Magical, mystique, and integration of faiths abound in Jerusalem, Israel, one of the world’s most ancient cities. It lies around an hour southeast of the cultural capital Tel Aviv, and its Old City is holy to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. So, you can imagine our surprise when we found Jerusalem to be a very gay-friendly city. We did find it to be orthodox and conservative, but it’s also liberal and vibrant. That is clear by the many gay hotels in Jerusalem, which range from luxurious spaces to boutique hotels nestled in heritage structures. We found everything from luxurious chain hotels to guesthouses, B&Bs, and ever-popular hostels. So, we had a plethora of choices depending on our likes and budget.
What’s more, Jerusalem Pride has only gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2002. And, despite there being only one prominent gay bar, the number of gay safe spaces are far more than ever before. Did you know that the city also hosts an amazing queer party? It’s called Tipulei Harama, which is a wordplay on conversion therapy – it translates to spirit-raising therapy too!
But we were also interested beyond the city’s gay scene. Jerusalem’s magnetism to us lay in the fact that it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with equally old monuments. For instance, there’s the Dome of the Rock Mosque, one of the world’s most beautiful mosques. What’s more, there are many more legendary sites like the Church of Nativity, the Temple Mount, and the Tower of David. Also, besides being one of the world’s most religious cities, Jerusalem is also one of the world’s most impressive walled cities. So, at every turn, there’s something new for you to discover here. Why not make Jerusalem your next big destination?
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The American Colony Hotel
11
Most romantic. We were looking for a romantic gaycation in Jerusalem and stumbled upon the stunning American Colony Hotel. The dreamy hotel, which is one of the best LGBTQ+ hotels in Jerusalem, lies just a 10-minute walk north of Old City. So, it was the perfect base for us to indulge in romance as well as explore the city. So, what makes the hotel so romantic? For one, it features a standout secluded courtyard nestled in stunning lush gardens. When we wanted to enjoy some quiet time, we’d spread out on the cushy daybeds by the heavenly turquoise pool. The surrounding lush foliage only heightens its intimate vibe, making it the perfect place to laze.
There are many many restaurants on-site, including a brasserie and a wonderful cellar bar. That said, we’d love to sit in the mulberry tree-shaded courtyard to dig into a romantic, lip-smacking Middle-Eastern meal. When it comes to accommodations, we were most impressed by the 95 colonial-style bedrooms, each of which features soft four-poster beds that are begging to be tried out. We took our romance to new heights by getting the Junior Suite, which came with a massive balcony with alfresco seating and even a sunken bath.
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Villa Brown Jerusalem
10
Best boutique. Hardly a four-minute walk from the gay-friendly Video bar lies the boutique hotel of Villa Brown Jerusalem. Tucked in a restored 19th-century Ottoman Villa in Jerusalem, the plush boutique hotel blends Arabic styles with British touches. A stunning, flower-filled garden leads to the hotel, complete with modern photography adorning the original sandstone walls.
“We couldn’t get over the heady blend of old-world and modern at Villa Brown. The luxurious old-world touches with mod-cons like flatscreen TVs and bathtubs only made staying here all the more special!”
WOW Travel
Furthermore, plush velvet fabrics, gold latticework, and marble tabletops lend it a luxurious feel. Despite being a heritage hotel, Villa Brown packs a punch with its facilities. These include everything from free bike rentals to a gym nearby, with the highlight being a decadent rooftop mini-spa. The sunbeds and hot tub on the terrace were the perfect place for us to soak in some sun, especially since we were traveling with our partners. The standout is the breakfast which features both Middle-Eastern options and fresh mezze delicacies. The best part? It’s open until 2 p.m., which was the ideal antidote for those hangovers.
Coming to the accommodations, we could choose from 24 gorgeous and regal bedrooms which boast luxurious touches like soft carpets and gold bedside tables. If you want to splurge, then go for the Junior Suite, which has its own jacuzzi set in indulgent bathrooms. What’s more, some of the rooms even feature stunning exposed stonework of the original structure.
