The Judges Awards

04.3 Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem, by Piero Lissoni and Moshe Safdie

Within strolling distance of the Bible-era old town, the Mamilla is a new landmark by Italian designer Piero Lissoni and Israeli-born architect Moshe Safdie, who made full use of Jerusalem's pale local stone and dazzling light: the 194 rooms, studios and suites have stone walls and dark wooden floors, black leather furniture and bathtubs with liquid-crystal glass walls that mist over for privacy. Located next to a luxury retail complex, the Mamilla is geared as much to locals as guests. There's a spa; a bar with a well-edited local wine list; a heated indoor pool; a rooftop Italian brasserie; and a stylish synagogue. Massimo Ianni, who launched the Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires, is behind the operational side.

11 King Solomon Street, Jerusalem

Key features: Israel's first architect-designed boutique hotel, the Mamilla boasts a first class spa; Jerusalem's finest wine bar; and a rooftop brasserie with views over the old city

Number of rooms: 194

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