For families seeking a comfortable, luxurious home base in Jerusalem, The Inbal Hotel is a great solution. On a recent visit, I checked out the hotel in its entirety, with my family in tow. We were not only comfortable, but we felt like we were on top of the world, living like kings. Newly renovated, The Inbal offers the feeling and satisfaction of luxury, but not in a ostentatious or over the top way. It still retains a strong sense of history, starting with its foundation of Jerusalem stone, a stone common in and around the city that was used in architecture in ancient times.
We all felt right at home upon entering the newly designed lobby. From the regal treatment we received at the front desk, from both Israelis and Israeli Arab employees alike, to a glimpse of the restaurant where we would be dining each morning and the pool in which we would be swimming, it was basically love at first sight. It was clear to all of us right away that The Inbal delivers luxury with a twist, and I was eager for the experience, as were my kids.
Location, Location, Location
The Inbal is situated perfectly for families. Located in the heart of the neighborhood Yemin Moshe, an artist’s colony, it’s close to the Old City and all parts of Central Jerusalem including the shopping area Ben Yehuda Street and Machane Yehuda market. Local family attractions include the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum), Tower of David, Jerusalem Time Elevator, the Youth Wing at the Israel Museum, and more. If you plan your visit carefully, there are a number of kid-friendly events in Jerusalem that are in close proximity to the hotel, such as the annual International Arts & Crafts Fair with art, food, and entertainment, which we happened to be in town for and wandered into by happy accident. The Inbal is also a nice, easy walk to the Old City to explore the shuks, or markets, or the Kotel, or the Wailing Wall, to take in Shabbat on a Friday night.
Lush Accommodations, Sophisticated Amenities
The Inbal got more than 50 new rooms in its recent renovation, and luxury and comfort remain of utmost importance. Families can take the Deluxe Family Room which has extra space and plenty of kid-friendly amenities to boot. Four beds, two bathrooms, and an expanded sitting area, and connecting doors to adjoining rooms make the rooms ideal for large families. Other family rooms include the Old City Suite, a 3-bedroom unit, two Standard Connecting, which is the room my family experienced, Two Old City Connecting, with literal views of the Old City, or the spacious Deluxe Connecting rooms.
Memorable amenities include complimentary WIFI, large windows to take in the gorgeous views of Jerusalem, bath products that will make your skin glisten, and cozy linens. The hotel’s outdoor heated pool is a great way to top off a day of sightseeing in Jerusalem. Kids will love the toddler pool and parents will appreciate the snack stand and opportunity for kids to play. We spent hours at the pool, under the warm August sun, wiling away some of our non-sightseeing time.
Breakfast at The Inbal
I love breakfast in Israel, and The Inbal was no exception. The dining room was bustling with excitement from everyone about to start their day out in Jerusalem, and you could feel a buzz in the room from every direction. The food is fresh and delicious, and there is so much of it! From Israeli salads to cheeses of all kinds to pastries to eggs to waffles to a whole slate of unique food to the region, such as Turkish coffee to halva and baklava.
Just for Kids
One of the unexpected features of The Inbal is the Inbali Club, a supervised activity center for children that is open during the holidays when kids can do the things they love most. From arts & crafts to games, alongside trained care minders, kids will find themselves happy and entertained while parents have time to themselves. Teens can also find entertainment there including indoor games, an electronic entertainment center, and more.
Just for Adults
Aside from the spa and health club, the Executive Lounge on the 9th floor offers a bit of peace and quiet to the busy, tired, or working parent who needs a bit of space. What’s key is that it’s only available to adults age 18 and over, so it’s quiet by default. The sitting area is cozy, and the views of Jerusalem are stunning. Gourmet snacks and delicious cakes are served throughout the day. Grab a cocktail or glass of wine, a newspaper, and enjoy the view for as long as you possibly can - take it from one parent who did just that!
Holly’s stay at The Inbal was complimentary but all opinions are her own.
