YMCA Three Arches Hotel

This is a jewel of a hotel. The room was spotless and comfortable. We had a junior suite. There was coffee and tea in the room. It is a 5 minute walk from the centre. Great sports facility including pool, Jacuzzi, gym and sauna attached. We loved the historical decor of the lobby area. Free parking. We did not try the breakfast or meals so cannot comment on those.

The one thing that bothered me and it bothered me a lot, was that the hotel insisted on keeping a photocopy of my ID card, even after I left the hotel. In these days of Internet fraud, I do not like leaving my personal information everywhere. I protested about this but they told me that it was a legal requirement. I have stayed at other hotels in Israel and have never heard of this legal requirement. If such a requirement does exist then the management should feel free to point out the source of the requirement in their response to this review.

Though stayed only 1 night, the staff treated me like a relative, very friendly. The bell tower offered a wonderful night time view of Jerusalem, while Sunday morning, the bells played familiar tunes. Room was clean and bed was firm. Slept well. The morning breakfst was fantastic, exceeding in quality many breakfast buffets on cruises. As for location, 15 min walk faces JAFFA entrance to old section. If want exercise room, this hotel has actual full featured YMCA attached. Great facility with large pool.

Restaurant really limited to breakfast only. Dinner has only one option, a quiche. Fortunately, short walk is nice mall with many fine restaurants. Exit otherside of mall in front of Jaffa gate.

We loved staying in this historic Hotel. Its beautiful, and in a great location. Breakfast (which we paid for separately) was exceptional. The staff were welcoming and helpful and parking is free. The panoramic 360 view of Jerusalem from the tower is incredible - not to be missed! Would definitely stay again.

The parking attendant (not connected to the hotel) was very aggressive and intimidating when we tried to leave without realizing we needed a sticker on our ticket from the YMCA. We don't speak Hebrew, and this made me feel quite anxious. Maybe these instructions could be clearer when checking in.

Excellent location. Wonderful staff. Unique history and architecture. Very comfortable bed.

Air-conditioning unit was constantly heating the room even when the icon on the display unit suggested it was producing cold air. Even switching it off was not straight forward. The very polite staff could not help (suggested we'd switch off the room's main circuit breaker). There are two TV units in the room we had, but in both of them one popular station was mute and another one was still (no sound or motion). The shower can not be used without a lot of water running onto the bathroom floor.

This is our 5th tour of the Holy Land, this time with a small group of Australian Senior Pastors. They especially appreciated the close location of the hotel to the Jaffa Gate and the Old City, and so too the short walk to Ben Yehuda Street for the abundant choices for their evening meal. The historic building is just gorgeous, and while the rooms are a little tired, they were very clean and tidy. The outside courtyard at the front of the hotel for breakfast, and a relaxed evening drink was a big, big plus. It would be nice if the limited evening menu were extended a little to cater for those weary travelers who don't want to leave the hotel. The large choice at the breakfast buffet was outstanding, and caters for all tastes and dietary needs. All the staff that we had contact with were very helpful and courteous. All in all our 4 night stay at the YMCA 3 Arches Hotel was wonderful. Recommended!!!

The location is convenient for it is close to bus stops. It is handy to catch buses to go to places like Mahane Yehuda Market, the Israel Museum and surrounds. It is located within walking distance from major places of interest. For example, the Tower of David, the Old City, etc. We were given the opportunity to use the sauna and spa in the sport centre adjacent to the hotel. It was refreshing after we finished sight-seeing on the day during the summer months. We went up to the tower of the hotel where we could enjoy the far view of the old city, and the sunset.

Despite the facilities such as the air-conditioning in our room need maintenance work to improve the temperature control, it is generally a satisfactory accommodation. The discharge of water in the shower in the bath-tub was a little bit slow. It needs routine maintenance to ensure no blockage under regular use.

Excellent location in the center of the city. The staff is very helpful. The building itself is beautiful, the room was very clean and nicely decorated. It was very quiet, probably since the hotel is less suitable for families with children.

1. The breakfast was very scarce. We booked the hotel hoping that since it is not kosher, we will have sausages and more meat for breakfast. There was nothing like that, and actually it was significatly worse than average Israeli breakfast - no tuna salad, no pancakes. 2. The matrasses were very uncomfortable. 3. There is only one elevator which is extremely slow, and it takes a long time until you finally get in.

You drive up and say "wow". I loved this place. Such a beautiful building! The perfect area (across the street from the King David). 10 minute walk to the Jaffa Gate down Mamilla street. Staff were so friendly and helpful. We had a triple room for the 2 of us (which was just the right size). This is not a fancy 5-star hotel, but it is so awesome. We went up in the bell tower for sunset, and swam at the Olympic sized pool. The outdoor eating area was just beautiful. Maybe my favorite hotel of a 4 week trip through the middle east.

Oh... the elevator is pretty tiny. We took the stairs most of the time.

Beautiful historic building, friendly staff that speak English well, comfortable beds, good location, thin walls but the other guests were very quiet. The view from the tower is amazing! It’s free to visit but at least two people have to go, so if you’re solo traveler you have to find a friend.

There were some small details concerning housekeeping, we asked the front desk to not have a rooms cleaned but they were anyway (there was no door hanging sign available), the fridge was humming very loudly, there were no chairs in the room, no hangers, the breakfast was not great, the closest place to buy water and snacks was a gas station down the street (not far but too bad you couldn’t buy it from yhe front desk or restaurant). The only way to get to your room is a very tiny elevator that’s almost always busy it would be nice if they have access to the staircase if there was we didn’t find it.

- the building where the YMCA is located is very impressive - a great view on arrival in the hotel - you can use the swimming pool and fitness next door - the breakfast buffet is quite extensive, lots of choices - the personnel was quite helpful in suggesting day trips - you can go up in the bell tower to have a great view of Jerusalem

- this is one of those hotels where checkin is strictly after 15.00. I never really get it why large hotels need to be rigid in these matters. - the room was rather small and the shower did not give a lot of water - the lift (1) is very small - 4 persons need to get very close to be able to go up - the location is such that any attraction is at least a 10 mins walk, the old city is about 15 mins by foot