Jerusalem Pilgrimage Hostels
and Guesthouses
Are you on a spiritual journey - a Jerusalem pilgrimage? If so, you are following in the footsteps of thousands of spiritual seekers who made their way to the holy city throughout the millenia.
Some of downtown Jerusalem's most impressive historical landmarks started out as pilgrim hostels. Modern day versions of the pilgrim guesthouse can provide a unique spiritual dimension to your stay that no luxury hotel could match. The following places provide clean, safe and comfortable accommodations in a spiritual setting appropriate for a true Jerusalem pilgrimage. Just keep in mind the rooms are usually designed for people who will be spending most of the day out and about. (The monastic life is not one of luxury!) This type of Jerusalem hostel is also one of the cheapest ways to go. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $95 a night, including breakfast. Some places may be more but some will cost you less than $10. Most of these hostel do not accept online reservations. To make a phone reservation from outside Israel, remember to dial 972-2 (Israel's country code plus the Jerusalem area code) before the phone or fax numbers listed below.
Jewish Hostels
Heritage House Located in the Old City, just minutes from the Western Wall, the Heritage House hostels provide accommodations for Jewish sojourners. Not only is this the place to stay for a Jewish Jerusalem pilgrimage, you can't stay in the Old City at this price anywhere else: 25 shekels (about $6) a night, 50 shekels (about $12) for Friday nights.
The hostels provide comfortable bunk beds, clean linens, an iron and ironing board. There are coffee, tea and snacks in the kitchen. The bathrooms are clean. There are overhead fans (no A/C, but it isn’t necessary at night), and a library.
You can also sign up to have the hostel arrange for you to have a Shabbat meal with a local family. It also provides an afternoon meal on Saturdays with a speaker and lively singing. Guests can attend regular lecture series on Jewish tradition at no cost. Take note of the hostel hours, though. Doors are only open from 7 am to 9 am, and 5 pm to midnight (Fridays: 7-9 am, 2-5 pm, 10-12 pm).
Heritage House for Women: 7 HaMalach Street, Jewish Quarter, Tel: 628-1820
Heritage House for Men: 2 Ohr Hachaim Street, Jewish Quarter, Tel: 627-2224 To book at either hostel:
Tel: 627-1916
Fax: 628-8302
Jerusalem Pilgrimage Christian Guesthouses
Rosary Convent Guest House14 Agron St.
Tel: 625-8529
Fax: 623-5581
This quiet haven is in the center of town - although once inside the convent, you'd never know it. Rooms and bathrooms are shared, clean and quiet. The convent is next door to the American Consulate, across the street for the city's only 24-hour supermarket. It's a ten minute walk to the Old City, a few minutes to the center of town. Breakfast is included in the price.
The sisters who run the place are very pleasant. Note that the gates close at 10 p.m. No credit cards accepted.
St. Andrew’s Scottish Guest House 1 David Remez Street
Tel: 673-2401
Fax: 673-1711
Great location - near the King David hotel and YMCA. It's about a 15 minute walk to the Old City, and an equal distance to the center of town.
Lutheran Guest HouseSt. Marks Road
Tel: 626-6888
Fax: 628-5107
This Jerusalem hostel is in the Old City, right where the Armenian and Jewish Quarters meet, the perfect place from which to set out on a Jerusalem pilgrimage.
The building's foundations date from Crusader times but - don't worry - the rooms are only 200 years old and were recently renovated. It offers single and up to four-bed rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is a nice common room with a TV and a library, a garden and a great view of the Old City from the roof. Breakfast is included with the price of the room. Lunch and dinner are also available.
Austrian Hospice of the Holy Family
Via Dolorosa 37
Tel.: 626-5800
Fax: 627-1472 In the heart of the old city - right on the Via Dolorosa, in fact - is this clean, quiet haven with a delightful garden. It's a bit incongruous, given the setting, that the cafeteria is famous for its Viennese sachertorte. But since this is where Emperor Franz Joseph I stayed while on his Jerusalem pilgrimage, perhaps it isn't so surprising after all.
The hospice offers single, double and triple rooms, as well as dormitory accommodations. Rooms include private shower, wc and hair dryer. The dormitories house up to 13 per room in bunk beds, men and women separately.
Single rooms are 50€/$70, while a bed in the dormitory plus breakfast is only 18€/$25 a night. Payment in cash or travelers' cheques only.
Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center 3 Paratroopers Road
Tel: 627-9111
Fax: 627-1995 This imposing institution – a historical landmark – is run by the Vatican. The pope stayed here. Despite the impressive building, the rooms are spartan, but clean and comfortable.
The atmosphere is very friendly and location couldn’t be better: just across the street from the Old City. The fathers can also help you plan your own Jerusalem pilgrimage itinerary.
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