St. George’s Cathedral Guesthouse

We stayed here over Christmas; choosing it because it looked so lovely and Christmassy in the website photos. Unfortunately, our experience was not entirely positive, and could so easily have been much more pleasant.. Upon arrival we were shown two rooms before we settled with the third. One a family apartment (rather unclean) and number two (on the ground floor) so dark that without the door to the corridor left open (inpracticable in the extreme) the room was completely pitch black as well as being damp smelling. The third room on the first floor, although small, was obviously refurbished and perfectly fine, although the air-conditioning (used as heating in the cold Jerusalem winter) was rather temperamental and we spent a lot of time trying to get it to come on. Otherwise the room was comfortable. The internet was unreliable in terms of being weak, but usually available at some point. The Most disappointing thing of all was around the common areas. Apart from the lovely Christmas tree shown in the photos - and the Cathedral close looked gorgeous - nothing was really 'done' for Christmas. No carols playing - and this was a Church guesthouse - no dinner provided, even with pre-order, no one in the bar or common areas, thus disappointing. Breakfast was very basic but adequate. It was strange that they provided tinned fruit, in a country where fresh fruit is cheap as chips and this is orange season. Tinned peaches??? Hard boiled eggs every day, no variation, although on Christmas day they provided basic pastries. But the funniest (and most frustrating/discriminatory/annoying) thing was over availability of omelettes .. Omelettes were provided for an Arabic speaking man each day but when we asked we were told they were not available. And yet the next day the man and his family again had omelettes so we asked again to be once more told they were not available. It just wasn't worth pushing the point; they were adamant. This was hardly what we would have hoped for or expected in terms of 'hospitality'. Breakfast was cleared away on the dot of 9.30, even on Christmas morning, when some guests had been at Midnight mass in Bethlehem and got back early hours. Unfortunately, despite the website showing tables dressed for dinner, dinner was not provided except for pre booked groups. This was really disappointing as there is not much around in the way of restaurants, and this is not the best area to walk around at night. There didn't seem to be much encouragement to use the bar or lounge area.. rarely anyone there. There's a lovely garden and it is conveniently situated just up the Nablus Road from the Damascus Gate. the light railway was also just a short walk. So mixed.. but essentially the hospitality element is definitely missing and we found it a rather dispiriting experience. Sad, as there is so much that could be done to make this a fab place , not just in terms of maintenance but a 'welcome' for all guests.

This is a magic place. I have traveled for years as a diplomat and consultant and I can't remember when I was as charmed as I was by St. George's Guest House. Wonderful staff, charming and quirky rooms (like staying in a medieval castle or abbey). The breakfast was great, with some new dishes everyday along with a the continuity of comfort foods. The staff could not have been more helpful. They provided information, transportation and hospitality. The guest house and cathedral compound was beautifully decorated for Christmas which added to the charm.