Alternative Accommodations : Isreal

Alternative Accommodations If you plan to sleep in Nazareth or Jerusalem, the two major Christian sites in Israel, consider staying in one of the many Christian hospices. There are also hospices on Mount Tabor, in Tiberias, and in Jaffa. Most hospices arc old monasteries or Franciscan settlements. They are officially designed to provide reasonably priced room and board for Christians on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, but all the hospices listed in this book welcome both tourists and pilgrims.

The 40 hospices in Israel are run by organizations representing various Christian denominations and a host of nations. Bed and breakfast costs US$ 12-16 per person at most places. Though austere, the hospices are conveniently located in important religious centers and are usually quiet, clean, and comfortable; most also serve cheap, filling meals. But the number of rooms is limited, and they can be difficult to obtain in the tourist season. For a list of hospices write to the Ministry of Tourism. Pilgrimage Promotion Division, P.O. Box 1018, Jerusalem 91009 (tel. (02) 24 79 62 or 23 73 11, fax 25 34 07).

In some cities (such as Tzfat and Eilat), the cheapest alternative to camping or a youth hostel is a private home. The Government Tourist Office and some private travel agencies can arrange accommodations. Consider finding a place on your own; prices should be no more than what you would pay at a local hostel. Exercise caution, as always.

Some kibbutzim also offer accommodations at Kibbutz Hotels. Most are resort-like and are rated three-star by the Ministry of Tourism; prices run as high as US$35 for singles and US$45 for doubles. For more information, contact them at 90 Ben-Yehuda St., Tel Aviv 63437, (tel. (03) 524 6l6l). Finally, try ISSTA (see Travel Services) for cheap package deals on accommodations.