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Stayput Kibbutz
Hotels
The Kibbutz Hotels Chain
represents over 35 hotels and more than a dozen country lodgings
options at kibbutzim all over the country, from Kfar Giladi and
Manara in the Upper Galilee to Almog and Kalia by the Dead Sea to
Eilot and Eilat at Israel’s southern tip.
Though the kibbutz has changed greatly since Deganiya was
established in 1909, the kibbutz remains a unique part of the
Israeli landscape today. While many kibbutzim still engage in
agriculture, many also have expanded into other fields, including
tourism and hospitality. The Kibbutz Hotels Chain represents over 35
hotels and more than a dozen country lodgings options at kibbutzim
all over the country, from Kfar Giladi and Manara in the Upper
Galilee to Almog and Kalia by the Dead Sea to Eilot and Eilat at
Israel’s southern tip.
The Kibbutz Hotels Chain offers several packages that allow tourists
to take advantage of the fact that it is the largest hotel chain in
the country in order to see the entire country. In its fly and drive
program, tourists can spend seven nights at seven different hotels
in seven different parts of Israel. The program has a seven-day
minimum and can be extended to several weeks. The only restriction
is that guests cannot spend more than four nights at a single hotel.
Guests also have the option of renting a car with a GPS system for
an additional fee.
Another option is open vouchers. This option is the same as the fly
and drive program, except that guests only make a reservation for
the first night and plan the rest of the trip as they go. During
peak season (summer and holidays), hotels in some of the more
popular areas may be full, but most of the year guests will not have
a problem obtaining a room at a kibbutz hotel in the area of their
choice.
Both of these programs are for the kibbutz hotels and guests can
choose between the superior and the economy categories. Even though
they are not included in these programs, it is worth noting that the
Kibbutz Hotels Chain also offers country lodging at a dozen
additional kibbutzim. The country lodgings are comfortable, but more
basic accommodations at a very reasonable price.
The Kibbutz Hotels Chain offers a variety of options that allow
visitors to create the trip to Israel that best suits them. Below is
an example of an itinerary for a seven-day tour using the Kibbutz
Hotels Chain’s fly and drive program.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Shefayim
Begin the tour at the Shefayim Kibbutz Hotel, which is located on
the coast just north of Herzliya, a convenient drive from Ben-Gurion
International Airport. Start the trip off at a relaxed pace by
spending the first day at the hot springs, spa, water park, and
beach right next to the hotel.
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Day 2 – Nahsholim
Drive up the coast to the Nahsholim Kibbutz Hotel or the holiday
village at Kibbutz Dor, stopping on the way to explore the huge
archaeology park at Caesarea and the pedestrian mall in Zichron
Ya’acov. Make sure to save plenty of time to visit the local beach,
which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
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Day 3 – Nof Ginosar
Spend the morning in Haifa and then head east to the Nof Ginosar
Kibbutz Hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Make sure to
visit the Yigal Allon center, a small but impressive museum whose
collection includes the “Jesus boat,” the remains of a boat from the
days of Jesus that was found in the area.
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Day 4 – Ein Gedi
Drive southward to the Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, which is located
near the oasis of Ein Gedi, with its waterfalls and hiking trails,
Masada, and the beaches and spas of the Dead Sea. The hotel’s
facilities include a spa with natural sulfur pools and a private
beach on the Dead Sea.
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Day 5 – Mitzpe Ramon
Drive south to the Isrotel Ramon Inn in Mitzpe Ramon, right next
to Makhtesh Ramon. Spend the day learning about the desert by hiking
in this geological wonder. If you aren’t into hiking, try a jeep
tour or a camel ride.
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Day 6 – Eilot
Continue going south to reach the Eilot Holiday Village, which is
located at Kibbutz Eilot, a few kilometers from Eilat and the Red
Sea. After checking out the small zoo at the kibbutz, head to Eilat
to enjoy the charms of the most popular resort town in Israel.
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Day 7 – Ramat Rahel
Drive north to the Ramat Rahel Kibbutz Hotel, which is located on
the southern edge of Jerusalem, not far from the Haas Promenade, and
is a great base for exploring the city. Another option is to stay in
the Jerusalem Mountains at the Ma’ale Hachamisha Kibbutz Hotel or
the Shoresh Kibbutz Hotel. Both are conveniently located near
Jerusalem and are not far from Ben-Gurion International Airport.
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