David Citadel – where Old Jerusalem meets Modernity

There is a famous saying in real estate: “location, location, location….” to justify premium real estate value. This phrase just about captures the essence of what makes the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem so unique.

The David Citadel Hotel first opened its doors in 1998 along King David Street in Jerusalem, built on the site of old building ruins overlooking the Old City walls and the historic Tower of David. It was designed by award-winning Israeli architect, Moshe Safdie, in a horseshoe shape using Jerusalem gold limestone. A major attraction are the terrace sides descending downwards, allowing all 385 suites and rooms to feature covered balconies facing the Old City. It has been the favorite place to stay of celebrities and dignitaries as well as Israelis from all walks of life. 

Whenever we stay there I relish watching the sunrise over the Old City walls while sipping my morning coffee in the terrace. The location right across the Mamilla shopping Avenue area with its cafes and shops is superb. This vantage point makes exploring Jerusalem on foot incredibly easy. It takes just a few minutes walk to Jaffa Gate from the hotel.

Even though my home is located nearby my family loves spending a few of the Jewish holidays there. We’ve been staying at the Citadel for over twenty years. There is a sense of discreet luxury. The newly renovated rooms exude absolute comfort and the service is first class. Our bed was one the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in outside our home.

Every hotel has its distinctive scent. My favorite is that of the Citadel’s. One VIP Logistics Manager told me she could purchase all of the hotels’ bath products but not the Citadel’s. It is indeed a very secret potion.

The facilities are impressive and the pool area is beautiful. The Citadel is known for its sumptuous breakfast buffet. The variety is massive: a selection of oven baked breads, fresh local cheeses and a huge selection of salads, hot shakshuka and amazing pastries. There is always a line at the customized omelette stand.

Every year, to usher in Rosh Hashanah, we join  Rav David Deri’s minyan at the Citadel. Rav Deri is very inspirational and draws a lot of Israelis from all over the country to his prayer group. On the eve of the holiday dinner was truly exquisite. Somehow the chef was able combine elegance with traditional home cooking. As a vegetarian I was delighted with the salads and veggies but my family couldn’t be happier with the large gourmet meat and fish selections.

Despite Israel’s tourism crisis the Citadel was full of American and European tourists on Succot. Eating in the Succah during the holiday of Succot was a veritable experience. The staff welcomes you with a smile. It helps that there is hardly any staff turnover which speaks volumes of excellent employer/employee relationship there. It feels like a home away from home when the waiters always ask about members of my family.

When I asked the veteran waiter I have known for years if the Citadel had experienced guests switching to newer hotels he answered with a twinkle in his eye that they had but they always came back.