Mount Zion Hotel

I am a repeat visitor to the Mt. Zion Hotel, first because of the warm hospitality and great staff and service (starting from reservations to front desk, cleaning, restaurant and bar staff); and second because of the great location and breathtaking views of the Old City and Mt. Zion. You know you are in Jerusalem! The location is excellent as you can walk into Jerusalem Center, the Old City or closer by the First Station with restaurants, crafts and entertainment as well as the residential neighborhoods of "Ba'aka" and the "German Colony". However, on my recent stay, I finally had a wonderful opportunity to get a better understanding of the history of the Mt. Zion Hotel from the lovely night manager, Tarek Awedah. He took the time to show me what is probably the best kept secret, the Cable Car Museum, located in the Mt. Zion Hotel (and open to the public). You can actually see one of the original cable cars which was from the War of Independence and was a link between Mt. Zion and the Western Section of Jerusalem. The little Museum also tells the history of the hotel building which was first built in 1882 as a hospitable for rare eye diseases. Seeing the old photos of the original building one can really appreciate what makes the Mt. Zion Hotel so special.

This is an unusual hotel outside the old city. Unique in that the lobby and entrance are on the 6thfloor which is at street level. It is an older building that fits architecturally in its location. The hotel is clean, the staff personable and the location is good. The rooms are clean although sparsly furnished. Breakfast buffet has a large variety that would satisfy most ethnic requirements (egg station cook needs a bit more experience). My only poor observation here is that the place looks shopworn. Additionally it does not seem as though maintenance takes any pride in its work. Bath fixtures are loose, caulking around sinks and tub is sloppy and the toilet seat either crashes down or hits you in the back. I would sincerely recommend a thorough inspection and general spiff up.