The Pictures Are Up, The Reviews Are Up

...And it looks unbelievable! Yes, it's just-opened Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem. No biggie. We've only been waiting for this for the past, uh four years! We absolutely love the indoor-outdoor feel of the lobby with the airy courtyard in the center flooded with natural light and adorned with potted plants and outdoor furniture. The public areas certainly surpass those at the King David, which are beginning to show their age. The Waldorf's interiors are bright and elegant, with a neutral palette and subtle hints of color. The entrance lobby is resplendent with the signature Waldorf Astoria clock and surrounded by a grand staircase. Our favorite part? The lavishly furnished public spaces also emphasize the magnificent architecture of the original Palace Hotel, even with so many modifications. So far, our main dislike is the design of the guestrooms which are in one word- brown. The curtains are brown, the carpet is brown, the sham is brown, the headboard is brown, the couch is brown, the leather bench is brown. Breaking up the brown are some dark wood furnishings and beige walls. A little color or even some crisp white would have gone a long way here, Waldorf. Oh well. It won't deter us from staying here (if someone wants to foot the bill, let us know...) Reviews are super-positive. Except for one reviewer who came to the hotel before it was opened and thus had a bad expereince, all the other reviewers seem to agree. They praise the service, "I was shocked how well the staff functioned since they just opened" and "The hotel had just opened for their soft launch when we stayed, it is fair to say that the standard of service is already top notch!" The high standards of the hotel's design also regale reviewers, who note, "This hotel brings a level of hotel that Jerusalem has not seen till now" and "It is a beautiful property with an extremely elegant Waldorf feel." (What that "Waldorf" feel might be is a separate issue...)Another reviewer lauded the "Breathtaking architecture, renovation." We found rates starting at $565 for next week, compared to $530 at the King David and a whopping $560 at the David Citadel. At those prices, we'd say the Waldorf is a no-brainer. Now, have we ever discussed how overpriced Jerusalem hotels are?