A magical, mythical weekend at the Prima Royal Jerusalem
Personal touches, local charm, and a dash of decadence set the Royal apart as a must-stay, whether for a romantic weekend, family vacation, or a welcome retreat from your business trip.
By ARIANE MANDELLTHE PRIMA ROYAL JERUSALEM: Each floor is named after an Israeli cultural icon, with themed rooms and unique décor.(photo credit: MAX RADOFF)
Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, the Prima Royal boasts that it offers guests a unique experience, and they more than deliver on that promise. Personal touches, local charm, and a dash of decadence set the Royal apart as a must-stay, whether for a romantic weekend, family vacation, or a welcome retreat from your business trip.The property is home to 133 rooms that suit a range of preferences and price points. Each floor is named after an Israeli cultural icon, with themed rooms and unique décor. The Yehuda Amichai suite, like all of the junior suites, was spacious and modern, with soft inviting lighting that created a cozy atmosphere on a rainy Jerusalem weekend.The Royal is walking distance from a wide variety of dining options at the First Train Station, and the cute shops and cafes of Emek Refaim just beyond that. You can also stroll in the opposite direction to Ben Yehuda for the street performers or spend Shabbat exploring the winding alleys of the Old City. In any case, the large Jacuzzi tubs and complimentary tea and coffee available in each suite will warm you up when you return to the Royal.Of special interest are several themed weekends the Prima Royal hosts throughout the season. The folklore- themed weekend in January featured a special happy hour with seasonal treats, a Shabbat art walking tour, and a unique tour for Prima guests about the superstitions and legends of Jewish lore and Jerusalem. Did you know that there’s a special tower for international, multi-faith prayer that looks out over the shuk? Or what it means if you find chicken tracks around your bed in the morning? Or which buildings in Nachlaot are rumored to be haunted? The funny and energetic guide kept us entertained and on our toes with history and trivia and of course, humor.The Prima Royal also hosted a Valentine’s themed weekend, and it’s still possible to join the street-art weekend March 2 to 4, which will include a special walking tour, sangria on the roof, performance art demonstrations and more. It’s a great way to add unique flare to your getaway, and learn a thing or two!Of course, if a weekend-in is more your style, the Royal has it all. The kosher breakfast spread changed daily, and included a huge hot and cold buffet. Eggs, shakshuka, a dozen different cheeses, every kind of salad you can think of plus a few others, were all served fresh, along with a full coffee bar. On Friday, a very talented pianist serenaded the guests throughout the meal in the large, comfortable and cheery dining room, and on Saturday there were special jachnun options, delicious avocados you could eat right out of the shell with olive oil and pepper, and fresh honey straight off the comb, in addition to a range of favorites.The hotel also offers a full fitness center and spa, and guests can make free use of their exercise equipment or schedule a personal pampering treatment or massage for a fee up to two hours in advance, six days a week. Plus, every day of the week there’s something new to try – from their daily happy hours, to the reading area in their comfortable and cozy salon, or Friday morning yoga on the rooftop and then cocktails in the lounge to bring in Shabbat.Overall, the entire experience was flawless and seamless, thanks to the attentiveness of their expert staff. From personal assistance parking in their private, free underground garage, to advice on the area or late-night requests, everyone in the Prima Royal staff was kind and happy to help.Part of the larger Prima brand of properties, the Royal offers the consistency of a trusted hotel family but the unique charm of a themed boutique hotel. Whether you can take advantage of one of their special weekends or need a home base for a company trip, the Prima Royal is the perfect place to escape in the modern, ancient city of Jerusalem.