stay at the American Colony. It’s a beautiful hotel with large and well appointed rooms. Amazing and efficient staff that makes you feel at home. As a solo woman traveler, I can assure you that the area is perfectly safe and that I have always walked to...
MoreI have really enjoyed my six night stay at the American Colony. It’s a beautiful hotel with large and well appointed rooms. Amazing and efficient staff that makes you feel at home. As a solo woman traveler, I can assure you that the area is perfectly safe and that I have always walked to the Old City during my stay. I would, of course, recommend The American Colony and I very much look forward to another sejour in a not too distant future.
LessRooms
Standard Single Room - Max 1 Pax
Smaller rooms, furnished with the same care and attention to comfort as the rest of the hotel, located in the East House, Cow Byre and Palm House. Compact, elegant and comfortable, they provide a great opportunity to enjoy the unique ambiance and facilities of the hotel. One single bed. Room size: 17 m2 / 183 ft2.
Standard Double room - Max 2 Pax
Smaller rooms, furnished with the same care and attention to comfort as the rest of the hotel, located in the Main House. Compact, elegant and comfortable, they provide a great opportunity to enjoy the unique ambiance and facilities of the hotel. One queen size bed. Room size: 17-25 m2 183- 269 ft2.
Comfort Room - Max 3 Pax
Cozy rooms located mainly in the Main House, but also available in the Cow Byre and the East House. Decorated and furnished to live up to the high expectations of our guests. One Queen or Two single beds (bed type subject to availability). Room size: 25-32 m2 269- 344 ft2.
Comfort Pool View - Max 3 Pax
Cozy rooms located mainly in the Main House, but also available in the Cow Byre and the East House. Decorated and furnished to live up to the high expectations of our guests. One Queen or Two single beds (bed type subject to availability). Room size: 25-32 m2 269- 344 ft2.
Comfort Balcony room - Max 2 Pax
Cozy rooms located in the Main House. Decorated and furnished to live up to the high expectations of our guests with a nice balcony. One Queen or Two single beds. Bed Type subject to availability. Room size: 25-32 m2 269- 344 ft2.
Classic Pasha room - Max 3 Pax
Turkish Charm Authentic and individually furnished in the Ottoman style of Jerusalem of the late 1800’s. Enjoy the period charm and modern comfort of these unique rooms. All rooms are meticulously refurbished with all the facilities the modern guest could require whilst respecting the charm and atmosphere of the original building. Classic Pasha rooms are available mainly in the Palm House. Room size: 27-35 m2 291-344 ft2. Each room contains either one Queen or Two single beds (bed type subject to availability).
Deluxe Pasha room - Max 3 Pax
In the Main House, the Pasha built Winter rooms for three of his wives with entrances from the gallery overlooking the pool. Each of these Deluxe Pasha rooms has a private patio. Other Deluxe Pashas are located in the luxurious and peaceful East House, others in the Palm House. Some of the rooms have either a private garden, patio or balcony. One King size bed. Room size: 28-38 m2 301-409 ft2.
Junior Suite - Max 3 Pax
Exquisite larger rooms, some with original painted wooden ceilings, three of these rooms were originally summer rooms built by the Pasha for his wives and are in the Main House, opening on to the famous Courtyard: others are in the Palm House and East House. Each Junior contains one King size bed. Room size: 38-46 M2 409- 495ft2.
Suite - Max 3 Pax
Well-appointed and luxurious, located in the Main House, Palm House, East House and Cow Byre, each of these rooms has a spacious sitting area, a large bathroom and a distinct Middle Eastern character all of its own. All suites contain one King size bed. Room size: 44-62 m2 474- 667ft2.
Penthouse Suite - Max 3 Pax
Recently designed, spacious, modern suites, offering generous views of the American Colony’s compound. Arabic and Imperial influenced designer décor pampers you with state of the art equipment that includes extra-large bathrooms with TVs, oversized sunken baths and steam showers with water jets. Located in the East House. Each suite contains one King size bed. Room size: 47-53 m2 506-570ft2.
Suite No. 6 - Max 3 Pax
Room No. 6 The most exceptional and traditional suite in the hotel, located in the Main House, built as winter quarters by the Pasha for his beloved fourth wife, overlooking the Courtyard and meticulously restored. In the centre of this spacious room with its high ceiling and large windows is an elegant king-size four poster bed. There are two separate sitting areas in addition to a “work area” by the entrance. The oversized bathroom is handsomely appointed with a free standing bath and separate shower. One King size bed. Room size: 63 m-678ft2.
Amenities
Suited for
- Business
- Couples
- Conventions
- Families
Services
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Mini Bar
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Fax / Photocopying
- SPA
- Towels
- Safe
- Heating
General
- Fitness Center
- Free WIFI
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Free Parking
- Accessibility
- Event Hall
- Meeting Room
- Check in: 2:00 PM
- Check out: 12:00 PM