Global hotel brands expand to Jerusalem

Israel's capital has been in the news recently for a number of mostly negative reasons. First and foremost was the terror attack in Har Nof, and before there were the hostilities on the Temple Mount that spurred Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Israel’s chief Sephardi rabbi, to urge Jews to avoid the area.

But in more positive news, there will soon be more options for tourists travelling to Jerusalem.

According to YNET , the likes of the W and Four Season luxury hotel chains are expected to follow in the footsteps of the Waldorf and bring their well-appointed suites to the city.

Meanwhile, other international hotel chains soon to be arriving in Jerusalem include Marriott, Ramada and Accor, which will run two hotels under the Ibis brand that are already under construction. Talks are also being held with the Radisson chain.

Ilanit Melchior, tourism director of the Jerusalem Development Authority, says the holy city currently has some 4,000 hotel rooms, with 2,000 more expected to within six years as part of a local and international brand expansion.

In addition, the Jerusalem Development Authority has started an initiative to extend urban accommodation units to tourists, allowing them to integrate with local residents and enjoy a cheaper vacation in Israel.