Arriving at Ben Gurion airport just outside Tel Aviv in Israel, it has been around eleven o'clock at night. And we have always been awaited by our Nazareth Bus Company coach for the weary but exciting drive up to Jerusalem.
We are weary because it will have been a long journey from the north of Scotland to Jerusalem, via Heathrow airport, London, and that is why we so need to be assured of a most warm welcome at the Golden Walls Hotel.
On my first few visits it was then The Pilgrim's Palace but following massive renovations and modernisation it changed its name, and a most appropriate name too, because opposite the lounge are the floodlit walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Check in and allocation of rooms even at midnight has always been smooth and fast.
Why do I choose this hotel? I have been in two others and one has been good and one not quite so good.
The Golden Walls Hotel is right in the heart of Jerusalem, and gives us easy access to all the places where most of our party would want to visit during what might be called free time, and we always have a free day in Jerusalem during our Holy Land Tour, for people to do what they want, and if they do not want to go out on their own, I am willing to take them to some place exciting or significant, or perhaps a special site they have always wanted to visit.
The Golden Walls is situated on a beautiful new Boulevard with most attractive trees having been recently planted.
The rooms are comfortable and they serve fine food with ample helpings, and the staff are always so willing to help all of the guests with any needs they may have.
During the day we are usually out with our coach and guide, although I have my own guiding certificate, and after our evening meal I always like to take those who wish to go out, for a walk to various interesting venues.
We may go around the floodlit walls, or up to the famous King David Hotel for coffee.
The price of coffee there is more or less the same as in any other hotel.
Our group of pilgrims has invariably expressed appreciation for the one evening we walk to Ben Yehuda Street for ice cream and to watch the world go by.
But if we return by around nine o'clock I invite those who wish to join me to walk down to the Western Wall for prayer. It is around twenty minutes to the Western Wall and we can easily be back by half past ten after a most relaxing and spiritually fruitful visit.
The streets of the Old City are quiet and well lit and the lighting at the Western Wall right in the heart of Jerusalem is brilliant.
Having written this piece I feel I would so like to go back yet again. Would you wish to join me?
Visiting Israel, and visiting Jerusalem, and being able to return has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of my life. Around every corner there is something new and relevant and you do not have to travel long distances to see a lot, and it is reassuring to know that there is a good hotel awaiting your return.
After a week in Jerusalem, we would drive north to spend some relaxing days by the Sea of Galilee, and tour the scenic Jordan area.
If you have any questions do write me at Nairn, Scotland, or at Studylight below, and click on 'Contact the Author'. I do not have my own web site.
Have I given you a desire to visit Jerusalem and walk these ancient historical streets while being based in a safe, central, more than adequate hotel?
Jerusalem - Perfect Place To Visit