Where to stay when you leave.
6/06/2008 at 11:17 AM
Tags: Waldorf-Astoria Collection, Jerusalem Hotels, Hotel Construction
While Waldorf-Astoria Collection keeps plucking new properties left and right, the renovation/re-construction is actually being started on the luxe chain's Jerusalem property.
WAC decided to renovate the historic Palace Hotel (built in 1929) and turn it into a 220-room hotel with 30 residences on site. Harry over at Jerusalemite, a Jerusalem Culture Guide, tipped us off as to what's been happening as of late:
The structure has been completely gutted, with the detailed outer walls, now a mere facade, serving as the only remnants of the original building. Despite its decrepit appearance, the former Palace Hotel is one of Jerusalem's most beautiful buildings, with numerous carvings designed as an amalgamation of Moorish, Roman and Arab architecture.
The hotel will open sometime in 2010. Go here to see what the hotel should look like when the renovation is completed.
[Photo: Jerusalemite]
Related Stories:
Waldorf-Astoria chain links Jerusalem to luxury [Jerusalemite]
Hotel News Briefs: Waldorf-Astoria Collection Snaps Up Property in Jerusalem
by juliana
1/08/2008 at 2:26 PM
Tags: Jerusalem Hotels, Israel Hotels, Political Hotels, George W. Bush, Hotel Security
No matter what your political persuasion, if you're a U.S. president heading to Jerusalem, there's one place to say: The King David. Sure enough George W. Bush is staying there on his first official visit to Israel.
Bush will be staying in a suite at the King David hotel that costs $2,600 a night -- for guests who are not president of the United States. Assistant General Manager Benny Olearchik would not disclose how much the Americans are paying to stay at his hotel, one of Israel's most expensive.
Bush's entourage already has taken up more than two-thirds of its 237 rooms, and will take over all of them once he arrives himself, Olearchik said. Unlucky guests who happened to plan their visits at the wrong time had their reservations canceled.
There's a word to the wise for people staying at hotels popular with heads of state: you may be kicked out and forced to rebook. We can just imagine the look on the face of the person who had already booked an expensive suite being told, "Sorry, you must stay elsewhere."
We hear security will be a tad tight. "More than 10,500 policemen and security personnel will be deployed to protect Bush and keep order during the visit..." If you're going to be in Israel, this would be a good time to head to the Tel Aviv Hilton instead.
by Tim L.
0 Comments - Add Yours
