Akko (Acre) Palm Beach Hotel and Country Club ❁❁-❁❁❁ Akko Beach; Tel. (04) 912 891, fax (04) 910 434. Acre’s finest lodgings, with a beach and the country club’s excellent facilities. 110 rooms. Caesarea Dan Caesarea ❁❁❁ Caesarea; Tel. (06) 626 9111, fax (06) 626 9122. By the beach, in its own lovely grounds, next to Israel’s only 18-hole golf course, this is a sports-lover’s paradise. Swimming pool, tennis courts, health club, and many other facilities. 114 rooms. Eilat Americana ❁❁ North Beach; Tel. (07) 633 3777, fax (07) 633 4174. A popular, well-located hotel with helpful staff, swimming pool, gym, sauna, and jacuzzi. Live entertainment every evening. 137 rooms. Dan Eilat ❁❁❁❁ North Beach; Tel. (03) 362 222, fax (03) 362 333. Eilat’s newest and most luxurious hotel (completed at the end of 1995) with every imaginable facility, including five restaurants, virtual-reality simulators, and lots for children. 382 rooms. Gazit Menachem (Bed-and-Breakfast) ❁ Eilat Town; Tel. (07) 633 3326. Simple, comfortable rooms in the centre of town, a short walk from North Beach. It is run by a friendly and helpful employee of the town’s Tourist Information Centre. 3 rooms. You can book at the tourist office. Riviera Apartment Hotel ❁❁-❁❁❁ North Beach; Tel. (07) 633 3944, fax (07) 633 3939. This smart, three-storey complex is ideal for families on a relatively tight budget, and offers a large swimming pool and children’s play areas. 172 apartments. Royal Beach ❁❁❁❁ North Beach; Tel. (07) 636 8888, fax (07) 636 8811. Luxurious recent addition to Eilat with large well-equipped rooms, many with wonderful views across the Gulf of Aqaba. Beautiful pool area with waterfalls. Also health club, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi. Ten restaurants, pub, and disco. 375 rooms. Orchid ❁❁❁❁ Coral Beach; Tel. (07) 636 0360, fax (07) 637 5323. Charming low-rise “Thai Village” with cobbled paths, waterfalls, Thai restaurant, and stylish “village-house” accommodation, each with its own verandah. Ask to be set back as far as possible from the main road for the best views and least traffic noise. Fitness room, sauna, Thai massage, free use of bicycles for guests. 132 bungalows. Haifa Dan Carmel ❁❁❁❁ 87 Ha Nassi Avenue; Tel. (04) 830 6306, fax (04) 838 7504. Tops in every sense in Haifa, with wonderful views over the town and bay. Most of the usual facilities, including a charming garden, swimming pool, and health club. Pub, restaurant. 220 rooms. Dvir ❁❁ 124 Yefe Nof Street; Tel. (04) 838 9131, fax (04) 838 1068. The location of this hotel is excellent, affording as it does great views from the front-facing rooms (don’t book accommodation in the annex if possible). This is one of the Dan Hotel training schools, so you’ll find that the staff try a bit harder. Access to swimming pool. 30 rooms. Jerusalem American Colony Hotel ❁❁❁ 1 Louis Vincent, off Nablus Road, East Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 627 9777, fax (02) 627 9779. Arguably the most atmospheric hotel in the whole country, occupying a former pasha’s palace that dates from 1860. Facilities and attractions include a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil courtyard open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open-air bar, poolside restaurant, dining room. Rooms are decorated in either traditional or modern styles. The superior rooms are well worth the extra charge. 84 rooms. Beit Shmuel ❁❁ 13 King David Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 620 3456. This is a large and modern Orthodox Jewish cultural centre and guest-house complex which enjoys an excellent location with good views of the Old City. There is a friendly atmosphere and staff are helpful. 