Before becoming the chief concierge for The Inbal Jerusalem earlier this year, Ariel Jerozolimski spent 20 years as the chief photographer for “The Jerusalem Post,” one of two leading English daily newspapers in Israel. His deep wealth of knowledge makes him a valuable resource for travelers staying at the newly renovated property in the Holy City.
What led you to a career in the hospitality industry?
For more than 20 years, I had the unique experience of covering Israel as a photographer for one of its leading papers. The stress from covering terror attacks, demonstrations and wars began to make me miss the Israel that visitors experience — and one that every Israeli feels optimistic about.
I decided to shift my focus toward showcasing the incredible sites, tours and activities that the country has to offer. First, I became a licensed tour guide and, eventually, I began helping tourists plan their own excursions as a concierge in some of the country’s leading luxury hotels.
What would you tell travel agents who are worried about sending clients to Jerusalem due to the political climate in the Middle East?
This question does come up from time to time, but I always remind them that what they see in the media is not what happens daily in Jerusalem. Most days, Jerusalem is just like any other city — friends can be seen lunching at eateries, and parents can be seen walking their kids to and from school. It is one of the safest cities in the world.
Ariel Jerozolimski, chief concierge for The Inbal, was a former photojournalist.
Credit: 2018 The Inbal Jerusalem
Tell us some things that are unique about the hotel’s surroundings.
The Inbal is positioned overlooking Jerusalem’s Liberty Bell Park and the Old City walls. It’s within walking distance of both the modern and historical cultural hot spots, as well as the holy sites for the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Within a couple of blocks, visitors can find boutique shops, restaurants and local attractions. Only steps away from our hotel is the Yemin Moshe neighborhood, which is unique for both its architecture and its rich history.
The Inbal recently underwent a refurbishment. What did that entail?
Over the past few years, The Inbal has gone through an exciting renovation process, including a remodel of many of our public areas, as well as the addition of two new floors with 50 luxurious rooms and suites. These rooms are larger than most rooms in the hotel and offer modern decor for guests.
What do you believe sets the hotel apart from other luxury properties in the city?
We pride ourselves on making our guests feel at home and on creating life-changing Jerusalem journeys while offering impeccable world-class service. We think of every detail — large or small — for each guest’s stay, and our concierge team is the key to unlocking the secret gems of Jerusalem.
What are some on-site features that guests shouldn’t miss?
No matter the season, our state-of-the-art spa offers treatments that are guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. The hotel also boasts a semi-Olympic-size pool, which is available year-round. Our restaurants offer gourmet dining options that blend the most modern techniques with flavors that are endemic to Jerusalem.
The Details
The Inbal Jerusalem
www.inbalhotel.com
