Since it's the off seaon you can probably get a real hotel (not a hostel) for $150 a night. Check out the hotel booking websites. I think the YMCA 3 Arches hotel might be a good option for you. It's located very close to the Old City and is in a good location right near the King David Hotel which is one of Israel's nicest hotels.

A quick search shows you have plenty of options in your price range - many would be a better choice than the YMCA 3 Arches, which is planning a renovation but has not completed it yet.

I would take a look at the following:

Jerusalem Gardens (formerly Leonardo Inn) - though not near the Old City, it is a short tram ride away from the Old City.

Grand Court - also on the tram line and also a bit out of the way, but in the opposite direction from the first hotel.

Leonardo Hotel - right near the Grand Court

Crowne Plaza - right near the main entrance to Jerusalem

Montefiore Hotel - nice small hotel in the downtown area.

Not sure what night tour you are referring to. You can definitely arrange a tour of Bethlehem in advance. Guy Tours offers a half day regular tour of that city. You can find them on the Internet.

Since you want to see the sites from the New Testament I would suggest taking a taxi straight up to the Mt. of Olives upon arrival, for overview of the Temple Mount and then walking down the mountain to visit Domus Flevit and the Church of the Agony (Church of All Nations) and then walk into the Old City via Lion's Gate and walk upon the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepluchre. This is a lovely tour and can be done on your own. However, if my some chance the weather is inclement, just do a walking tour inside the Old City. See Bethlehem on Friday morning.

Chana

Israel

thanks for all your advice, ready tp book hotel now for 1 night as close as possibble to old town for walking but also close to the central bus station ,where i guess the buses arrive and depart from haifa. any final advice or hotel suggestions. will there be taxis available in plenty supply for our trip back to ashdod on friday afternoon.

thank you.

steve

It isn't possible to be close to both the Old City and the central bus station as they are at opposite ends of the city. But the light rail (tram) will whisk you from one to the other.

Looking at Oreets list of hotels I would not recommend the Crowne plaza. Its location is not quite as convenient. Although no further from the Central Bus station than the Jerusalem Gardens ( as the crow flies) it is up a STEEP hill that is not a pleasant walk. ( unless you want a work-out each time you return to the hotel)

If you are taking a taxi from the hotel, it really doesn't matter which one.

If you are aiming for public transportation then both the Crowne Plaza and the Jerusalem Gardens will make you go a bit farther to get to the train.

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