David Citadel Jerusalem

Poor Service in Jerusalem

I led a small group of pilgrims in September to Israel and this is the hotel where we stayed while in Jerusalem at the recommendation of our travel agent. While the hotel itself was lovely/updated and in a good location, the service was some of the worst I have experienced in my world travels to over 50 countries. Our room type was wrong upon check-in (we had reserved a club floor room junior suite). They made little effort to try to accomodate us for our room type/club floor and when we finally found a satisfactory room in terms of size(not on the club floor), they charged us another $50.00. The travel agent had to refund us $300 upon our returnm (forced the hotel to do this) since they did not deliver to us what was reserved. The room refrigerator was not stocked each day with soft drinks and when I called to ask why the frig hadn't been replaced with new drinks the second day, it was suggested that it was my fault because the 'Do No Disturb' sign could have been on - this was not the case and the maids had no problem servicing the room. It seemed with every incident of poor quality service, the staff was more concerned about making excuses than remeding the situation for guests. I called the manager on call and expressed my concerns in service. He asked what I would like done to remedy the situation such as a free bottle of wine - while, a nice gesture, I told him all I wanted was good service and no excuses for bad service. For travelers accustom to Five Star accomodation/service, this is not the place in Jerusalem. To make things worst, my father ended up with Salmonella food poisoning from eating the breakfast eggs in the restaurant on the day before his departure and was hospitalized for 3 weeks back in the US (and ended up septic - blood infection from the salmonella). As a doctor myself, it was quite evident where the source of the infection was found based upon time of onset of symptoms and exposure. If you go to Jerusalem and want luxury, stay at the American Colony Hotel - my favorite in the city and I wish we had stayed there this time.

A fabulous hotel

Have just returned from a week in the David Citadel. One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in anywhere in the world. The room was huge, modern, more like a small apartment (alcove de luxe), with a view of the old city. The lounge lobby is great for people watching and serves excellent light meals too, served by friendly staff. The milk shakes are said to be the best in Jerusalem. Breakfast was superb with endless choices and regular coffee refills. The rooms are done twice a day with a turn down service in the evening when towels are all replaced if necessary, which really makes a difference if people (kids)! have showered during the day and left wet towels around. Requests for more pillows etc were addressed within minutes each time, housekeeping superb in all respects. Never had to wait for an elevator at all, despite being on 8th floor. Constant supply of taxis too and never waited here either. This hotel really delivers on all fronts, could not fault it in any respect. It is a luxury hotel in every way and worth every penny - we feel really pampered after a week there. Roll on the next visit!

Excellent Hotel

My family and I stayed 5 nights at the David Citadel and we all loved it. Our party included 2 senior citizens, a teenager, and 2 children (ages 12 and 9). The rooms were spacious and lovely, with generous closet space. The breakfasts were delicious and offered extensive choices. We also enjoyed a few light meals/snacks in the Lounge (from which is offered a beautiful view of the Old City). The hotel is well located with respect to both the Old City and many restaurants and shops (within walking distance). We found the service to be excellent.

Jerusalem is such an amazing city. Staying at the David Citadel really rounded out the whole experience.

Will never forget the Citadel

The David Citadel hotel will undoubtedly be one of those places that will forever remain in my heart. In mid- July while in Israel for the Macabbi games, we had the priviledge of a week stay. The room was very spacious with a small balcony that overlooked the old city...During our stay, secretary of state- Condoleeza Rice arrived for a surprise visit, and, as a result, the hotel manager informed me that our room was needed for her staff. We were moved up to the 10th floor, huge room (no balcony) with access to the club lounge, which was great. This was very convenient, especially during the late afternoon, when the kitchen staff brought out a delicious buffet. The Shabbat dinner we had during our first night, was one of those nights I will never, ever forget. It was truly meaningful and the buffet was excellent. I found the front desk and concierge staff quite helpful, although the front desk lacked slightly with an issue, it got resolved. My daughter and I even ate at the sushi bar and enjoyed it. I loved sitting in the garden terrace in the late afternoon, it was so pleasant, breezy and peaceful. The hotel by no means has a dramatic lobby, however, once you step foot up one flight to the gorgeous indoor and outdoor terrace, you are transported into another world! I have also stayed at the King David, but if you want something different, THIS IS THE PLACE!!

Great Facilities...Poor Service

My family and I stayed at the David Citadel twice in July. The hotel rooms and facilities are lovely and spacious. Unfortunately many members of the staff fail in their responsibilities to the guests both in attitude and execution of guest requests. While hotel management tried to resolve many of the issues, the attempts were less than satisfactory. I would much prefer to stay at the King David down the street in slightly dated rooms but with better service.

Classy Hotel

We stayed in this hotel for 5 nights in early July, 2005. The hotel itself is beautiful and very modern with a great breakfast (included) and a wonderful Shabbat dinner (extra). The food staff was excellent and the maid service was awesome, basically they cleaned the room twice a day bringing new towels in the evening with the turn down service. The chocolates left on the bed were very good too! The only negatives were the front desk and concierge staff who were pretty useless. They were not particularly friendly and could not answer any question. There was some street noise at night, but not too much, probably depending on where your room is located. All in all it is a beautiful hotel with a nice pool and we would stay here again.

Loved David's Citadel

Stayed at David's Citadel for the second time July 1 - July 11, 2005. It was nice to see the hotel and Jerusalem so busy because when we were last there in December 2004 the hotel was slow. This hotel is in a perfect location. The rooms are nice, very clean with Ahava toiletries in nice size bathrooms - try to request an Old City view or a room with a terrace. The pool was great and has a wonderful view of the Old City. The Israeli breakfast was fabulous - you couldn't ask for more selections. We also had Shabbat dinner in the hotel twice and the buffet was first rate. The concierge was also very helpful as is the staff. The hotel has high line shops (ie H Stern Jewelers and a beautiful Judaica Shop/Gallery). We have previously stayed at the Jerusalem Sheraton and the Inbal and although those are nice hotels - they don't compare to David's Citadel.

Excellent experience :)

I just returned Jan 13 2005. The David Citadel is an excellent hotel. The room was well furnished, large & comfortable. The marble bathroom had a shower separate from the bathtub. Breakfast food was excellent and the restaurants were very good.

Service was prompt, thorough and provided very graciously. I had an excellent experience and I will certainly stay there again.

Truly a citadel

Spent a week in Jerusalem on a mission...one of the finest hotels i've stayed at. Service is excellent, rooms sparkle, and one can easily walk to the Old City to pray. Provided top security, truely making this a citadel!

Highly recommended.

Great location and rooms!

You cannot beat the location of the DC---the nearest to the Old City, and great views from its nice pool and most rooms. The hotel is new, and the rooms are very modern and well kept.