Located in the heart of the Talbiyeh neighborhood, the Inbal is one of Jerusalem’s premier luxury hotels. Designed by architect Yaakov Rechter, the hotel perfectly blends contemporary elements with the city’s historic charm.
The Inbal is known for its elegance, comfort, and gourmet cuisine. With sweeping views of Liberty Bell Park on one side and the Old City on the other, its central location ensures easy access to downtown Jerusalem.
The hotel primarily caters to upscale travelers but also accommodates families, couples, and solo guests. Rooms range from standard and deluxe to premium suites, stocked with various amenities, with higher-tier options offering added luxury.
Premium rooms on the upper floors face either the Old City or the quieter courtyard, while the Diplomat Suite features a living area, bedroom, two bathrooms, and dual balconies offering contrasting views. The sleek, minimalist design, high ceilings, and large windows in each room create a calm and light-filled ambience.
My friend and I were given a Grand Premium room on the eighth floor, complete with state-of-the-art amenities, generous closet space, a mini-bar, and an en-suite bathroom with a large showerhead. The room itself was bright, spacious, and well-furnished, and equipped with a king-sized bed, TV, and seating areas for relaxation. Waiting in the room upon arrival was a fruit platter, assorted sweet treats, and a bottle of wine – a thoughtful welcome gesture.
The balcony provided a tranquil spot to enjoy coffee and sweet treats while taking in the magnificent view of the city that stretched from Liberty Bell Park and the Old City to the hotel’s courtyard.
Dinner was served at the hotel’s renowned 02 Restaurant, a kosher meat establishment regarded as one of Jerusalem’s top culinary landmarks. The dim lighting and chandeliers created a warm, intimate ambiance, while a private room at the back offers an ideal setting for hosting smaller gatherings or events. Some construction on the balconies turned out to be staff building sukkot ahead of the High Holy Days.
We were greeted warmly and shown to our table. We began our meal with glasses of Pinot Noir rosé (NIS 34), recommended for guests who prefer something light and sweet. This rosé struck the perfect balance – light and refreshing without being overpowering.
The restaurant’s menu is divided by type of food rather than starters and mains, so we sampled something from each category. The food arrived, presented beautifully, within a few minutes. From the bread section, we ordered sourdough (NIS 38) with a creamy romesco and garlic confit, and kubana (Yemeni bread, NIS 62) served warm with aubergine and tomato dips. The kubana was soft and crispy and paired nicely with the dips, although the tomato dip was slightly thin and watery.
Following the waitress’s recommendation, from the “harvest” section, we tried roast pumpkin on a bed of ajoblanco and chimichurri sauce (NIS 58) and cured picanha salad with pecan, tassos, and a cashew labaneh dressing (NIS 72). The pumpkin was sweet, salty, and well-balanced, though the ajoblanco could have used more seasoning. The salad combined savory beef with creamy, nutty labaneh, though some may find it a bit lemony.
FROM THE “ranch” section, my friend ordered rump steak roast beef with spiced mustard and pickles (NIS 82), while I chose lamb neck with chickpeas and pine nuts (NIS 78). I asked for mine without the chili, as I can’t handle spicy food, though diners can request chili if they would like an extra kick. The staff was attentive to our requests and preferences and made sure to ask us if we had any allergies. The roast beef portion could have been slightly larger, but it tasted good, while the lamb was hearty and flavorful.
From the “coals” section, we both opted for the tenderloin (NIS 265). It arrived perfectly medium-rare, accompanied by buttered potatoes and bok choy. The steak was juicy and tender, with the potatoes adding just the right amount of savory richness.
The portion sizes were generous, and we struggled to finish the dishes in front of us – but couldn’t skip dessert, of course! We ordered the lime and mint tart (NIS 52) and the chocolate cremeux (NIS 44) and shared both. The tart was a generous size and was deliciously sweet and sour, though I would have liked more lime. The chocolate dessert was rich, creamy, and slightly bitter.
Inbal’s new cocktail bar: Bar 22
One should also not forget to visit Bar 22, the Inbal’s new cocktail bar. The softly lit space exudes an intimate, stylish, and inviting atmosphere, and by evening, the bar was buzzing with guests. The extensive menu features fine wines and creative cocktails, complemented by chef-curated dishes and desserts, which guests can enjoy alongside their beverages. Attentive bartenders also craft personalized beverages, often using in-house ingredients, inspired by Jerusalem’s flavors.
My friend opted for a passion fruit- and mango-based cocktail, while I was presented with a creative amaretto-style cocktail, made with ingredients produced in-house. It was slightly too sweet but still delicious, and my friend also enjoyed her beverage. The staff also insisted we try two desserts, including an absolutely mouthwatering chocolate soufflé served with vanilla ice cream, and a coconut cream dessert, elegantly served with crispy biscuits.
The next morning, we made our way to the hotel’s courtyard, where breakfast is served during the summer season. The buffet offered an indulgent spread of pastries, breads, fresh fruit, and salads, accompanied by a wide range of beverages – guests are spoiled for choice. My friend and I returned to the buffet several times, sampling the wide variety of delights from each stand.
After breakfast, I headed to the outdoor pool, which was nearly empty that early in the day. A pool lift makes it accessible for disabled guests, and there’s a smaller, shallow pool for children. In the winter, the pool is covered by a giant cover, allowing it to remain open and functional even in colder climates.
Additional facilities include a sauna, an indoor gym, a spa that offers a variety of treatments and massages, and even a top-rated hairdresser.
After swimming and sunbathing, I started to feel peckish again and wandered up to the premium lounge (which only the premium rooms have access to). The lounge offers a serene and elegant ambience for unwinding with a glass of wine, coffee, or a soft drink. It is the perfect, tranquil haven where guests can help themselves to various snacks, soft drinks, and hot beverages. Cappuccino in hand, I settled on the balcony, enjoying the view overlooking the Old City and courtyard, before check-out.
Sadly, it was time to leave. Check-out, like check-in, was quick and seamless. Throughout my stay, the staff were consistently attentive, accommodating special requests like a late checkout, and quickly solving small issues such as reactivating my key card.
Overall, the Inbal offers a luxurious and comfortable midweek escape in the heart of Jerusalem. Whether you’re after a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo city break, the facilities offered, as well as the staff’s warm hospitality, make the Inbal a great choice! The restaurants and bar menus are on the pricier side, but the quality and experience reflect the hotel’s top-end standard.
The writer was a guest of the hotel and restaurant.