Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem returns Israel to global luxury rankings

Six Israeli hotels appear on a prestigious 2026 list after a two-year absence from international hospitality standings.

The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, 2026. Photo by Amit Geron.

The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem has been included in the 2026 recommendations of Forbes Travel Guide, marking Israel’s return to a major international luxury hospitality ranking after a two-year absence.

The guide, whose rankings are determined by anonymous inspectors evaluating hundreds of service and facility criteria, also listed five other Israeli hotels: Two others in Jerusalem, The David Citadel Hotel and Mamilla Hotel; two in Tel Aviv, The Norman and The Setai, and The Ritz‑Carlton Herzliya.

Avner On, CEO of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, said the recognition signals recovery in Israel’s tourism and hospitality sector.

“We are proud to continue to lead the international hospitality experience in Israel,” he said, expressing hope that the industry will continue strengthening. “The return to this prestigious list places Israel back on the tourism map.”

Built on the site of Jerusalem’s historic Palace Hotel at a reported cost of about $150 million, the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem includes 226 rooms, 29 suites, a ballroom, conference facilities, restaurants, spa and fitness center.

The hotel has previously received multiple honors, including being named Israel’s top hotel in 2022, 2024 and 2025 by the World Travel Awards and ranking among the top five hotels in Africa and the Middle East in 2023.

The Second JNS International Policy Summit is scheduled to take place at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem on April 15-17.

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) is the fastest-growing news agency covering Israel and the Jewish world. We provide news briefs features opinions and analysis to 100 print newspapers and digital publications on a daily basis.
“The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat. Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin,” the military said.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi says “maximum military restraint should be observed, in particular in the vicinity of nuclear facilities.”
The initiation of the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran has precipitated a fundamental refocusing of regional priorities. This unprecedented military undertaking has forcefully shifted the geopolitical center of gravity toward the Persian Gulf, rapidly relegating the Gaza Strip to a secondary theater of operations.
“There could have been kids at this kindergarten,” said Rishon Letzion Mayor Raz Kinstlich.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.”
“We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts,” added the Israeli premier.