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The Templer Inn
9
Since we were looking for an offbeat yet rich cultural experience in Jerusalem, staying at the Templer Inn was perfect. One of the best LGBTQ+-friendly hotels in Jerusalem, the Templer Inn is authentic Jerusalem at its very best. The inn lies in an old 19th-century home in the scenic and intimate German Colony and is within walking distance of the Old City. While it’s modern, it preserves much of the original features to lend it as authentic a feel as possible. Our days began with a country-style breakfast, which we’d relish in the stunning courtyard. What’s more, the staff was kind enough even to get breakfast in the comfort of our room. The gardens are primed for romance, and we’d enjoy a lovely morning walk here.
With just four suites to choose from, staying at the Templer Inn is as intimate as it gets. Every suite features a plush bed as well as a living room with a sofa-cum-bed. Moreover, there’s even a kitchenette with appliances, so we could whip up quick and cheap meals. Rounding up the suites are the modern bathrooms, which make staying here as comfortable as it gets.
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Mamilla Hotel
8
Most luxurious. If you want to combine luxury and sightseeing in one package, then the Mamilla Hotel is where you should be. It sits on the eponymous Mamilla Avenue, right on the fringes of the Old City of Jerusalem. So, we were within easy walking distance of almost every important historic and scenic sight in the city. Despite being one of the newer luxury hotels in Jerusalem, the contemporary and sleek hotel is rife with tradition. For instance, the lobby features limestone from the Judaean Mountains. Right off the lobby is a fabulous lounging space, complete with ultra-chic lighting fixtures and cushy sofas. We’d regularly cool off in the serene basement swimming pool and relax in the lovely outdoor courtyard. It’s filled with rooftop sunbeds and lush, overflowing foliage and is one of the prettiest places in the city.
Rounding up the amenities are four kosher restaurants, including a rooftop one with sweeping vistas of Old City. Accommodations at the Mamilla are spot-on when it comes to trends, complete with neutral hues and white beds accented by vibrant throws. The huge windows with awe-inspiring views are the best. The most sensuous touch is the glass wall that separates the bedroom and bathroom. Although it has a ‘cloudy’ setting, we loved the cheeky, non-cloudy view. The Executive Room was perfect for us, as it was very spacious and we were wanting nothing.
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Cinema Hostel
7
Best hostel. The Cinema Hostel Jerusalem is one of the newer additions to the list of the coolest LGBTQ+ hotels in Jerusalem. Tucked in a 1938-built old movie theater, the eclectic and lovely hostel sits right in the center of Downtown. So, it’s the perfect base for exploring Jerusalem. The entrance is reminiscent of a traditional movie cinema. On the inside, the décor combines vibrant furniture and metal accents with photographs of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. We were thrilled to find themed female-only/mixed dorms and private rooms, each of which comes with an ensuite shared or private bathroom. Moreover, each is decorated with backdrops of modern classics. It gave the rooms here a completely lively feel, unlike other clinical hostel rooms.
The heart of the hostel is the lounge, which also features a foosball table as well as a table tennis setup. It was the perfect way to break the ice with fellow travelers, and we ended up meeting some very interesting people. The shared guest kitchen is a blessing for whipping up untimely or cheap meals and impressing cute travelers with your culinary skills! The standout is the terrace with comfy couches, bean bags, and chairs and tables that made it a lovely hangout space. Finally, besides free Wi-Fi and a tour desk, the place even has a nightclub with an excellent roster of performances.
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Alegra Boutique Hotel
6
There’s more than one reason why we found the Alegra Boutique Hotel to be one of the best hotels in Jerusalem. Firstly, it sits in a century-old home, which is famous for the love story of a Jewish-Arab couple, a la Romeo-Juliet! Secondly, it blends utter historic charm and excellent contemporary creature comforts. If that wasn’t enough, this Jerusalem hotel is also gay-friendly! The best bit? We were just 20 minutes away from the bustle of the city.
With just seven rooms to choose from, staying here made for an intimate, B&B-like experience. All spacious rooms are named after famous lovers from history and flaunt oodles of old-world charm with exposed stone walls and arched windows. Plush Persian rugs, sheer drapes, and comfy beds not only add comfort but also add to the romantic atmosphere. Even our Deluxe Double Room with a bath was massive, with lots of cozy spaces to tuck in with our partner.
The rest of the hotel only ups the ante with its romantic and novel touches. We’d tuck into a gourmet meal in the intimate dining room (read: romantic courtyard), which is also where a hearty Jewish breakfast is served. The standout is the heavenly rooftop plunge pool, complete with daybeds and lush gardens. Moreover, it boasts once-in-a-lifetime views of the Ein Karem Valley. After a languid dip and a lounge, we headed straight for a pampering session in the sauna.
