Jaffa Gate Hostel

Every now and then a hostel earns its place on a shortlist by simply doing the basics very well, Jaffa Gate Hostel, in Jerusalem Old City, is one of those. The strong location score reflects what guests actually feel on arrival, within an easy walk of the city centre, with the kind of rhythm a city traveller tends to…

Every now and then a hostel earns its place on a shortlist by simply doing the basics very well, Jaffa Gate Hostel, in Jerusalem Old City, is one of those. The strong location score reflects what guests actually feel on arrival, within an easy walk of the city centre, with the kind of rhythm a city traveller tends to want. Rooms feel modest; the touches travellers mention most are reliable wi-fi, and the comfort feedback has been uneven. There's a particular atmosphere to the place, neither overdesigned nor neglected. With around 170 reviews on the books and a genuinely glowing average, the reception from guests does most of the talking here. Reputation has held up across enough stays to mean something. Recent rates have been hovering around €85 a night, which lands as a strong-value option for the city. All told, Jaffa Gate Hostel reads as one of those Jerusalem addresses worth lining up against the obvious choices before booking.