Alegra Boutique Hotel

Mixing old and new is standard practice in the sphere of boutique-hotel design. But the concept takes on new dimension at Alegra Boutique Hotel. This is a place that’s old — not just because it’s in Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, but because it’s located in Ein Kerem, one of the oldest sections of the metropolitan area. And the idea of a boutique hotel is a new one around here. Several hotels in Jerusalem call themselves boutiques, but Alegra Boutique Hotel is one of the first in Jerusalem with a legitimate claim.

The building itself, a romantic-looking villa with thick stone walls and arched windows, isn’t ancient. But it has the feeling of an old-fashioned retreat from the city. Indeed, it’s a short drive away from the busy center, located in Ein Kerem, a forested valley famous for its pilgrimage site — according to Christian tradition, it’s the place where Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, experienced an immaculate conception, and where a pregnant Mary drank from the village well. Those same waters, still considered sacred, feed the verdant orchards and that surround the hotel, the tall trees that shade its courtyards, the creeping vines that climb up the stone walls. It’s just as lovely inside. There are thirteen memorable guest rooms and suites; all feature gorgeous exposed stone walls, free-standing marble baths, and Eastern design elements. Four are in the standard Deluxe category, offering king-sized beds with Egyptian cotton linens, espresso machines, iPod docks hooked up to in-room stereo systems, and complimentary minibars. Five Studio Suites are spacious, with large work tables and separate living areas — some also have private terraces. The real show-stoppers at Allegra are a pair of lavish Signature Suites. The aesthetic here, with dramatic vaulted ceilings, and heavy on Oriental rugs and lived-in leather, is supposedly modeled after the look of a modern home in Jerusalem. (If that’s the case, we’d like to take a peek inside some of the private houses in the neighborhood.)

Alegra Boutique Hotel’s public spaces are a delight, grand in structure but thoughtfully illuminated and warmly decorated with original artwork and rich fabrics. There’s a small but charming outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of space to relax with a book or a cup of tea under the trees. An elaborate breakfast, traditionally Israeli and put together with products from Jerusalem’s markets, is served in the cozy ground-level restaurant. Stick around later for more of a cutting-edge local dining experience: the hotel’s chef, up-and-comer Amir Na’or, offers an intimate Chef’s Table-style dinner on reservation. Afterward, head up to the hotel’s terrace for a nightcap with views over Ein Kerem. Considering Alegra is a pioneer on this particular scene, it’s safe to say they’ve nailed it: this is what a boutique hotel should look like in Jerusalem.