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Category: Places To Stay

  • Fiddler’s Inn

    A Tzfat Fiddler

    One would assume that a guest house called “Fiddler’s Inn” is owned by….well, a fiddler.Fiddler's Inn

    However, Tzfat’s Fiddler’s Inn has a much more interesting story. The Fiddler in question is Yoni Lifshitz, the lead violinist in the well-known Simply Tsfat  band. This band has been engaging audiences throughout the world for many years with their uplifting Hassidic music.  Simply Tsfat plays with their heart, hoping to spread the joy and inspiration of Breslev Hassidism and inspire their

    listeners to explore Jewish spirituality and the Breslev message to be joyful and thankful.

    As their band’s name suggests, the three musicians of Simply Tsfat are intimately connected with Tzfat, the city which inspires their music. The stories that they tell, the music that they play, and the joy in which they teach is infused with Tzfat’s magic.

    It is therefore fitting that the Lifshitz family should live in Tzfat’s Old City, greeting visitors who come to stay in their lovely guest house.

    A Fiddler’s Guest House

    The Fiddler’s Inn is located in a corner of Tzfat’s Old City, in a quiet area in the middle of the Old City’s maze of lanes and alleys. The house is a true Old City stone house, but it has been newly renovated and decorated. It is comprised of 2 rooms with tiled floors, and has space to comfortably sleep 4-5 people.

    The kitchen is fully equipped with a full meat and milk kitchen, allowing visitors to come for several days at a time and take care of all their cooking needs right in the apartment. A refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and stovetop allow visitors to make themselves at home, which is made even easier by the close proximity of a large supermarket.

    All amenities for Shabbat are also provided, including a hot plate and hot water urn.

    The unit is fully furnished – the bathroom even has a Jacuzzi! Wireless internet and air conditioning complete the setting for the comfort of guests.

    One unique aspect of the inn is the fact that there is parking nearby, and the guest room is accessible directly from the street – there are no steps. Both of these points are quite unusual for the Old City, where stairs and long treks to the parking area are taken for granted.

    The unit is located within easy walking distance of all Old City religious and historical sites, as well as nearby synagogues  for daily and Shabbat prayers.

    To contact the Fiddler’s Inn, write to Yoni at yoni@simplytsfat.com

  • Bar-El Guest House

    Spiritual Search

    People come to Tzfat in a variety of ways, and for a variety of reasons. Some come because of the scenery, some because they are drawn religiously, some because they want to find themselves, and some come because something, somewhere, somehow told them that Tzfat was the place where they should be.Bar El Guest House

    Roni and Genine Bar-El seem to fit into the last category. Roni is a native Israeli, and Genine grew up in New York.

    They met while each was on their own journey in the Far East, looking for the “click” that would bring them closer to a spirituality that they were both searching for.

    After marrying, Roni and Genine came to Tzfat and bought an old stone house in Tzfat’s Artist Quarter. They combi

    ned their skills in construction and interior design to renovate the house, learning as they went along about the complexities of renovating a house that is hundreds of years old transforming it into a modern, comfortable home. In the end, their efforts paid off, and they decided to start to host visiting groups for meals which Roni, a chef, catered.

    A Love of Hosting

    The Bar-Els are natural hosts, and thoroughly enjoyed having visitors join them in their home. They soon began to open their extra apartment as a Guest House, and the Bar El Guest House has today developed a reputation as one of Tzfat’s most stunning and comfortable B&Bs.

    The Bar El Bed and Breakfast is located next to the Bar-Els home, in a newly renovated old stone house. It overlooks Mount Meron where one can sit on the porch and enjoy the sunsets. The Moroccan motif gives the impression of Old World ease, but guests en

    joy satellite television, wireless internet and all other modern conveniences.

    The guest house has two rooms, a master bedroom with a private bathroom and kitchenette and a living room where more beds can be set up. All Shabbat amenities are available, and it can comfortably host 5 people.

    A highlight of a stay at the Bar-Els is the breakfast, prepared by chef Roni. Roni studied at Israel’s Culinary Institute, Tadmor, and is renowned, not only in Tzfat but throughout Israel, for his culinary artistry. He is a sought-after chef, and it is a privilege to be able to enjoy one of his breakfasts, as a guest of the B&B.

