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 the best hostels in Israel. It started as a list of five, but as Israel’s buoyant hostel scene has seen more great hostels open, has grown to a longer list.
Best for Jerusalem: Cinema Hostel, Jerusalem
Cinema Hostel, Jerusalem
Cinema Hostel in Jerusalem is a cinema-themed hostel located in the heart of Jerusalem. Built inside the legendary old Orion Cinema, the hostel has a warm environment with backdrops of classic films. Perfectly located for exploring, the Cinema Hostel also offers guests tours and activities, from jam sessions and movie nights to pub crawls, there is always something exciting to do. The hostel has a dormitory as well as private rooms, each with its own, unique theme from a different movie.
Shamai St, Jerusalem.
The Post Hostel, Jerusalem
The Post Hostel in Jerusalem occupies the top floor at the historical building of the Central Post Office of Jerusalem, located in the very city centre, close to the best bars of the city. The hostel is funky and stylish, and offers tours and special events. It features a outdoor terrace, open lounge, chillout room and bar. Private rooms and dorms are both available.
23 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem.
Best for Tel Aviv: Selina Neve Tzedek
World renown hostel chain Selina has opened its first property in Tel Aviv, in the bohemian quartier of Neve Tzedek. Selina Neve Tzedek is located in a charming building, where the beautiful rooms of different sizes, from 4-people private lofts to 6-beds dormitories, were decorated by local artists. The quiet, luminous co-working area is the perfect place to get some work done while enjoying the company of fellow travelers. Selina Neve Tzedek features also a yoga space, a bar and a garden.
Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
The Spot Hostel, Tel Aviv
The Spot Hostel, located next to the beach on northern side of Tel Aviv, found itself in one of the trendiest areas of the city. The recently renovated Namal, the Tel Aviv Port, is just nearby with its wooden decks, port market and bustling nightlife. All the rooms are airconditioned, and comes in a variety of forms, from the more classic dorms to the pods for one person or family private rooms.
Best in the Golan Heights: Golan Heights Hostel, Odem
For a long time, the Golan Heights truly lacked a good hostel, but all that has changed since the Golan Heights Hostel opened in late 2014. Set in the small village of Odem, the Golan Heights Hostel has a brilliant location, easily accessible by public bus, and at the same time perfectly located for those wanting to explore the region thanks to Odem’s rich list of activities – from wineries, to hiking trails, ATV’s, and so on, and easily accessible to other highlights. The hostel itself is brand new, with great facilities and an atmosphere which reflects the calm and rural pace of life in the Golan.
Moshav Odem, Golan Heights.
Selina Kinneret, Migdal
Selina Kinneret is maybe the most attractive hostel in the area. Located on the waterfront of the Sea of Galilee and with a large outdoor pool, the hostel’s main themes are art and wellness. You will find a music studio, live music performances, activity centre, watersports, bonfire and quarterly festivals, next to the more traditional Selina’s features, like co-working space, garden, bar and yoga deck.
