New Gate Hostel

The room was cozy, the breakfast was great, and the price worked perfectly for my budget. The location is hard to beat, right across from the Old City and five minutes from the tram. As a woman traveling alone, I also appreciated that every room has its own entry code, which you receive after check-in. I really enjoyed staying here!

Valentina, the manager, was kind and responsive, and deserves five stars for her service. The hostel itself was a big disappointment, though. It’s below street level in a building on the grounds of a large, fancy hotel that seems to host lots of tour groups. The shared dorms are cramped and windowless, and seem suitable only for a group of children traveling together. My private room was noisy from the busy street late into the night, with a window facing a wall. Another wall was glass, so lots of light came in from the corridor. The common spaces were unappealing, and there are several flights of stairs with no lift. Breakfast was mediocre. Each person gets a set plate, with no choice over what’s served, and uneaten food gets wasted. The Old City is conveniently close, but you miss out on the charm of staying within the walls. There are better pilgrims’ hostels nearby, some cheaper and much better value. I wouldn’t recommend this hostel for an independent traveler.

The location is unbeatable for a group, right beside the new gate entrance in the christian quarters and only a few minutes from the Holy Sepulchre. Service and staff were incredible. I considered uploading photos, but the ones already on this page look like the place, so there’s no need.

The building’s beautiful Jerusalem stone architecture gives the hostel a lot of character. The rooms were great, the service was wonderful, and everyone was friendly. The location is just as good, between the old city walls on one side and the center of new Jerusalem on the other. A great experience.