40 rooms. Christ Church Guest House ❁ Opposite the Citadel, Jaffa Gate, Old City; Tel. (02) 627 7727, fax (02) 627 7730. Popular haunt with budget travellers. The atmosphere is friendly, and the rooms are basic but clean. Breakfast included in the price of a room. 32 rooms. King David ❁❁❁❁ 23 King David Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 620 8888, fax (02) 620 8880. Israel’s best accommodation option, according to many travellers, and usually the first stopping place for visiting heads of state. There is a charming Old-World atmosphere in the reception rooms. Ask for a bedroom facing the Old City walls. The grounds and pools are very beautiful, and the facilities also include a fitness centre. 257 rooms. Lev Yerushalayim Aparthotel ❁❁❁ 18 King George Street, New City; Tel. (02) 530 0333, fax (02) 623 2432. The Lev Yerushalayim is a modern block with well-equipped and spacious apartments, situated only a short walk from the heart of the New City. 97 rooms. Notre Dame Centre, Guest House Section ❁ Opposite New Gate, Old City, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 627 9111, fax (02) 627 1995. This is a Roman Catholic guest house, but it is open to everyone. The rooms are simple and comfortable, popular with budget travellers. Some rooms have balconies. The building has been beautifully restored, and the food is good. 50 rooms. Palatin Hotel ❁❁ 4 Agrippas Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 623 1141, fax (02) 625 9323. This quiet and small hotel (with both air-conditioning and TV in the rooms) is situated very close to the heart of the New City. One notable feature is the contemporary art featured in public areas and bedrooms. Room price includes breakfast. 28 rooms. St. Andrew’s Hospice ❁ 1 Kikar David Remez; Tel. (02) 673 2401, fax (02) 673 1711. St. Andrew’s Hospice occupies a great location overlooking the Old City, not far from the Khan Theatre and the Cinematheque. The rooms are basic but comfortable; there are lovely gardens, and the staff are friendly. 20 rooms. YMCA East Aelia Capitolina ❁❁ 29 Nablus Road, East Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 628 6888, fax 627 6301. The rooms are quite plain and the YMCA East may lack the character of the YMCA West, but it is still very good value in a peaceful setting. Good range of sports facilities, which include a swimming pool and squash courts. Dining room, grill, pub. 55 rooms, 109 beds (14 rooms with balconies). YMCA West (3 Arches Hotel) ❁❁ King David Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 569 2692, fax (02) 623 5192. Bedrooms and public rooms with plenty of character lie inside this splendid landmark building dating from the 1930s. There is a restaurant and a delightful front terrace. YMCA West also has an indoor swimming pool, four tennis courts, two squash courts, sauna, basketball court, and a fitness room. Price includes breakfast. 56 rooms. Near Jerusalem Mizpe Ramat Rachel ❁❁❁ D. N. Isfon Yehuda 9900; Tel. (02) 670 2555, fax (02) 673 3155. One of the best kibbutz houses, the Mitzpe Ramat Rachel occupies a pleasant site overlooking Bethlehem and the Judean Hills, yet is within a short 10-minute drive of Jerusalem’s Old City. Swimming pool, sauna, and fitness room. 250 rooms. MitZpe Ramon Ramon Inn ❁❁-❁❁❁ 1 Ein Akev Street; Tel. (07) 658 8822, fax (07) 658 8151. This new 4-storey hotel uses local furnishings, fabrics, and stone in a successful attempt to create a sympathetic harmony with its stunning natural setting. There is a choice of excellent local ethnic cuisine. Apartments also available. Access to local swimming pool. 96 apartments. NAHARIYA Panorama ❁❁ 8 Ha’ Ma’apilim Street; Tel. (04) 992 0555. A low-rise block with fine sea views