    The Bar El Guesthouse has also received rave reviews in both the Frommers Guide Book to Israel and in Lonely Planet.

    To contact the Bar El Guest house, write to thebarels@yahoo.com or call 050 5650073.

  • The Ron Hotel

    Situated just below the Citadel within easy walking distance of the Old City and its synagogues, the Ron Hotel is ideal for the religious guest. With its own synagogue on the premises and a Sabbath observance policy, the Ron Hotel is frequently

    The Ron Hotel

    used by religious groups for Shabbat seminars, especially in the winter. In the summer vacation period the hotel is very popular with religious families an

    d couples.

    The Rooms

    The hotel has 50 spacious twin bedded guest rooms and the hotel will provide extra beds and cots if necessary. The en-suite bathrooms have both a tub and a shower so it is easy to bathe the children after a day out.

    The Lounge

    The lounge area is off the dining room and there are plenty of very comfortable lounge chairs and sofas. The seating is arranged in groups so that it is very easy to sit and chat and not notice how much time has gone by.

    The Dining Room

    The hotel is usually open for groups during the winter and the Ron serves a traditional Israeli breakfast, buffet style, between 8.00am and 10.00am. Evening meals are also available by arrangement for groups staying in the hotel during the week throughout the year. During the main summer vacation period the restaurant/dining room is open for evening meals for individual guests and their familie

    s.

    On Shabbat throughout the year, the dining room really comes into its own. With waiter service on Friday night, groups can enjoy a real Shabbat atmosphere, eating good traditional food and singing to their hearts content. Sabbath lunch is served after services, and a third meal is available in the late afternoon.

    Function Rooms

    There are three function / seminar rooms available for groups. Two large rooms that can hold between 100 to 180 people and the other, a smaller more intimate room, which holds 30 to 40 people. These rooms can be used for private dinners for groups or family functions.

    The Pool

    The pool is unfortunately closed for repairs at present and is not expected to open for the 2010 season. When the pool is open there are separate swimming hours for men and women.

    Getting There

    Coming into Safed, pass the bus station and go up Jerusalem Street towards the circle, and turn left onto Palmach Street, just before the Palatine building. Continue along Palmach until you reach Hativat Yiftah Street where you turn right, passing the Citadel park on your right. Continue on and you will see the Ron Hotel in front of you.

    Booking

    Individual rates are from 450 ILS per couple per night including breakfast in the low season to 600 ILS per couple per night in the high season.

    Shabbat meals are 90-100 ILS per person per meal.

    Weekday evening meals are 80-90 ILS per person.

    Group rates are on application.

    Contact

    Amnon: Tel 04 697 2590 or Fax 04 697 2363 or www.ronhotel.com

    Kosher Certificate: Mehadrin

    Note:

    This hotel is Sabbath Observant. Meals are Glatt Kosher (Rav Landau/ Eidah Hachareidis)

     

  • Off The Square

    Off The Square is situated in the perfect location, in the heart of the Artists’ Quarter, on a quiet cobbled lane. Close to the newly redesigned amphitheater of HaM‎a’ayan HaRadum Square, and just around the corner from the Maximilian Café and the General

    Exhibition Center. It is a three-minute walk to all the main attractions, synagogues of the Old City of Safed and galleries.

    Beautiful accommodation in the Artsits' Quarter of Safed.Off The Square consists of two large studio units, both with twin beds. Both have large kitchenettes with a dining area. There are hot plates and water urns for use on Shabbat. The Maayan unit has a sofa bed for a third guest.

    Both units have a large outside porch, with table and chairs, offering beautiful views of the Meron mountains and the Maayan HaRadum Square. There is also free wifi. There is free parking at the end of the cobbled street and the bus station is a 10-minute walk away.

    Contact

    You can email srscm20@gmail.com or phone 0504209778 for further Information and/or to make a reservation. Check out our Facebook page.

  • The Canaan Spa Hotel

    Perched on top of Mount Canaan overlooking the city of Safed is the Canaan Spa Hotel. This hotel is also a modern spa, designed to give you a complete vacation and a break from your daily routine. Neither children nor cell phones are allowed within the hotel so yo

    The Canaan Spa Hotelu don’t have to worry about any unwanted noise disturbing the peace and quiet.

