Austrian Pilgrim Hospice

Very Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : Age, history, location

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Business Traveler
  : The Austrian Hospice is a beautiful 19th century building that has recently gone through some reservations and has a great deal of character. The rooms are large and with a very high ceiling. The location is conveniently by station number three of the Via Dolorosa and the property is an oasis of peace in an otherwise crowded and hectic place. The staff are all pleasant young people who are spending a year of service in Israel and the coffee shop has the best sachertorte and apple strudel this side of Vienna. The breakfast buffet is small by Israeli standards, but more than sufficient. The view from the roof of the hotel is spectacular and not to be missed.
  : I would highly recommend the hotel to independent travelers since it is a no frills experience. The beds are comfortable but only barely so. In my room, the beds were separate and not appropriate for a couple. This being Winter, the rooms were chilly and I needed the space heater that was available. There is no tea set with hot water heater that would have been a welcome benefit. The location is good, but if you are coming with suitcases, it is not convenient. The closest light rail is more than a ten minute uphill climb. Also, the Damascus Gate is the main entry to the Old City for the Muslim community and there are some security concerns during tense periods. Lastly, this is not a hotel for people who are used to the creature comforts of hotels like the Hilton or Sheraton, but rather a more bare bones affair for people who have a sense of history.