hostel Jerusalem

It's a nice, simple hostel run by a Christian humanitarian organization. Basic, simple but with a lovely view over the Old City. They mainly target Christian pilgrims but all travellers are welcome.

catw could be correct, and if so I will stand corrected, but the Abraham Hostel I know is just off Jaffa Street, a good 20 to 30 minute walk from the Old City (no views, too far away) and is owned and run by Israelis.

It's also a full service hostel with all room types (shared, dorm, private), kitchen, Internet, etc.

The management is very helpful and I recommend it. It isn't cheap though. It's on the high end scale of hostels.

Good luck.

Interesting... so this means there are two different Abraham hostels in Jerusalem.

The one I know is run by a Christian charity affiliated to Caritas, and is located in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras Al Amud. It's an old building with a garden and is known for its sweeping view on the Old City. It's very quiet and in walking distance from Damascus Gate. Many Christian pilgrims stay there, but there are also backpackers as it's one of the cheapest options in town. The place is run by Christian priests, sisters and volunteers from all over the world. It's a good option too.

www.maison-abraham.com/

www.secours-catholique.org/IMG/pdf/Abraham<u>s_house_brochure_6p</u>-_ENGLISH.pdf

The OP is referring to the Abraham Hostel Jerusalem off Yafo Street (67 Hanevi'im st) in the center of town. He even provided a link...

I have stayed at Abraham Hostel (not Maison Abraham, the Christian hospice). What would you like to know about it? It is a friendly European-style hostel with a few dorms and a lot of simple private rooms. They organize tours and activities for travelers. There is a bar upstairs with good happy hour deals and a huge room of common space with hammock chairs, cushions, etc. The rooms are small and simple. The atmosphere is really fun and its a good place to meet other travelers. It can be a little impersonal since it is so big.

I think the atmosphere of the Old City is more interesting for travelers looking for a cultural experience, but for a traveler looking for a party and to get to know other travelers, Abraham Hostel is the best. I usually advise people to spend 2 nights in the Old City at a place like Hashimi or Golden Gate or a religious hospice to experience the Old City, then spend 1 or 2 nights at Abrahams.

I'd go back there if I were to visit Jerusalem again :)

Nice and clean, free wi fi, prepaid cards for the computers, friendly and helpful staff, simple breakfast, a positive "vibe" but no parties inside the dorms as far as I saw, so you'll sleep.

The only drawback is the location, which, as someone suggested above, is a bit far from the Old City. However, buses and the tram from/to the bus station stop really in front of the hostel... imagine carrying you luggage on the steps of the Armenian or Christian Quarter for instance!

#6 (jjita)

The only drawback is the location, which, as someone suggested above, is a bit far from the Old City

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Not really. It's all relative. Obviously, it isn't in the Old City. But it is only a 15-20 minute walk to the Old City (Jaffa Gate). And, as mentioned, the tram stops right by the hostel and goes to the Old City (one or two stops - depending which gate you want). Also buses.

@a1 completely agree with you. It's not a real drawback, but for some people it is an issue.

I definitely agree with those saying it's far more interesting to stay inside the Old City, where you'll find several cheap hostels with dorms or tiny rooms, and also a handful of Christian guesthouses for those who want more comfort. Most of them are located around Jaffa Gate, and a few around Damascus Gate (including world famous Austrian Hospice).

Staying inside the Old City is the experience of a lifetime, you can't compare this with staying in the middle of West Jerusalem, meters away from the tramway and the highway. Staying inside the Old City is the best way to meet fellow travellers. Waking up at the sound of the Muezzin siging, the church bells ringing and the Orthodox Jews chanting... that is the true Jerusalem experience.