Hotels in Jerusalem

 
Beit Shmuel
6 Shamma St. 
94101 Jerusalem, Israel 
Tel: 972-2-620-3456/455 
Fax: 972-2-6203467
Web: http://www.beitshmuel.com/
 
Building connected to Hebrew Union College. Quiet and secure. Faces the Old City. Walking distance to the Old City. Building designed by Moshe Safdie – a famous Israeli architect. Close to the King David and the YMCA – where you can get meals on Shabbat. In the past they have given discounts to people from Sar-El – just show them you base pass. My favorite place to stay in Jerusalem. They have opened a new section - which is hotel class. The old section is a youth hostel style - but you can get a private room with a view of the Old City - and this is where I usually stay. But if you want a fancier accommodation - check out the new section as well.

As of Feb-2003 - typical rates are $39USD for a private room in the hostel with breakfast. $62USD for a single in the hotel part with breakfast. Sar-El volunteers get a 10% off if you show them your Sar-El Pass)
 
St. Andrews
David Remez Street
1-POB 8619,
Jerusalem 91086
Tel: 972-2-6732401 2-6737235
Fax: 972-2-6731711 
Web Site: http://www.scotsguesthouse.com/   
 
This is was a church built by the British after WW I – also next to the British consulate and the Jerusalem Train Station. Recently renovated. Modest and clean. Magnificent view of the Old City from the front of the building – not necessarily from the rooms. Down the street from the King David and the YMCA. 
 
If I can’t stay at Beit Shmuel (because it is full)– I stay here. They do tend to cater to Christians – but is non-denominational. Manned by Scottish personnel and local Arab Christians.
 
Three Arches Hotel - YMCA
P.O. Box 294, Jerusalem, Israel 91002
Tel: 972-2-5692692, Fax: 972-2-6235192
E-Mail: y3arches@netvision.net.il
Web: http://www.ymca3arch.co.il/
 
Magnificent and historic building – across the street from the King David. Their restaurants are open on Shabbat. Walking distance to the Old City. Central location. They renovated their rooms and their price has gone up. But should not be overlooked. You should try having a quiet breakfast here on Shabbat morning on a sunny day – what a way to start the day.
 

Hotels in Haifa

Port Inn Guest House
34 Jaffa Road, 33261 Haifa, Israel
Tel: ++972-4-852-4401, Fax: ++972-4-852-1003
Web: http://www.portinn.co.il/pigop.htm

Clean and conveniently located, Port Inn is the ideal base for exploring Haifa and northern Israel. Easy to get to, Port Inn offers family hospitality in the financial district near to Paris Square.

 Other Sources…

Other Peoples Recommendations -

Heritage House Youth Hostel - http://www.heritage.org.il/
The Heritage House is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, close to the Western Wall. With clean and modern accommodations, it's the ideal place for young Jewish men and women to stay while touring Israel. And it's FREE.

You can do a search on the Internet to find other accommodations.

If modest places - like youth hostels - is to your taste [it is not your age - but your sense of adventure] - then take a look at this site - the Israel Youth Hostel Association: http://www.iyha.org.il/eng/
 
The Maven site is a good place to start - http://www.maven.co.il/ - searching for things like “hotels Jerusalem”.
 
Don’t overlook the possibilities of Bed and Breakfast places – there are some very charming places. Kibbutz guest houses are also a possibility – but they tend to be away from city centers.
 
Another source would your madricha – based on experience and feedback from other volunteers – she can also make recommendations and help you book places for the weekends.
 
You can also ask your fellow volunteers who have been to Israel before.
 
Have a safe trip and a great adventure.
 
Josef Herz
VFI-PacificNW