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Abraham Jerusalem
5
Abraham is famous not just in Jerusalem but all over Israel. In fact, its Tel Aviv outpost is amongst the best hotels in Tel Aviv! The energetic, jazzy Jerusalem version is no less amazing and lies a little north of Old City. In fact, it’s right in the heart of the city, and we were a mere 10-minute walk from the Video gay bar. So, most of the top things to do in Jerusalem were within walking distance for us.
Given the price they charge, their accommodations are some of the best we’ve ever seen and will see among hostels – ever. We could choose from a litany of female-only/mixed dorms and private rooms. All dorms feature reading lights, privacy curtains, lockers, and spotless shared bathrooms, apart from space heaters when it gets cold. The private rooms are also excellent for the price, especially compared to other hostels in the city.
That said, the hostel is a frenzy of fun-filled events and activities. The hub of the hostel is the vast lounge-cum-event space/party hall. The rooftop space is another excellent place to hang out, complete with comfortable couches, swings, and even bean bags. What’s more, there’s a lip-smacking Israeli breakfast on offer. If that wasn’t enough, the hostel’s roster features an unending list of events and activities in which we loved participating. Think hummus-making classes, traditional Friday Shabbat dinners, Indian food nights, pub quiz nights, bar crawls, language exchange, and even open mic night. The standout is performances by a local band. What’s not to love about this amazing hostel?
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YMCA 3 Arches Hotel
4
Located in the heart of Jerusalem, the LGBTQ+-friendly YMCA 3 Arches Hotel probably has the best location in town. It lies just 10 minutes from the Old City of Jerusalem. At the same time, it offers the history and character of the opulent King David at more wallet-friendly prices. Staying here made it easy for us to explore the city, including indulging in this fabulous Guided Walking Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem.
The 1933-built limestone structure with its famed domed bell tower has long been a Jerusalem landmark. Armenian tiles, exotic murals, and stone arches lend it both character and charm. Despite being a budget hotel, 3 Arches packed a lot of offerings, including an incredible outdoor pool. That’s where we’d be on sun-kissed days when we weren’t exploring the city. What’s more, it even features a gym as well as a non-kosher restaurant, complete with a gorgeous terrace where we’d lounge during summer. However, the highlight is the lush gardens and grounds that brim with Jerusalem blossoms on any given day. The live Arabic music performances on the weekends are the icing on the cake, and we saw some really cool bands.
Following a renovation, the rooms at this hotel are comfortably spacious and stunning and feature landscape prints by artist Anna Ticho. Aside from mod-cons, they offer fabulous views of the Old City. The best bit? Wi-Fi is free and available throughout.
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The Post Hostel Jerusalem
3
Best value-for-money. It wasn’t difficult for us to see why the Post Hostel is considered by many as one of the best LGBTQ+ hotels in Jerusalem. To begin with, it offers superb value for its Old City fringes location. Secondly, it radiates lots of charm sitting in a historic structure. If that wasn’t enough, then it offers a lot of activities and amenities perfect for social butterflies like us.
The hostel lies in a 1938-built building from where Jerusalem’s post office still operates. It lies just steps from the Tower of David and the Old City Jaffa Gate, so exploring the city was very easy for us. The vibrant urban décor, beginning with a postal theme in the lobby, lends it a very lively vibe. Moreover, the relaxing, artistic, and open common area is a very inviting space. We loved the convenience of the tiny, shared kitchen where we’d whip up quick/ready-to-eat meals. We could even leave our unwanted clothes here, and there’s a book exchange as well – bonus points for that. They even offer free night tours in Mea Shearim on Thursdays. The cherry on top is the quintessential Israeli breakfast, complete with canned fruits, cheese, tuna, boiled egg, and tomatoes.
We had the choice of 40 shared dorms or private rooms, which features USB plug sockets, private lockers, and bedside lamps. If you’re a light sleeper, then you can go for the private rooms, then you get privacy as well as a fitful sleep.
