Like every country, Israel has hostels. Unlike every country, some of the hostels in Israel are really quite special, whether it be their location, their philosophy, or simply the service they are offering. These are places that embrace travel and go further than simply offering accommodation. They act as a place for travelers to meet, to talk, to share wisdom and stories, and hostels which are run by people passionate about showing their guests their homeland and giving them a unique experience that, by staying in more luxurious accommodation, would be diluted. This article showcase five of the best hostels in Israel, 2011.

Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth

The Fauzi Azar Inn in Nazareth, one of the top hostels in Israel. Image: courtesy

A converted 200 year-old Arab mansion in the center of Nazareth, the Fauzi Azar Inn is more than just a hostel – it is a relatively unique social project with coexistence at heart – Arabs and Jews have come together to create something incredibly special. And it’s been recognized. Although only open for a very short while, the Fauzi Azar Inn received the prestigious Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award for 2011, as well as numerous other awards mentions, and famous visitors including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The hostel is at the center of the regeneration of Nazareth and is playing a major  part in promoting tourism in the city and wider region – the people who founded the hostel are also behind the Jesus Trail, a hike from Nazareth to Capernaum following the footsteps of Jesus.

Abraham Hostel, Jerusalem

Great social spaces at the Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem

The Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem’s Davidka Square was only established in 2010, but has quickly gained a reputation as the best hostel in Jerusalem and one of the best in Israel (probably in main competition with the Fauzi Azar Inn, which is its sister.) Abraham was the first backpacker in the Middle East, and this hostel is built upon the foundations that come from that Biblical story, keyly, warm hospitality. Its amazing social spaces, as well the many events, tours and excursions it organizes for its guests are beginning to make this somewhat of an institution.

Florentin Hostel, Tel Aviv

The incredibly high price of land in Tel Aviv means that hostels are relatively far and few between compared to the tens of hotels in the city. In Florentin, the hip neighborhood in the south of the city, now famed for its nightlife, lies the Florentin Hostel. This is a hostel for young travelers with an age-limit at 40 years, and its small number of traditional hostel-style rooms provide an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

The Green Backpackers, Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert

The Ramon Crater is one of the highlights of the Negev Desert in southern Israel, a large depression in the landscape now known to be not the result of a meteor strike, but, in fact, of water erosion thousands of years ago when oceans covered the area. Only one town, Mitzpe Ramon overlooks this natural wonder, and The Green Backpackers Hostel is there. Run by two tour guides who love this land and love to show it to their guests, The Green Backpackers is an eco-friendly hostel, with a well renowned atmosphere and a great selection of activities and events.

Chef Hostel, Tel Aviv

A hostel in Tel Aviv with a difference, the Chef Hostel opened in 2011 in a converted building dating from 1909, making it one of the oldest buildings in this city. Protected by UNESCO, the building is part of Tel Aviv’s White City, and the hostel is owned by a local chef who prepares all meals in the hostel using locally sourced products from the Carmel Market. A key part of sustainability is this utilization of local produce and the owner, the ‘chef’, produces this for guests while they are able to enjoy the communal areas (including the 200 meter terrace where legendary bbq nights take place) that the hostel offers designed to enhance the intimate experience on offer.