    The Rooms

    With 120 rooms including 2 suites, the hotel is able to accommodate large groups as well as individuals. The regular rooms are of the standard you would expect in this type of hotel and have a variety of views, from Mount Meron to the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Robes and slippers are provided for all guests and you can feel comfortable walking around the hotel in them.

    The presidential suite has a sitting room with a fake log fire, leather seating, full screen plasma cable TV and DVD. The separate bedroom has adjustable beds and a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.

    The Spa And Swimming Pool

     

    The Spa is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm and offers a half size Olympic pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. There is a fully fitted fitness room with an instructor available at all times as well 15 treatment rooms with a large choice of treatments. (Treatment prices begin at 240 shks). The spa also has a Turkish Hammam (bath) with an attendant who will give you an authentic Turkish bath experience. In the wooded grounds opposite the hotel you can take a Tai Chi or yoga class, or take advantage of the tennis or basketball court if you prefer something more energetic.

    The Restaurant

    Unlike most hotels where you have to get up early to be in time for breakfast, and who wants to do that on vacation

    , the Canaan Spa offers a breakfast/brunch buffet from 7.30am until 3pm! There is no restriction on how many times you can come into the restaurant, so you can start your day with a coffee and croissant, have a full Israeli breakfast later on, and then enjoy a late lunch after a workout in the pool or a treatment in the spa. As well as this innovative idea, the hotel grows a lot of its own fruit and vegetables so the food is especially fresh.

    Evening meals (available from 7.00pm – 9.00pm) are also served buffet style, so the restaurant is where you can really indulge yourself almost all day! Around the hotel there are little tea corners where you can sit and relax while enjoying the peace and quiet.

    The Bar

    The hotel has a piano bar with a variety of evening entertainment.

    Conferences And Special Events

    The hotel offers excellent conference facilities which can be combined with an overnight stay or booked separately. There are also several function rooms suitable for private parties and celebrations so the hotel is well equipped to host several events at once.

    Booking

    The hotel is open all year round and prices vary from 1200 shks per night per couple in the middle of the week in the winter to 3400 for two nights during the weekend (Thursday and Friday) in the height of summer.

    Prices are for the room, evening meal and brunch. Check in is from 3.00p.m and check out 12.pm daily except for Shabbat (Saturday) when check out is after nightfall.

    For Sabbath observant guests there is a Shabbat elevator.

    The hotel is not open for guests on Saturday night.

    Contact

    Reservations 04 699 3000 or email canaansp@netvision.net.il

    Note:

    This is a no smoking hotel. Only children over the age of 14 are allowed.

    Kosher Certificate: Regular Rabbinut

     

  • Villas in Safed

    According to the dictionary definition, a villa is a large and luxurious country residence arranged  meeet this criteria.

    around a courtyard. In Tsfat, two placesVilla Galilee Hotel

     

    Villa Tiferet

    This villa in Safed is centrally located in the Artist’s Quarter of Safed. It is a 400 year-old renovated stone home that sleeps up to 14 guests in four bedrooms. A self catering home, the villa features a large, gourmet kosher kitchen, dining room that seats 14 and a living room with a wood burning fireplace, great for a cozy winter night. The rooms in the main house are set below dramatic soaring stone domes.

    Villa Tiferet is set around a lush courtyard with splashing fountain and a large rooftop that is ideal for viewing the sunset over Meiron. If you want a private, luxurious getaway for a family reunion or a simcha, choose this villa.

    The Villa Galilee

    Looking for a villa in a hotel? The Villa Galilee is a delightful bijoux boutique hotel situated on the Canaan Mountain, with magnificent views of Mount Meron in the distance, and is only a few minutes drive from the center of Safed. Decorated and furnished in French decor, this hotel is a pleasure to walk into. Open all the year round, it mainly caters to people who are looking for a restful getaway.

    The Rooms

    All the 21 guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a tea and mini bar, flat screen satellite TV, and a DVD player. The hotel has several choices of rooms including 3 beautifully furnished penthouse rooms each with a king size bed and a private terrace equipped with a Jacuzzi. The deluxe rooms also have king size beds, while the regular and superior rooms have queen or twin beds. Some of the rooms have the possibility of an extra bed if required. Each room is individually furnished and the deluxe and penthouse rooms have a tub as well as a shower in the bathroom.

