Explore the Holy Land

Accommodation

General Information

Hotel Check-in Times: You can typically check in to your hotel between 2 PM and 3 PM. While these are common check-in hours, some hotels may offer slightly earlier or later check-in options depending on availability. It's always a good idea to confirm your hotel's specific check-in policy beforehand.

Hotel Check-out Times: Generally, you will need to check out of your hotel by 11 AM or 12 PM. The exact check-out time can vary depending on the individual hotel's policies. Knowing the check-out time will help you plan your departure accordingly.

Luggage Storage Services: If your arrival at the hotel is earlier than the check-in time, or if your departure is later than the check-out time, don't worry! Most hotels offer convenient luggage storage services, allowing you to securely store your bags until you are ready to access your room or head to the airport.

Credit Card Authorization at Check-in: Upon arrival and check-in, many hotels will request your credit card details. This is typically for pre-authorization purposes and not an immediate charge. The hotel keeps this information on file, providing you with the convenience of charging incidentals (like restaurant bills or mini-bar purchases) to your room during your stay. You will then settle your total bill at the final check-out

Kosher Food

When traveling to Israel, it's helpful to understand the principles of Kosher food, which adheres to Jewish dietary laws. The fundamental rules include the prohibition of pork and shellfish, as well as the separation of meat and dairy – they cannot be consumed together in the same meal.

Kosher Hotel Meals in Israel:

The majority of hotels in Israel strictly observe Kosher food guidelines in their dining facilities. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Breakfast: Breakfast is a significant meal in Israeli hotels and usually offers a wide array of Kosher options. Expect to find fresh eggs prepared in various ways, a diverse selection of vegetables and salads, an assortment of breads and pastries, different types of cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruits, and even some varieties of fish.

• Dinner: In accordance with Kosher laws, dinner in most Israeli hotels is predominantly meat-based. Common accompaniments include fresh salads, rice, potatoes, and a selection of desserts ( dairy-free "pareve"). It's worth noting that some higher-end or specialty hotels might offer a separate dairy restaurant option; however, this usually requires advance booking or inquiry.

Kosher Dining Options Outside Hotels:

While hotels largely serve Kosher food, the dining scene in Israel offers more variety:

• Tel Aviv and Jerusalem: These major cities boast a significant number of restaurants located near popular hotels that provide both meat and dairy options. This allows for greater flexibility in choosing your meals.

• Tiberias and Smaller Cities: In smaller cities like Tiberias and other less metropolitan areas, the culinary landscape may be more limited. You'll generally find fewer independent restaurants, and most hotels primarily serve dinner within their main Kosher dining rooms.

Shabbat in Israel

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath or day of rest, is a significant weekly observance, somewhat analogous to a weekend, for Jewish people in Israel and around the world. It commences on Friday evening at sunset and extends until nightfall on Saturday.

Observing Shabbat: Traditions and Practices:

Many Jewish individuals and families observe Shabbat by dedicating time to spending with loved ones, engaging in reflection on the past week, and refraining from certain activities traditionally considered work, such as turning on electric lights or driving.

Experiencing Shabbat in Israel as a Tourist:

Israel has a deep respect for its religious traditions, and this is often noticeable during Shabbat. Here's what tourists might encounter:

• Shabbat Elevator: Many hotels in Israel feature a special "Shabbat elevator" ( מעלית שבת‎ - ma'alit shabbat in Hebrew) that operates automatically, stopping at every floor without the need to press buttons. This accommodation caters to those observing the prohibition against using electricity on Shabbat.

• Hotel Meals: Friday night dinner (ערב שבת - erev shabbat) and Saturday lunch (סעודת שבת צהריים - se'udat shabbat tzohorayim) are often significant, festive meals in Israeli hotels. However, tourists should be aware that freshly cooked food service might be limited during the main hours of Shabbat. Pre-prepared dishes or warming trays are common.

• Tourist Flexibility: As a tourist visiting Israel, you are not expected to adhere to the religious laws of Shabbat.

• Hotel Services: Most essential hotel services and amenities, such as the swimming pool and parking facilities, typically remain available for guests as usual throughout Shabbat.