My wife and I are planning a trip to Israel in early 2000, probably mid February. Is this a good time of year to visit?
Any suggestions on where to stay/ restaurants and the 'can't miss' things we should do?

I stayed at the King Solomon hotel a couple of years ago...It was not totally luxurious (ala King David Hotel), but as good as any Marriott, etc. Had a great lobby bar and a rooftop pool.

I don't know if you are Jewish or not or if you care, but I found the best hotel to be in the Palestinian district near the old city. It's called the American Colony. I think I did a trip report on it a few months ago.

Many famous people stay there and it has a very long history dating back to when a Pasha owned it and built a number of rooms for his wives. Ask for one of these rooms and you won't be disapointed. It used to be owned by Baron Ustinov and I think Peter Ustinov may own it now.

The outdoor barbecue they have is excellent! Check out http://www.americancolony.com/ and read about the history of the hotel whether you go or not.

Definitely make the trip to the Masada fortress, climbing to the top to catch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. But be forwarned - bring some water - even @ 7am you'll be sweating like a dog in the heat. (Okay, that's based on my visit in September, I don't know, February might be cooler.) The view, as well as the setting out in the desert, is remarkable and desolate. There are countless agencies in Jerusalem that arrange day trips to Masada.

If you like "new" hotel luxury rather than "classic" hotel luxury, stay at the Laromme. That's where the US diplomats now stay (rather than at the King David).

For food, ask your concierge -- lots of new restaurants, and they should know the hot ones.

Jerusalem's Old City is wonderful. On my TWA flight there three years ago, the current copy of National Geographic had a photo essay of Jerusalem...with the incredibly detailed map still in the magazine. I'll admit, it wasn't in the magazine when I got off the plane (but it was the end of the month, so I figure the issue was due to be replaced anyway).

In any event, try to get a good map. Finding your way around is as difficult as in Venice, but the safety issues of getting lost (particularly in the Arab quarter) are more problematic than in Italy!

For that day trip to Masada (definitely a "must"), see if you can find one that includes a stop at the Dead Sea as well as Ein Gedi nature preserve. Or just rent a car so you can do all at your own pace.

There's an excellent museum of Islamic art; it's open on Saturday when most of Jerusalem is shut. But be sure to spend part of Saturday morning in the Jewish quarter - lots of great photo opportunities, but you should probably pass unless you have a very long telephoto lens, since taking a snapshot constitutes "work" which is prohibited that day (and would therefore be offensive to the subject).

And whether you're Muslim, Christian or Jewish (or none of the above), be sure to visit all three religion's sites, not just your own.

In the Old City near the New Gate (I think it's on Fr�res Street) is a shop run by two Greek Orthodox women that sells needlepoint made by Palestinian women. It's basically a charity they've put together, since Palestinian women have next to no earning capacity outside the home. Everything from pillow cases to table runners to vests to priest's stoles, at dirt cheap prices.

[This message has been edited by johna (edited 10-12-1999).]

I was in Israel in February a few years back, and the weather was great - moderately warm during the day (low 60's), cool nights (high 40's). I may have been very lucky, 'cause is was sunny and dry all 8 days.
Have a jacket for a night time in Jerusalem at any time of the year.

I think it is the "coldest" time to visit with temps averaging around 50F! Rain is not too much of a problem here anytime as I recall. Is there a "rainy" or wet season at all?

Thanks everybody for the helpful suggestions

Any updates to add on this thread? I'll be in Jerusalem mid February and wanting to hear about good hotels with reasonable rates near the convention
Centre. Have read quite a few unfavorable reviews on the Crown Plaza hillside, so looking for an alternative hotel.

Hi nobody-elite,

I spent almost 2 years working in the WB and for the 1st year lived in Jerusalem. Got really tired of having to go through the check points twice a day to get to my job and back home so the second year I lived in the WB at the Intercontinental in Bethlehem.

One thing to keep in mind is that 99% of hotel rooms in J town are booked by tours and that (in my opinion) has an adverse effect on the quality. If you intend on staying in Jerusalem I would choose one of the Dan hotels or the American Colony. Or be adventurous and try the Intercontinental in Bethlehem.

Moving this thread to the Middle East forum. Thanks for your understanding.

Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator

Thanks tennis69,

I'll check out the hotels you mentioned, are they close to the convention centre?

What should I expect to pay for a taxi from Tel Aviv airport to Jerusalem?

What do the drivers prefer payment in .... $US or shekels?

Why on earth was this 12 years old thread bumped? I only noticed as an above posted said he�d flown to Israel on TWA, they haven�t been flying anywhere for a loooong time

Definitely Shekels. When I was there this year I was told the fare would be about 250NIS to go to Jerusalem from the airport, not sure whether that was a fixed rate or just the driver�s estimate.