The new kosher Waldorf-Astoria stands across the street from the Mamilla Mall like a proud father surveying his flock. The hotel may be new, a six-year labour of love by Israeli architect Yehuda Feigin and Turkish interior designer Sinan Kafadar, but its roots date back to 1929 when as The Palace, it was heralded as Jerusalem's first luxury hotel. After years of decline, its purchase by the Reichmann family has bought this grand old patriarch a new lease of life - Waldorf style.
This is a property which perhaps redefines the Israeli luxury hotel badge. A stunning lobby of white marble, elaborate furnishings and jaw-dropping art, leads through to the glorious Promenade Atrium made of pale Jerusalem stone, so high, it looks, rather fittingly for Jerusalem, like it's reaching towards the heavens. With its indoor tree displays, vaulted windows and archways, and a restaurant on either side, it is reminiscent of a well-to-do Jerusalem street.
Talking of restaurants, the king of the kitchens is executive chef Itsik Barak, something of a gastronomic legend in Israel and the Palace Restaurant on the left side, is the perfect stage for his kosher Mediterranean-inspired fine dining.
Upstairs, the rooms are classic Waldorf-Astoria; huge super comfortable beds with Serta mattresses and high thread linens, Italian marble bathrooms with mirror in-bedded TV, crystal chandeliers, free espresso machine and an iPad controller for all the room electronics.
Make no mistake, this is a very impressive hotel. Everything has a mark of quality, from the outstanding service levels and the stunning art wherever you look, to Barak's kosher cuisine. I'm sure if stones could smile, this proud father is doing it from ear to ear.