    The Restaurant

    The hotel offers its rooms on a bed and breakfast basis, and serves a traditional buffet style Israeli breakfast in its charming restaurant. The Villa Galilee restaurant is kosher. In the evening the restaurant offers a la carte French bistro style menu for its clients and diners can expect to pay around 150 per person plus wine.

    Conference Room

    The hotel can host small conferences for 30-40 participants in its conference facilities. The conference room is equipped with wifi and the hotel provides everything to make the conference run smoothly. There is a private bar available in the evening after the day’s work is done.

    The Spa

    The hotel has 5 lovely treatment rooms and offers a wide variety of treatments. Guests are advised to book their treatment in advance, as the spa is very popular. A 45 minute treatment is around 250 shks. The spa also has a dry sauna which is available to all guests free of charge.

    The Pool

    The swimming pool which has a lifeguard is open every day from April to the end of September, 9.00am-6.00pm.

    Special Events

    It is possible to book the whole hotel for special events and celebrations.

    Disabled Access

    There is one room that is wheelchair accessible and the hotel has an elevator.

    Getting There

    If you are coming into Safed on road 89 you will see a sign for the hotel at the Biryya Junction. Keep on the 89 HaGalil road up the hill towards the top of Mount Canaan, pass the police station on your right and go left at the Canaan mall onto Hagedud Hashlishi.  The Villa Galilee will be on the right just before you reach the top of the hill.

    Booking

    Prices range from $200 (790 shks) for a standard room and breakfast in the low season to $350+ (1490shks) in the h

    igh season for a penthouse room.

    Tel 04 699 9563or email info@villa-galilee.com.

    Important:

    In keeping with the rules of many boutique hotels, only children over the age of 14 are allowed to stay as guests (except during the Jewish holidays).

    The Villa Galilee is kosher with a certificate from the Safed Rabinate. For more information, see the Villa Galilee web site.

  • Michael’s House

    The Artists Quarter

    The Artist Quarter of Tzfat is today, in many ways, a “mixed city”.  It is populated by large religious families who live peacefully with Tzfat’s artists and non-religious residents.  There is, however, a strong atmosphere of a religious community.Michael's House: A Guest House in the Heart of the Artists Quarter of Tzfat

    This, however, was not the way it was in the past.  Artists began to gravitate to Tzfat before the 1948 War of Independence, and after the war, Tzfat became an artists’ center of Israel. Many of Israel’s best known artists bought property in Tzfat, and the quarter next to the Old Jewish Quarter became the Artists Quarter.  The atmosphere was bohemian and secular. The coffee houses and restaurants of the main street stayed open till the wee hours of the morning, and pubs and bars flourished. During those years, the majority of the tourism

    to Tzfat centered around the art galleries, not, as today, the religious and historical sites of the city.

    Michael and Angie Alkov arrived in Tzfat in the early ’70s and in 1980, bought a dilapidated run-down house in the Artists Quarter, next to the well-known artist Amitai. At that time, there was only one other family living on their street. Everyone else was an artist, some of them quite famous. Michael, an architect, began to slowly renovate the existing rooms which date back 150 years while building other rooms.  Slowly the structure became a home for his family.

    One of the rooms that he built is constructed with wood, unusual in the area. The room sits on top of the roof, and is open on all sides with windows facing in all directions. This room was, for several years, a popular coffee house of the artists quarter, with Angie serving locals, tourists and the well-known artists on Saturday nights throughout the summer months. Old-timers still speak of eating at Angie’s as a high point of their summers.

    Michael’s House

    As the family grew, they began to migrate from Tzfat, but today, Michael and Angie’s eldest daughter, Sarai, has returned to run Michael’s House, a 3-unit guest room. Each room is unique – the wooden rooftop “Tree House” is ideal for a couple (“I’ve had a number of honeymooners come to stay here” Sarai says “and that room is perfect for them”), while the other two rooms, with yards and lofts, are easy for families – one with 4 beds and one with 7.

    Each unit has a kitchenette with Shabbat amenities, shower/toilet, coffee corner, cable TV and central air conditioning/heating. The house is located within a 5-minute walk of the Old Jewish Quarter, and, in the other direction, a 5-minute walk from the main commercial section of town. The units are detached from each other, yet close enough so that families find it comfortable to rent a few units at the same time and vacation together.

