Jerusalem is accustomed to catering to all kinds of visitors, from religious pilgrims on a budget to regular holiday makers seeking the best in comfort. The city has a Novotel and a Sheraton while there are also some locally produced niceties like the King David Hotel and the Jerusalem Hotel.

Although Jerusalem has many upscale hotels, there aren't actually that many high-end luxury places compared with other world capitals. Top of the bunch are the American Colony Hotel and the Jerusalem Hotel in East Jerusalem; the King David Hotel and the David Citadel Hotel on King George Street; Mount Zion Hotel in South Jerusalem; and the five-star King David Hotel in West Jerusalem.

All of these hotels have fine décor, and excellent service, facilities and entertainment. There are also popular Christian hospices or guest houses in Jerusalem and many can be found in nice parts of town in ancient buildings. The top of the range hospices are just as well run as the better hotels and come with ensuite bathrooms. The Jerusalem's Anglican guest house is a popular place.

The Old City is one of the best places to lay your head in Jerusalem as it has plenty of allure and religious sites, along with a decent selection of hotels. You won't, however, find any high quality hotels here and parts of the Old City can be unsavoury at night, save for the Jewish Quarter.

West Jerusalem is the best place to stay in Jerusalem if you want to be near the attractions, shopping and nightlife, particularly around the bustling Zion Square and Ben-Yehuda Mall. King George and King David streets, farther south, are also good bets, along with the German Colony and Abu Tor neighbourhoods.

There are also many modern, yet expensive, hotels at Sderot Herzl in the west, between Jaffa Road and Sderot Herzl. Unfortunately, there's not that much to see in this area, however, apart from busy roads, but the main station is nearby at Jaffa Road and has transport to destinations all over.

There are some good hotel choices in South Jerusalem to the south of King George and King David streets. Although the walk to the city from this area is fairly long, it is interesting and there are plenty of buses and taxis on hand. Hebron Road has stunning views over the Old City.

For those heading for East Jerusalem for a hotel, stick as far west as you can or just to the east of Highway 1. Although most hotels in East Jerusalem are in unattractive areas, this area has seen a resurgence of late and sports some fine places to stay, such as the Jerusalem Novotel.

Mount of Olives is in the hills of Jerusalem and if you prefer peace and quiet, head out here. If you fancy walking to town it's all down hill, although you'd be better of taking a taxi back.

There are a couple of decent hotel choices near Ben Gurion Airport, including the Avia and the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv. The David is on the promenade in Tel Aviv while the Dan Tel Aviv and the Sheraton Tel Aviv are also within reach.