Bezalel Hotel hotel review - Jerusalem, Israel

Taking inspiration from its next door neighbour, the Bezalel Academy of Arts, Jerusalem’s newest boutique hotel pays homage to the city’s local design and Israel’s artistic past and present.

Housed in a restored landmark building among the winding lanes, hidden courtyards and small synagogues in the city’s central Nachlaot neighbourhood, the 37-room property has been designed by local duo Michael Ankava and Uri Ben Dror, who have brought Jerusalem’s unique artistic energy indoors. Both Bezalel graduates themselves, the pair filled the interior with locally-made furniture including traditional tiles that grace the lobby and suspended light installations by Tel Aviv-based Naama Hoffman, which line the halls. Each guest room meanwhile, showcases artwork from the hotel’s collaboration with the renowned Jerusalem Print Workshop.

Bezalel’s Israeli flavour doesn’t end at its interiors; every morning, guests are treated to a traditional breakfast sourced from Jerusalem’s busiest market, Mahane Yehuda, just steps from the hotel, and local wines served in the cosy dining room or the open-air patio are the perfect start to an evening before stepping out into the lively neighbourhood and taking a short walk to some of the best restaurants and religious sites of the Old City – ideal for visitors looking for a mix of old and new.