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King David Hotel Jerusalem
2
If you have the urge to splurge, then look no further than the majestic King David Hotel, one of the most luxurious retreats in the city. What’s more, it lies right next to Old City, which makes it the ideal base to explore this striking old-world city. The hotel, which was built as far back as 1940, features original touches in the form of dark wood accouterments and furnishes and Art Deco touches in the rooms. We weren’t surprised to learn that King David has hosted actors, presidents, and even kings and royalty. In fact, we even saw some famous names etched into the floor in the main lobby. The staff was unfailingly efficient and helpful, and the hotel is home to a slew of restaurants as well as a fitness center.
The piece de resistance is the deliciously inviting pool, complete with white umbrellas and daybeds. It’s nothing short of a decadent and relaxing space, and it was worth taking a day off just to lounge here. Plus, we got to order cocktails and snacks from the amazing poolside bar. Our day began with the most sumptuous breakfast ever with mezze items.
If you were impressed by the facilities, then wait till you see the rooms. All of them are expansive and of utmost comfort, with classic décor and cushy sofas. If you can splash, then go for the best rooms which hands-down promise the best views of Old City. We got the Deluxe Double with views of the Old City and boy, we weren’t disappointed.
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The Colony Hotel – Historical Templar’s Building
1
The Colony Hotel – Historical Templar’s Building is one of the most serene and tranquil LGBTQ+ hotels we found in Jerusalem. The small inn-like hotel sits on a quiet street in the German Colony part of town and shares space with one of the most beloved cinemas in the town. Even though we had our own rental car, it wasn’t difficult to look for space as the hotel has free parking spaces around it. As we entered, the wooden floors creaked beneath our feet, which is a testament to the hotel’s European roots. The entire property is filled with gorgeous foliage that lends it a homely charm.
Our day began with the most fantastic kosher breakfast ever, which is included in the rates. There are even an internet point and a shared fridge. FinMost importantly, the staff at the hotel made the experience worth it by being available round-the-clock. Albeit simple, the rooms at this hotel are pleasing and elegant, complete with wooden floors and standard mod-cons. Since we were looking for more space along with authenticity, we chose the Gottlieb Suite. It even has a plant-filled patio with two chairs and a table overlooking the quiet garden and the street.
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Our Verdict!
While all LGBTQ-friendly in Jerusalem are fabulous, we love the ones below for their specific features:
- Most romantic: The American Colony Hotel
- Best boutique: Villa Brown Jerusalem
- Most luxurious: Mamilla Hotel
- Best hostel: Cinema Hostel
- Best value-for-money: The Post Hostel Jerusalem
Just So You Know:
- Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance is the most famous and important space for Jerusalem’s LGBTQ public scene. The organization not only arranges the annual Pride march and other events but also provides support and information to the LGBTQ community.
- Israel is known as the “gay capital of the Middle East.” So, it’s no surprise that Tel Aviv had the only annual gay pride parade in the Middle East for a very long time. However, Jerusalem’s 2023 Pride Parade in June saw as many as 30,000 people show up. That’s 2-3 times the usual crowd as compared to the previous years.
Get Some Culture in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Pride – Jerusalem’s gay pride parade has been taking place since 2022. Its motto is and always has been “Love Without Border,” and it’s one of the most established events in the country. Even though the pride parade takes place under high security, thousands of LGBTQ people and their supporters march the streets nevertheless. Moreover, Jerusalem’s Pride signals the beginning of the Pride Month events in Israel. The 2023 Pride Parade, which took place just 5 months after the new conservative government took power, saw 30,000 people come out on the streets, waving rainbow flags and dancing.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Jerusalem:
- Video Bar – This might be the only gay bar in Jerusalem, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less amazing. The bar is open until as late as 4 a.m. and features a DJ playing pop, electro, and 80’s hits and music. Moreover, it also features theme nights, and it boasts a wildly welcoming ambiance in an otherwise largely conservative city.
- Café Bastet: This queer-friendly vegetarian café is famed for its excellent Israeli fare. What’s more, it also publishes social media posts about LGBTQ+ issues and even hosts events with queer creatives often. It’s hard to miss it, as it has a rainbow flag flying just before the entrance.
Best Gay Saunas in Jerusalem:
There are no gay saunas in Jerusalem, unfortunately. However, there’s a very well-known and popular gay cruising area called Independence Park. It’s also where the gay Pride parade is held.
