It was late, almost midnight, when we arrived at Kfar Baram Street located in a tiny alleyway in Nachalot, a general nickname for 32 densely populated neighbourhoods. We were tired the way it is after a flight and what a relief it was to be greeted by Mimi Biazi, the effervescent owner of this six-bedroom boutique hotel. Drinks were offered while her husband Yoel processed our check-in.
Art made from Agurot
The hotel has a curious provenance. In a nutshell, when her grandparents bought it, the house was originally built of wood and covered with tin to guard against the winds and rain. They raised chickens and goats.
The next generation – Mimi’s parents – turned into a grocery store introducing the first tap into the area and then a bakery. The house also served as a hiding place for weapons at the same time during the establishment of the State of Israel.
Mimi, the third generation, has spent seven years building and curating her hotel as a sort of memorial to her parents. There is an amazing picture of her dad Eliyahu, on the wall made up of Agurot, the small low-value coins that used to be legal tender in Israel. She explained that her dad’s philosophy was that if you want to achieve financial growth, keep an eye on the small change.
Who for
This is a small hotel with a huge welcome. And it is close to everything worth seeing in the area. It makes for a fabulous base for anyone looking for intimacy in their lodgings in West Jerusalem and couples would love it. There are family rooms too.
Accommodation
Biazi bedroom
Rooms are named after cakes as a nod of recognition to the hotel’s former life as a bakery. All rooms come with a TV, minibar and Nespresso machine, kitchenette, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower with pleasant toiletries.
My room was called Honey Cake, a dulux room and came with a balcony where I sat and sipped my espresso while enjoying views over Gan Saccer.
Food & Drink
Dining area
Living area
There is an informal dining area sitting room where the check-in is processed. Guests use the space to relax over a cuppa. They serve continental breakfast and there is coffee on tap throughout the day. As there is no restaurant on site, they can provide a list of their favourite nearby restaurants to try out for lunch and dinner.
Facilities
The roof top terrace
Biazi has really good free WiFi throughout the property and a fabulous roof-top terrace. There is a massage room too, which needs to be pre-booked.
How much does it cost to stay at Biazi?
A deluxe room starts at £196.00 for two people
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What’s nearby?
The Biazi hotel is only 1-minute walk from Bezalel high street and the hipster market Mahane Yehuda. The Knesset (parliament), Sacher Park, Monastery of the Cross, Jerusalem Bird Observatory, Wohl Rose Garden, Supreme Court of Israel as well as he “Jaffa” Old City Gate are only 10 minute’s walk away.
VERDICT:
Biazi hotel is a delightful guesthouse, very comfortable, with an easy ambience with a location ideal as a base to visit Jerusalem’s attractions.