American Colony Hotel (Jerusalem)

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www.americancolony.com/
Phone: +972 2-627-9777
Today a world-class "boutique" hotel, the American Colony properties were sold by the prominent Husseini family, beginning in 1896, to the Christian community known as The American Colony. The Colony was founded by Horatio & Anna Spafford of Chicago who came to Jerusalem with a group of followers in 1881 and established themselves in the Old City. Then in 1896, augmented by many Swedes and others, from both America and Sweden, the group expanded to this property, whose centerpiece they called the "Big House". Over several decades, the American Colony became a colorful and sometimes controversial fixture of Jerusalem life. In addition to a variety of charitable ministries, the Colony operated cottage industries, an important photographic studio, and a tourist-oriented retail store located just inside Jaffa Gate right up until 1948.

On this property north of the Old City, the American Colony started operating a seasonal tourist hostel ca. 1900. By mid-century it had been upgraded to a proper hotel still run by descendants of the Colony founders. Over time the hotel gained a reputation among celebrities, journalists and diplomats as a sort of neutral haven, due both to its American roots and a location on the "seam line" between East and West Jerusalem. Today the hotel is managed by a Swiss firm but still family-controlled through a board of directors.

History:
www.loc.gov/collection/american-colony-in-jerusalem/art...
www.loc.gov/exhibits/americancolony/amcolony-overview.h...
israelpalestineguide.wordpress.com/my-articles/jerusale...