Villa Brown Jerusalem, the fourth property in Israel to join the Brown Hotels portfolio, has opened. Located a short distance from Jerusalem’s Old City, the boutique hotel offers 24 rooms across classic (15-18m²), deluxe and deluxe terrace (22m²), and terrace (35m²) categories. Two connectable attic rooms are available on the top floor, in addition to a suite with a Jacuzzi.

“The hotel is built within a renovated 19th century building once owned by a Jewish doctor from Rothschild Hospital, who would host parties for Jerusalem’s elite,” explains General Manager Ruth Kaplan. “Much of the exposed stone within the hotel dates back more than 100 years and captures the essence of the city.” Two new floors were added to the property, and an additional floor is to be built in the future, bringing the room total to 40.

The garden bistro café at the hotel’s entrance, which features an outdoor fireplace and taboon for baking bread, serves an à la carte breakfast, brunch, a five o’clock tea session and dinner. The ground floor also houses a library, lobby lounge and a fully-equipped meeting room for up to 12 people. “The design is very much reflective of the brand, with eclectic vintage furnishings scattered across the premises, a striking ceiling to floor chandelier and a stylish color scheme incorporating reds, emeralds and mauves,” says Kaplan. “It’s a modern take on British Mandate Jerusalem.”

The hotel’s underground “Cave Bar” serves cocktails and a selection of wines and beers. “We discovered a cistern below ground and unearthed a beautiful intimate space in which we could place a bar,” outlines Kaplan. “It was worth the weeks of digging to find this treasure, which we believe will become a popular spot for a drink in Jerusalem.”