First, let me say, I've stayed here twice over the past few years. The fact that I came back can attest to the genial nature of the staff and fairly decent price. The location is great for those wanting to stay outside a tourist style hotel and experience some Palestinian culture. It's a quick walk to the best overlook of the Old City at night or day; 10 min to the Garden of Gethsemane & cabs/buses. Most taxi drivers know the place ("ya', it's my neighborhood!). The breakfast is typical of the region, with humus, cold cuts, fresh bread, salads, cereals, etc. Web access is decent & was in the original house (see the website for history). Staff always greets you kindly and is available to hook up a tour or cab. There's a local snack shop across the street and an excellent falafal place a few doors down. NOW... about the ROOMS... the place is in pretty sad shape. I've never found crawlies in the bed or had to clean the shower, but the last time I picked the economy room and had to switch after the toilet began leaking all over the floor. The soap was't packaged... just random pieces left from the previous occupants. Most surfaces haven't been dusted in awhile. The carpet begs for socks, if not shoes. It's a step above a rough hostel and fine for those of us who are just sleeping and can leave our white glove test back home. If they'd paint, recarpet and deep clean every 6 mos, the place would be fine. If you have Hampton Inn standards, I recommend you stay there and leave this one for those with a more rustic nature.

The hotel is located on the top of the Mt. Of Olives which is in Arabic quater. Not so far away from the Old Town and really closed to many interesting places. But on the evening it is better to go to the hotel by taxi. Rooms are small and modestly furnished, but comfortable. There was buffet breakfast with huge selection of local dishes. The hotel staff was friendly. We enjoyed our stay in this hotel and I can really recommend this place - just be ready for the singing of Muezzin from the minaret which is nearby at 4 A.M., but it is irresistible middle-eastern :-)

We booked Mount of Olives Hotel based on the recommendation of a traveler we met in Jordan. It was very sound advice. This is an older hotel that has clearly seen better days. However, it's unique location on the Mount of Olives provided great value for money.

Our room had LCD satellite television, free Internet, a room safe, and hair dryer. Rooms were reasonable size (4mx4m). No a/c. Towels had a fresh smell and were plentiful. No room amenities were provided except small bars of soap. Coffee and tea was available for free in the dining room 24/7.

The staff was very friendly and helpful especially Emad who advised us on tours to Bethlehem and Jericho. Location was perfect on the Mount of Olives, surrounded by the famous churches and overlooking the Old City. Walking up and down the hill was a challenge. We took the bus often to and from Damascus Gate.

This was by far the best hotel we stayed in while in Israel. The rooms were clean and well-maintained. The Wi-Fi signal was very strong throughout the hotel. My laptop and camera easily fit inside the room safe which put my mind at ease throughout the stay.

The most enjoyable aspect was meeting and interacting with other guests who came literally from the four corners of the world with very differing beliefs and backgrounds. The morning breakfast room was a mini United Nations of religions, peoples and nationalities. Unlike the other hotels we stayed at in Israel, the informal atmosphere made it easy to strike up interesting conversations.

Good points about this hotel:
- very helpful staff
- modest prices
- rooms are ok, with cable television but no air conditioning

Bad points:
- the surroundings are pretty noisy, with lots of cars passing in front of the hotel and, since the hotel is next to a mosk, you'll be awaken every morning at 5 a.m. by the call for the morning prayer (the first night it REALLY wakes you up but you'll get used to it pretty fast...)
- the hotel is located in the Arabic part of Jerusalem : the collective taxis you can get at Ben Gourion airport won't drop you there and you'll have to take a second taxi from the old city. Same thing with some tours you can book in Jerusalem (like a day trip to the Dead Sea) : the bus won't pick you up at the hotel and you'll have to walk to other hotels near the center
- since it's located on the mount of olives, getting to the old city is a 40 mn walk : in the morning, when you just have to go down the hill, it can be very nice but at night...
- breakfast is... ehem... horrible