Having stayed at the Palatin a couple of years ago with our children, my wife and I decided to book again for our recent trip. Amazingly, as soon as we walked in, the man at the desk remembered that we were there before, and upgraded us to one of the newer, renovated rooms. They are markedly different than the older rooms, as they are brighter, with new marble floors, flat screen TVs and updated bathrooms. The air conditioning worked well. It was a pleasant upgrade. Although the room was small, it was comfortable and clean, and we didn't need it for more than sleeping and showering, as no one spends much time in the hotel in Jerusalem. As I've written before, the best thing about the hotel is the location, right off the pedestrian shopping mall of Ben Yehuda street, a couple of blocks from the Machane Yehuda market, and about a 15-20 minute walk to the Old City. The service also is very attentive. The staff helped us find out bus schedules for our other travels and other information we needed to know, and stored our stuff for us after we checked out. They are a friendly bunch. As for other posters who complain about the price, I suggest they try to find anything in Jerusalem other than a hostel that is any cheaper, and you can't find anything with as good a location. Overall, another very pleasant stay at the Palatin. I understand they will be underrtaking additional renovations. I would stay there again.

While the rooms are small by American standards, our room was well equiped including a flat screen TV, AC and phone. The breakfast was very good with eggs, salads, a variety of cheeses, and coffe/tea (which is available 24/7). The staff is very helpful, carrying our bags to our room, and letting us store our bags at the Palatin when we took a side trip for two days. The location was excellent with easy access to the local outdoor market, to a section of outdoor cafes, to the old City and to the Central Bus Station. We would go back if we were to go to Jerusalem again.

The Palatin Hotel in Jerusalem is located in walking distance from a great pedestrian mall. However, we were given one of the unrenovated rooms- and perhaps charged less than folks pay for the new rooms- but it is way overpriced for the size of the room and the decor. Our Lonely Planet guide said the art work in the hallways brightened it up- and to make sure we got a new room. Well we didn't get a renovated room, and the art work did not make up for shabby, small room, a small fan, internet only in the small lobby or breakfast room. No elevator. Staff were tolerant of guests, and if pushed, helpful. Not a good value. It was clean but so shabby and worn its hard to tell that its clean. It appeared to us that other floors had been renovated, and they may have charged the higher prices for the upgrades- we can't judge whether occupants of these rooms felt they got a good value. We did not. Also, we had a rental car- for which we had to find a paid parking lot which was not secured, expensive and resulted in minor damage to our car. No parking is available.

The Palatin Hotel has three type of rooms and we were in a budget room. We have travelled widely and have no problem with small bedrooms and/or tiny bathrooms but have to draw the line at filth and leaking toilets. Because of the leaking toilet we were shifted to another room which had similar problems to the first room. The statement "you get what you pay for" is true enough but these rooms were not that cheap and unfortunately they were very dirty. All the rooms in this hotel should be cleaned to the same standard. On a positive note the staff were reasonably pleasant and the hotel is in a good location.

Admittedly, the hotel has a few disadvantages. * The rooms are small, and so are the bathrooms. But everything is clean and reasonably complete. * Complementary breakfast is a bit limited in choice. * You have to walk about 100 meters to get to hotel and climb some stairs to get to reception desk (no elevator) But if you are not staying in this city to sit in your room all day, this hotel certainly has a few positive sides: 1. Service. The people at the front desk go out of their way to help you with ideas where to go and what to see. They take time (that is the advantage of such a small place) and they give personal attention to your questions and requests. 2. Price/value: This hotel is very reasonably priced, compared to the bigger hotels. What is particular helpful is free wi-fi. 3. Location: just a short walk from Jaffa Road, in an area with plenty of restaurants and places to enjoy a nice drink. From there it is about 10 minutes walk to the Old City. Over all: unless you are going to Jerusalem to spend a lot of time in your hotel room, or unless you really need 4 star amenities, this hotel is quite OK as a pleasant price to stay, with good value for the price and in a great location.