The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem and the American Colony Hotel Jerusalem were named as the best hotel and boutique hotel in Israel at this year’s Oscars for hotels, the World Travel Awards.
This was the awards’ 32nd edition, which consulted 650,000 travel professionals and consumers worldwide to select the winners in each country across different hotel and destination categories.
Waldorf Astoria wins for second consecutive year
This marked the third time the Waldorf Astoria was named Best Hotel in Israel, having also retained its title after winning the previous edition in 2024.
“This is a tremendous honor for Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, for our dedicated team, for the Waldorf Astoria brand, and for the city of Jerusalem itself. Winning this award for the second consecutive year demonstrates that even in challenging times, it is possible to deliver world-class hospitality at the highest international standards,” said Avner On, general manager of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem.
Built on the historic site of the former Palace Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel is regarded as one of the most ambitious and impressive hotel projects ever completed in Israel, with an investment of approximately $150 million. The American Colony Hotel is a serial winner of Israel’s Leading Boutique Hotel award.
It first received the award in 2013 and has since been honored repeatedly in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and now again in 2025.
“We are deeply honored that The American Colony has been chosen once again as Israel’s Leading Boutique Hotel for 2025, and we are grateful to the World Travel Awards committee for their continued trust and recognition. This marks our ninth win of what is considered the ‘Oscars’ equivalent of the global tourism industry,” said Alex Nassar, general manager of The American Colony Hotel.
Built atop a 160-year-old Ottoman landmark, The American Colony Hotel sits atop the 1860 palace of a local pasha and his four wives. The hotel’s Arabesque arches, hand-painted ceilings, rich carpets, and antique décor create a timeless blend of East and West, offering guests a serene and romantic ambiance.
The awards were announced on Sunday, October 26, during an exclusive ceremony held in Dubai.