from its roof-top terrace. Facilities include a pool. Note: half-board may be obligatory during high season. Netanya Maxim Hotel ❁❁ 8 King David Street; Tel. (09) 862 1062, fax (09) 862 0190. The renovated Maxim Hotel offers good-quality, comfortable facilities, including several reasonably-priced suites, which are handy for families. There are sea views from some rooms and there is also a swimming pool. 90 rooms. Safed Rimon Inn ❁❁❁ Artists’ Quarter; Tel. (06) 920 666, fax (06) 692 0456. Arguably the best — and perhaps the most historic — hotel in town, with parts dating from the 17th century. There are splendid views, a swimming pool, and extensive grounds. 36 rooms. Tel Aviv Armon Ha-Yarkon ❁❁ 268 Ha-Yarkon Street; Tel. (03) 605 5271, fax (03) 605 8485. This is a small modern hotel, situated opposite the giants, across the road from the beach, and close to the nightspots of Little Tel Aviv. 24 rooms. Dan Tel Aviv ❁❁❁❁ 99 Ha-Yarkon Street; Tel. (03) 520 2525, fax (03) 524 9755. It looks dated, but this rainbow-painted beachside monster is still reputed to be the finest hotel in Tel Aviv. The rooms are particularly comfortable, staff are friendly, and there is a choice of indoor or outdoor swimming pools. Special lounge for sea-view rooms. 285 rooms. Moriah Plaza Tel Aviv ❁❁❁-❁❁❁❁ 155 Ha-Yarkon Street; Tel. (03) 527 1515, fax (03) 527 1065. This modern high-rise block is situated on the beach. It may be the recipient of few architectural accolades, but its rooms are comfortable and very well furnished. The staff are friendly and there is a swimming pool. 346 rooms. Moss Hotel ❁-❁❁ 6 Nes Ziona Street; Tel. and fax (03) 517 1655. This is a fairly well-equipped hotel in a central location with its own parking (a great asset hereabouts). 70 rooms. Tiberias and the Galilee Church of Scotland Hospice ❁ Tiberias; Tel. (06) 672 3769, fax (06) 679 0145. Comfortable modern facilities are offered in unusual black basalt buildings at the Church of Scotland Hospice, which was constructed a century ago as a missionary hospital. A friendly welcome and a pleasant garden and private beach help to ensure that this place continues to be popular. 46 rooms. Golan ❁❁ 14 Ahad Ha-Am Street, Tiberias; Tel. (06) 679 1901, fax (06) 672 1905. This appealing hotel offers excellent value with wonderful views over the Sea of Galilee. Its facilities include a swimming pool and a peaceful garden. Dining room, bar. 98 rooms. Kibbutz Ein Gev Holiday Village ❁❁ 2 km (1 mile ) south of Ein Gev Kibbutz; Tel. (06) 665 8027, fax (06) 675 1590. These modern cabins come with kitchen, bathroom, and air-conditioning, are set on the Sea of Gali­lee, and make ideal family holiday homes. There is a good restaurant in the village, in addition to a well-stocked mini-market for self-catering visitors. 100 cabins. Kfar Hanassi Village ❁❁ Near Rosh Pinna; Tel. (06) 691 4870, fax (06) 691 4077. Comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, refrigerators, and TV in lodges set amidst wide lawns and comfortable facilities for relaxation or BBQ. Breakfast served in dining room of kibbutz. 28 rooms. Mizpe Hayamim ❁❁ Safed-Rosh Pinna Road near Rosh Pinna; Tel. (06) 693 7013, fax (06) 693 7191. Set in 12 hectares (30 acres) of forest, this charming small country hotel enjoys marvellous views over the Sea of Galilee. Its healthy-living philosophy offers home-made organic foods plus a wholesome diet of massage, yoga, and specialist exercise classes. If that is not enough, there are also swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gymnasium. 