Israel

From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Just one block from the Old City, this 194-room newcomer is a chic respite from the capital's trademark chaos. Designed by Italian Piero Lissoni and Israel-born Moshe Safdie, the six-story complex consists of both historic and newly built, ultramodern spaces, all of which are covered in cream-colored Jerusalem stone. Although accommodations are small—basic rooms are just over 300 square feet—they're endowed with features like liquid crystal bathroom walls that turn opaque with the flip of a switch, deep rectangular tubs, and rain showers. Few rooms have views other than into neighboring courtyards or to the streets below, but with the hotel's proximity to major sights like the Tower of David, it hardly matters. A small wine bar serving the country's finest vintages sits adjacent to the lobby, while Mirror Bar is a moody and romantic spot that features nightly DJs churning out a mix of Middle Eastern and contemporary tunes. (Both bars close for Friday evening Sabbath.) During the warmer months, the rooftop lounge provides sweeping views of the Old City. Staff here eschew the Israeli gruff attitude that plagues many of the nearby luxury properties and are instead accommodating and attentive—in fact, each room is assigned a personal host. —2010 Hot List

Which room to book: Even though the hotel claims none of its rooms have views of the Old City, No. 706 is an executive room that offers one.

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