The American Colony, Jerusalem

The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem. The External. (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

The American Colony Hotel has maintained its original facade since its construction. Originally a palace for a pasha and his four wives, the building was acquired by the American Colony community in 1895. By 1902, it had transformed into the hotel it is today. While renovations and additions have graced the property over the years, the core structure and facade of the original building remain remarkably preserved. This is evident in photos of the hotel from the early 20th century, which show a remarkable similarity to the hotel’s appearance today.

Join us and be part of the legacy of the American Colony Hotel, a haven that has enriched Jerusalem and its people for over a century.

American Colony Hotel’s Fascinating History

When it All began: The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem dates back to the nineteenth century. The American Colony has a fascinating history deeply intertwined with the story of Horatio and Anna Spafford. Horatio and Anna Spafford were a devoutly Christian family. They left Chicago in 1881 to move to the Holy Land, and to the Holy City of Jerusalem to offer aid and support to families in distress. 

Driven in Tragedy: Following a series of personal tragedies, the loss of their four young daughters and other church followers in a terrible shipwreck. Horatio, a lawyer, and Anna, his wife, led a group of American Christians settled in a small house in the Old City of Jerusalem.

From Colony to Hotel: This group, known as the American Colony, engaged in charitable work and earned the trust of the local Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities. With their charitable deeds and their doors open at all times to their Arab, Jewish, and Bedouin neighbors.  Soon people from both the United States and Sweden came to join them. In 1896, they purchased a former palace built for a Pasha and his harem. This palace would later become the American Colony Hotel. Before long, the American Colony Hotel became the lodging for Western Travellers and pilgrims whose expectations were not met by other existing hotels or establishments in Jerusalem. While the hotel has undergone renovations and additions, the core building and its beautiful facade remain a testament to its rich history.

The American Colony Hotel’s core structure and facade stands as a captivating monument to it’s storied past.  (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

Legacy of Peace: In 1917, the American Colony in Jerusalem, not yet a hotel, found itself at the center of a pivotal moment in history. During the end of Ottoman rule in Jerusalem, The American Colony, known for its charitable work and neutrality, served as a refuge for many during this turbulent time. They provided aid to the war-torn community and offered a space for some semblance of normalcy. Legend has it that the retreating Ottoman governor even used a bedsheet from the American Colony as a white flag of surrender to British troops, signaling the end of Ottoman control.

Sipping on fragrant mint tea at the American Colony Hotel, you’re surrounded by the echoes of history. (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

The Neutral Island:  The American Colony has always remained a neutral island, remaining outside of the turbulent politics of the land.  It remained an oasis, where Arabs and Jews met comfortably, and even played a role in the historic 1993 Oslo Peace Accords, hosting talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. Imagine the whispers of diplomacy echoing through these corridors. The American Colony Hotel has served as a sanctuary for momentous peace talks, its walls etched with the hopes of a brighter future.

Outside courtyard, the legacy and atmosphere of the past remains (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

Steeped in history, these very walls of the American Colony Hotel have borne witness to pivotal peace talks and agreements that shaped the region’s destiny.
(Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

The Legacy and Contribution of the Owners: The orginal founders retained their home in the Old City and and provided care  to needy children. Today this buiding houses the Spafford Children Center. which runs medical, infant care and social work departments for children in the area. The American Colony Hotel is still owned by Spafford descendants. The Colony is part of their family history and the history of Jerusalem.

The American Colony Hotel Today

Location

If you like being in the center of Jerusalem, another wonderful option is The American Colony. Their guest list on their website includes Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, Bob Dylan, and Uma Thurman. Since this is one of the Leading Hotels in the World, we believe them.

Sleeping Quarters

Their sleeping quarters are absolutely dreamy! While one suite may have a feeling of glamor and glitz, another suite can be classically vintage.

Options of different styled rooms. There are so many options to choose from. (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

Cuisine

Love eating? Who doesn’t? The American Colony has not one, not two, but SIX different eateries that will whet your appetite. There is The Arabesque, located in the main building, The Courtyard, placed off of the lobby, Val’s Brasserie, overlooking the pool, The Terrace Café, next to the hotel shops, The Cellar Bar, the location speaks for itself and last but most certainly not least, The Summer Bar, open during the summer months and located in the Palm House Garden.

Indoor and our door restaurant and the Cellar Bar. (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

Arabesque evening is a must! (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

Wellness Center

The hotel is equipped with a gorgeous Wellness Center, with all the facilities one could expect!

The Pool
The hotels’ recently constructed pool is made from Jerusalem stone and Italian glass tiles. Oh… and did we mention it’s heated! Have fun taking a dip or going for a swim in this magical oasis.
Their relaxing, seasonal heated outdoor pool and sundeck area is is stunning. Their seasonal heated outdoor pool and sundeck area is open from June 1st until October 31st and sometimes dates can be extended weather permitting.

Picture of heated outdoor pool. (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel) 

The fitness center

Overlooking the pool with panoramic windows, in its garden setting, Our well-equipped fitness centre contains the most updated technology and equipment – including treadmills, bicycles, elliptical cross trainers, abdominal crunch equipment, Lat machines, Chest presses, cable training stations, and free weights. The equipment includes personal, built-in TV screens.

Picture of the fitness Center (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel) 

Also, there is a Sauna and Spa and Beauty Lounge. Simply not to be missed.

The American Colony Hotel Shop

The shop has fascinating items and souveniers to remember a wonderful hotel and adventure.

The American Colony Hotel Shop (Picture courtesy of the American Colony Hotel)

You’re still not sure this is The American Colony in Jerusalem is the right hotel for you. Please be sure check out our post about the Mamilla Hotel.  Mamila also strives to offer the most exquisite experience.

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