65 rooms. Nof Ginnosar ❁❁ 9 km (6 miles) north of Tiberias; Tel. (06) 679 2161, fax (06) 679 2170. The Nof Ginnosar enjoys the reputation of being one of Israel’s best kibbutz accommodations, situated right on the Sea of Galilee and set in its own gardens. Facilities offered include tennis courts and a private beach. For watersports enthusiasts there is a good selection of kayaks, windsurfers, and sailing boats for hire. 170 rooms. Vered Ha-Galil ❁-❁❁ Korazim-Almagor Junction, 18 km (11 miles) north of Tiberias; Tel. (06) 693 5785. This ranch-restaurant-guest house is something of a local institution, not to mention a novelty. The Vered Ha-Galil offers the perfect base for a Galilee riding holiday, in charming rustic accommodation. The cooking is good and filling and the hosts are friendly (he’s from Chicago). Akko (Acre) Abu Christo ❁❁-❁❁❁ Fishermen’s Port; Tel. (04) 910 065. You can choose between the pleasant dining rooms and the waterfront terrace. A reputation for serving the best seafood in town. Eilat Country Chicken ❁ The Tourist Center; Tel. (07) 637 1312. Don’t let the name or rather bland modern appearance put you off; this is good-value, down-to-earth Jewish cooking like Momma used to make (a rarity in Eilat). Fried country chicken, soups, and grills are specialities. Kosher. Eddie’s Hideaway ❁❁-❁❁❁ 68 Almogim Street, off Eilot Street; Tel. (07) 637 1137. Eilat’s best-known restaurant has been serving an inventive menu of meat and seafood dishes (Shanghai fish, shrimp, and pepper steak specialities) for over 20 years. They serve dinner only. Another treat is the free taxi from your hotel that they provide. El Gaucho ❁❁❁ Arava Road; Tel. (07) 633 1549. Here the beef steaks, veal, and chicken are cooked in the Argentinian style, and then carved and served in generous portions by staff dressed in Gaucho costume. The meat and the chefs are sometimes imported from South America. The background music (occasionally live) and the special decor complete the Latin theme. Fisherman’s House ❁ Coral Beach; Tel. (07) 637 9830. Here you can eat all you wish from a buffet of six fish dishes, rice, potatoes, and various salads. If you want somewhere to have a party or to take your family, then this is a good place. Excellent value. Last Refuge ❁❁-❁❁❁ Coral Beach; Tel. (07) 637 3627. This large, smart beachside fish restaurant, serving generous portions of fish and seafood, is located next to a marina. Because of the location and the restaurant’s popularity, you must reserve a table. Try to book one on the terrace. Pago Pago ❁❁❁ Lagoon, North Beach; Tel. (07) 637 6660. This popular romantic floating restaurant serves French, Mediterranean, and Far-Eastern food in a relaxed South Seas atmosphere. Spring Onion ❁ North Beach, by bridge to Marina; Tel. (07) 637 7434. This is Eilat’s best dairy restaurant, generously serving delicious vegetarian dishes and salads in enormous portions. Tandoori ❁❁-❁❁❁ Lagoona Hotel, King’s Wharf; Tel. (07) 633 3879. Popular, award-winning, authentic Indian cooking in pleasant relaxed atmosphere with traditional decor. Meats are specially cooked in tandoors (charcoal-fired clay ovens). Indian dancers and musicians. Buffet lunch. Open noon to midnight. Haifa Abu Yusuf’s ❁ 1 Ha-Meginim Street, Paris Square; Tel. (04) 866 3723. Grilled meats, hummous, and other Arab staples are on offer at this locally famous, award-winning institution. There’s no English sign; just look for a basic eating house with large windows and arches and happy customers. La Chaumière ❁❁❁ 40a Ben-Gurion Avenue; Tel. (04) 853 8563. Superb French cuisine, served in an old Arab house. El Gaucho ❁❁❁ 120 Yefe Nof Street; Tel. (04) 837 0997. Large portions of Argentine-style meats. See entry under Eilat. Rondo ❁❁❁-❁❁❁❁ Dan Carmel Hotel, 85-87 Hanassi Avenue; Tel. (04) 830 6211. The Israeli and Continental cooking is reasonable, but the real attraction