As a Christian pilgrim visiting the Holy Land for the first time, the feeling I had when staying at the Mount of Olives Hotel was overwhelming. Although the mountain itself has changed considerably since the days when our Lord traversed its slopes and slept in its caves, a stay at this modest inn gave me an amazing glimpse and feeling of that time.
To give an idea of how well placed this hotel is, the perimeter wall of the Chapel of the Ascension of Jesus Christ is literally touching the southern wall of the hotel. In addition, the hotel is positioned on the highest point in Jerusalem which provides visitors with an awesome 360 degree view of the entire area accessable from the roof. I doubt that there exists a better vantage point to view the Old City of Jerusalem, the New City, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, or Heriodian. Ask the staff for the key to the roof.
Every morning before breakfast, I would take a five-minute walk down the steep slope to the Garden of Gethsemene to meditate and ponder. Walking back up the hill was much harder but it was good exercise.
The hotel itself is very basic. When business is slow, they upgrade guests to their *PLUS* rooms which are newly renovated and all have new furniture, televisions, hair dryers, etc. I was upgraded to one of the better rooms at no extra cost.
The staff are very helpful and friendly. The hotel serves complimentary "Dowe Egberts" coffee and tea all day and night. Free high-speed Internet access is available for guests either via Wifi or a computer terminal in the lobby. Amazingly, I was able able to rent a desktop computer in my room from an Internet service provider that has its offices and infrastructure inside the hotel.
The downside to the Mount of Olives Hotel, at least while I was there, is the old furniture in the lobby which definately needs replacing.
Overall though, the price is very reasonable for what you get and for Christians, the location is perfect.
Unique Qualities: In their own words, the Mount of Olives Hotel is literally surrounded by famous churches and holy sites commemorating events mentioned in the Bible including the Chapel of Ascension, the Pater Noster Church, Dominus Flevit and the Garden of Gethsemene.
A walk to St. Stephan's Gate in the Old City takes about 15-20 minutes via the Garden of Gethsemene. The view along the way is stunning.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80
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Phone: 972-2628-4877
Address: 53 Mount Of Olives Rd Jerusalem Israel 91190
Directions: The highest point in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Old City
Website: http://www.mtolives.com
Jerusalem
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on Apr 17, 2007
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