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Accommodation
From small, simple guest-houses to deluxe hotels, Israel offers a wide choice and high standards of accommodation. For a holiday with a difference, unique to Israel, there are kibbutz country inns in all parts of the country where one can find relaxed informality in delightful rural surroundings. Kibbutz Fly-Drive holidays are very popular and so are discovery tours by air-conditioned coach, staying at different hotels and kibbutzim to see the whole country.
HOTELS: There are approximately 300 hotels listed for visitors by the Ministry of Tourism. Prices vary according to season and region. It is best to book months in advance for Israel’s high season (usually July-August, though this varies according to the region) and for religious holiday seasons. 315 hotels are members of the Israel Hotel Association, PO Box 50066, 29 Ha’mered Street, Tel Aviv (tel: (3) 517 0131; fax: (3) 510 0197; e-mail: infotel@israelhotels.org.il; website: www.israelhotels.org.il).
HOLIDAY/RECREATION VILLAGES: Located on the Mediterranean or the Red Sea Gulf, these villages provide accommodation usually in the form of small two-bed cabins and bungalows. The standard fittings often include full air-conditioning and facilities. Most are only open between April and October and the emphasis is on casual living.
SELF-CATERING: Apartments and individual rooms are available on a rental basis throughout the country.
KIBBUTZ GUEST-HOUSES: All are clean and comfortable with modern dining rooms. Most have swimming pools (though it is wise to check that this facility is open to visitors) and provide a valuable insight into the style and aims of kibbutz life. Approximately 130 out of the 280 kibbutzim have guest-houses and each is located in a rural or scenic part of the country and is usually open all year. Further information is available from the Israel Government Tourist Office.
CHRISTIAN HOSPICES: Throughout the country some 30 Christian hospices (operated by a variety of denominations) provide rooms and board at low rates. Although preference is given to pilgrimage groups, most will accommodate general tourists. They vary greatly in size and standards but all offer tourists basic accommodation in situations where hotels are full. Details are available from the Israel Government Tourist Office.
CAMPING/CARAVANNING: The fine climate means Israel is a good country for camping, with campsites providing a touring base for each region. They offer full sanitary facilities, electric current, a restaurant and/or store, telephone, postal services, first-aid facilities, shaded picnic and campfire areas and day and night watchmen. They can be reached by bus, but all are open to cars and caravans. Most have tents and cabins, as well as a wide range of equipment for hire. All sites have swimming facilities either on-site or within easy reach. Hitchhiking is not recommended.
YOUTH HOSTELS: Hostels in Israel can be dormitory, family bungalows, guest house standard rooms, huts or modern cubicles and they are scattered all over the country in both urban and rural areas. For further details, write to the IYHA, PO Box 6001, 1 Sazar Street, Jerusalem 91060 (tel: (2) 655 8400; fax: (2) 655 8401; e-mail: iyha@iyha.org.il; website: www.youth-hostels.org.il). Information is also available from the Israel Government Tourist Office.
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