is the fantastic view of Haifa by night. Window seat essential. Dinner only. Herzliya El Gaucho ❁❁❁ 60 Medinat Hayehudim Street; Tel. (09) 555 037. Lively South American chain. See entry under Eilat. Whitehall Steakhouse ❁❁❁ 2001 Mercazim Building, Maskit Street; Tel. (09) 580 402. Many Israelis swear that these are the best steaks in the country. Help yourself to unlimited salad from the abundant fresh bar. Jerusalem Abu Shukri ❁ 63 El Wad Road, Old City; Tel (02) 627 1538. Legendary hummous, with very little else on the menu. Very basic, with formica-top tables, but clean and accustomed to tourists. Quick service. No alcohol. It is open from 8am to mid-afternoon. Alumah ❁❁ 8 Ya’Avetz Street, New City; Tel. (02) 625 5014. Jerusalem’s quintessential dairy restaurant, serving excellent vegetarian and fish dishes in a typical, beautifully restored and decorated Jerusalem golden-stone house, with garden patio. Kosher. Closed Sabbath and Saturday evening. American Colony Hotel ❁❁ Nablus Road, East Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 627 9778. Lunch in the leafy, peaceful, sunny courtyard of this famous institution, a former pasha’s palace, is a sheer delight at any time, but the Saturday barbeque (summer only) is something special. Cacao at the Cinematheque ❁-❁❁ Cinematheque, 1 Hebron Road; Tel. (02) 671 0632. A vegetarian restaurant serving great pasta, salads, and desserts in a small, modern, arty dining room with views of the Old City walls. Lively, young, buzzing atmosphere. Kosher. The (Loaves and Fishes) Coffee Shop ❁ Opposite Citadel, Jaffa Gate, Old City; Tel. (02) 628 6812. Small pine-panelled café serving excellent cakes, salads, and soups to foot-weary tourists. Young, friendly, Christian staff, quiet relaxing atmosphere to soothe your nerves after a day in the Old City. El Gaucho ❁❁❁ 22 Rivlin Street; Tel. (02) 624 2227. Lively South American chain. See entry under Eilat on page 138. This one is housed in a stone building with interior arches and flagstone floors. Kosher. Closed on Friday. Kamin ❁❁-❁❁❁ 4 Rabbi Akiva Street, off Hillel Street, New City; Tel. (02) 625 6428. Delightful, typical old Jerusalem stone house with a charming garden terrace. Mixture of dairy restaurant and international meat dishes, with French flavour. Kohinoor ❁❁-❁❁❁ Holiday Inn Crown Plaza; Tel. (02) 581 367. A member of the Tandoori chain of restaurants, serving excellent Indian tandoori dishes. Kosher. Mishkenot Sha’ananim ❁❁❁❁ Yemin Moshe, steps below the Windmill; Tel. (02) 625 1042. Israel’s finest French restaurant, boasting the country’s largest wine cellar. You can have a business lunch of heavenly tastes at down-to-earth prices. Reserve a window seat for views of Old City walls. Oceanus ❁❁❁❁ 7 Rivlin Street, New City; Tel. (02) 624 0863. This small, stylish restaurant in an atmospheric, century-old house is said to serve the best fish and shellfish in Jerusalem. Splash out with fish baked in the taboon, or bouillabaisse. Closed 4–7pm. Off the Square ❁❁ 8 Ramban Street, New City; Tel. (02) 566 5956. Pleasant, informal dairy restaurant in an old building with a lovely large summer patio. Kosher. Closed Sabbath. Rosemary ❁❁ 28 King David Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 625 8157. Popular, informal dairy restaurant with an Italian bias  — good pizzas, interesting pasta dishes. Eat out on the tree-shaded terrace in summer. Kosher. Closed Sabbath. Tavlin ❁❁ 16 Yoel Salomon Street, New City; Tel. (02) 624 3847. Relaxing, friendly dairy restaurant serving good pies, crêpes, salads, and fish in a rustic old house. It has a small seating area upstairs. Kosher. Closed Sabbath. Le Tsriff ❁❁-❁❁❁ YMCA, 26 King David Street, West Jerusalem; Tel. (02) 