Jerusalem's American Colony Hotel Named Israel's Best Boutique Hotel

The legendary American Colony Hotel in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem, has been named Israel's Leading Boutique Hotel for 2026 at the World Travel Awards, often regarded as the "Oscars" of the global travel and tourism industry. This marks the tenth time the historic property has received the prestigious accolade.

A Century of History and Royalty

Long before opening its doors as a hotel in 1902, the 1860 estate served as the grand palace of a wealthy Muslim family, Pasha Rabah al-Husayni. The property holds deep historical significance; it was here that a makeshift white sheet was raised to signal the surrender of Ottoman forces to the British, marking the end of Ottoman rule in Jerusalem.

Today, the hotel comprises four distinct buildings and 85 rooms. The main entrance, centered around the famous interior courtyard, retains its original palatial charm with antique furnishings, including damask chests and Persian rugs. General Manager Alex Nasser noted that the team strives daily to preserve this irreplaceable charm while continuing to innovate.

Suite Number 6 and Famous Guests

What do Winston Churchill, Jimmy Carter, Tony Blair, Bob Dylan, Natalie Portman, Janet Jackson, Sting, and Giorgio Armani have in common? They all slept in Suite Number 6. This iconic room offers guests a journey back in time with its four-poster bed, historic furniture, and a charming balcony overlooking the property.

"American Colony is a place with soul, history, and character that cannot be replicated, and we work every day to preserve this magic while continuing to renew ourselves," said General Manager Alex Nasser.

The World Travel Awards, celebrating its 33rd year, relies on hundreds of thousands of votes from tourism professionals and consumers worldwide to set the global benchmark for excellence in hospitality.