Israel Other Types Of Accommodations

Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) lodgings are usually cheaper than a hotel but more expensive than a hostel. Not all locations offer lodging; those that do are often located in urban areas. Many YMCAs accept women and families; some will not lodge those under 18 without parental permission.

Jerusalem International YMCA, 26 King David Street, P. O. Box 294, Jerusalem, Israel 91002 (☎+972 02 569 26 92; www.jerusalemymca.org). Contains a few accommodation options within its bounds, including some hotels.

Hotels, Guesthouses, And Pensions

Hotel singles in Israel cost about US$100-190 (NIS395-750) per night, doubles US$180-220 (NIS710-870). If you make reservations in writing, indicate your night of arrival and the number of nights you plan to stay. The hotel will send you a confirmation and may request payment for the first night.

Bed And Breakfasts (B&Bs)

For a cozy alternative to impersonal hotel rooms, B&Bs (private homes with rooms available to travelers) range from acceptable to sublime. Rooms in B&Bs generally cost US$50-100 for a single and US$70-150 for a double in Israel. Many websites provide listings for B&Bs; check out BedandBreakfast.com (www.bedandbreakfast.com) and Bed and Breakfast In Israel (www.b-and-b.co.il).

University Dorms

Many colleges and universities open their residence halls to travelers when school is not in session; some do so even during term time. Getting a room may take a couple of phone calls and require advanced planning, but rates tend to be low, and many offer free local calls and internet access.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Maiersdorf Faculty Club, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 91905 (☎+972 02 581 92 66; www.bmfc.huji.ac.il/eng/default.asp).
University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905 (+972 04 8240111; http://hudorms.haifa.ac.il/html/framesets_eng/english.htm).

Long-Term Accommodations

Travelers planning to stay in Israel for extended periods of time may find it most cost-effective to rent an apartment. A basic one-bedroom (or studio) apartment in Jerusalem will range US$800-1600 (NIS3500-6500) per month. Besides the rent itself, prospective tenants usually are also required to front a security deposit (frequently 1 month’s rent). It is also wise to have a rental agreement reviewed by an attorney to ensure that you are not overlooking or are not caught unaware of any existing Israeli laws differing from your home country. Rentals are ideal for families with children or travelers with special dietary needs as you often get your own kitchen, maid service, TV, and telephones.

For detailed and frequently updated listings in Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, pay a visit to the handy and miraculous craigslist at its Israel site (http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/il).