623 1154. Choose from the inexpensive trendy cafeteria, the charming Art Deco dining room (more extensive and expensive menu), or the front terrace. International cuisine with many interesting dishes; the pies are a house speciality. Yemenite Step ❁❁ 10 Yoel Salomon Street, New City; Tel. (02) 624 0477. The oldest and most authentic Yemenite restaurant in town, serving excellent mellawachs (pancakes). Eat in the modern dining room of this old house or out on the busy street watching the nightly promenade. Finish off with a Yemenite coffee. Kosher. Closed on the Sabbath. Nahariya Singapore ❁❁ Ha Meyasdim; Tel. (04) 992 9029. You’re spoilt for choice at this Chinese establishment where the menu runs to over 100 items. You should try the Singapore specials and you must not miss dessert. Closed 3–7pm. Nazareth Astoria ❁❁ Casa Nova Street; Tel. (06) 573 497. This restaurant provides a good menu of Middle Eastern meat dishes, specialising in lamb. Safed Pinati ❁❁ 81 Jerusalem Street; Tel. (06) 692 0855. Hearty portions of Israeli meat are served here, with lamb and veal dishes prominent on the menu. Tel Aviv/Jaffa Alhambra ❁❁❁ 30 Jerusalem Boulevard, Jaffa; Tel. (03) 683 4453. Don’t be put off by the less-than-salubrious location. This restaurant, serving French cuisine, is one of the best in the area. Baobab ❁❁❁ 43 Ahad Ha-Am Street, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 566 331. One of the trendiest and most delightful places in town, serving excellent, innovative Israeli and international nouvelle cuisine. Eternity ❁ 60 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 203 151. This interesting place, run by Black Hebrews (a sect from the U.S.A.), serves the most inventive vegan food in town. El Gaucho ❁❁❁ 57 Pinsker Street, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 528 3788. One of a chain of popular Argentine meat houses. See entry under Eilat on page 138. Kosher. Fishermen’s Restaurant ❁❁❁ Jaffa Port; Tel. (03) 681 3870. One of the oldest eating places in the port, with a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere and some excellent specials. Michel’s Aladin ❁❁ 5 Mifratz Shlomo, Old Jaffa; Tel. (03) 682 6766. An 800-year-old former hamman (Turkish bath) on Old Jaffa Hill next to the Sea Mosque, overlooking Tel Aviv, is the marvellous setting for this young, popular café-restaurant. Fish, salads, meat, and snacks. Kassit ❁❁ 117 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 522 3855. Unfortunately Frank Sinatra and company no longer patronise the Kassit, but it is still one of the best café-restaurants to be found on Dizengoff Street. Friendly staff. Hearty Sabbath meals. Shaul’s Inn ❁❁-❁❁❁ 11 Eliashiv Street, Yemenite Quarter, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 517 7619. This is a colourful Middle Eastern-Yemenite restaurant (where the downstairs is expensive, and the upstairs is less formal) with an interesting menu of meat and offal. Not for the squeamish. Kosher. Closed on the Sabbath. Tandoori ❁❁-❁❁❁ Dizengoff Square, Tel Aviv; Tel. (03) 296 185. See entry under Eilat on page 138. Whitehall Steakhouse ❁❁❁ 6 Mendele Street; Tel. (03) 524 9282. Tel Aviv’s favourite steakhouse. See entry under Herzliya on page 139. Tiberias Guy ❁❁ Ha-Galil Street; Tel. (06) 672 3036. Here you can enjoy Middle Eastern meat and vegetable specialities in a friendly atmosphere. Kosher. Closed on the Sabbath. Kafkas ❁❁ By the Great Mosque. This unusual restaurant is run by recently-arrived Russian emigrés, producing tasty, filling Central Asian cuisine. Karamba ❁❁ Waterfront Promenade; Tel. (06) 679 1546. A pleasant fish and vegetarian restaurant with a nice atmosphere, inventive dishes, outdoor dining; open very late.