    For more information about the Guest House, contact Sarai at 972-(0)52-6334532

  • Bernstein Guest House

    Many people come to Tzfat for the Old City experience. The synagogues,  galleries,  lanes and alleys beckon them,

    Bernstein House

    and that’s the atmosphere that they want to immerse themselves in while they’re in Tzfat.

    Rural and Relaxing

    Others, however, are looking for a different kind of vacation. They want to be in a rural area with wide open spaces, expansive views and a feeling of village life.

    For those visitors, The Bernstein House, located in the northern Tzfat neighborhood of Neve Oranim/Ramat Razim is a perfect answer. The Bernstein House and Holiday apartment allows visitors to sit and relax in a comfortable and refreshing area while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee below.

    The neighborhood is located along the windy road between Tzfat and Rosh Pinna , across the road from the famous health resort, Mitzpe HaYamim.

    The apartment is perfect for a couple or a small family. The bedroom is bright and airy, with a tastefully decorated bedroom for a couple. The windows look out onto the rolling Galilee hills, and a fresh cross breeze allows guests to take advantage of Israel’s gentle northern winds. Air conditioning is available for the hottest weather, but the “natural” air conditioning of the area makes this hardly necessary.

    The Bernstein House has a large living room and dining room allowing guests the opportunity to sit together for meals and evening relaxation, with cable TV and a DVD available for guests’ enjoyment. The kitchen is fully equipped, allowing gu

    ests the freedom to prepare their own meals and eat at their leisure.

    Outdoor Jacuzzi

    The apartment’s balcony is its crowning glory, with lawn chairs and a table to sit at and overlook Lake Kinneret . The Jacuzzi is also located on the balcony, which is a treat for those who want to cool off while enjoying the view.

    Grocery stores, restaurants, coffee houses, a pharmacy, and all other necessities are located within a five-minute drive of the Bernstein House. The Bernstein House is an ideal vacation location for couples and small families, as well as business travelers looking for a quiet place for relaxation and concentration.

    The proprietress will be happy to arrange additional activities, including massages, holistic healing sessions, meals, private transportation, guided tours and recreation activities.

    To contact Shelley, call 972 -4- 6827698 or Cell Phone: 972-54 682769
    E Mail: shelly@harelart.co.il

  • The Sofer House

    Family Travel

    Many large families will admit that they don’t travel very often. There are a variety of

    Sofer Guest House

    reasons – the children don’t travel well, it’s expensive, it’s hard to find accommodations that cater to large families and are comfortable for families with young children, parents

    worry about their children’s’ behavior in a hotel, etc.

    In Israel, where large families are quite common, many tourist sites and hotels attempt to cater to them, both in price and in comfort.

    In Tzfat, one option for accommodation for families who are looking for a nice vacation without the attendant worries is the Sofer Guest House. The Sofer Guest House is centrally located in the Artists Quarter, near the synagogues and religious sites of the Old City, near the galleries of the Artist Quarter, and near the shops and stores of Jerusalem Street,  Tzfat’s commercial center.

    Sofer House

    The Sofer House is situated on Keren HaYesod Street, with parking directly next to the house. Four bedrooms offer privacy to guests, while a central dining room, living room and kitchen make it easy for a family to prepare and eat their meals together, sit together to relax and simply to feel at home.

    Each bedroom at the Sofer House has 2 beds, and extra beds can be set up as well. The house is clean and airy. Its construction, in the old style of thick stone walls and a domed ceiling, make it easily cooled in the summertime and heated in the wintertime.

    In addition to the large living space, the Sofer House also has a courtyard and garden, making relaxing outside easy and attractive. The house faces Wadi Amud, the valley surrounding Tzfat, and as one stands in the courtyard outside the house, one can gaze for hours at the surrounding mountains or watch the sun set over Mount Meron to the west.

    The Sofer House is set up for families or groups who wish to come for Shabbat or holidays. The kitchen allows gues

    ts to prepare their own food, or bring in food which can be heated on the available hot plate. A large hot water urn provides hot water for hot drinks on Shabbat, and the Sofers, the hosts, will assist guests in setting up the Shabat clocks which are installed throughout the house.

    Many families have found their vacations enhanced by the availability of the Sofer House, where their children could play freely and happily with plenty of space without the worry of the noise bothering other guests.

    The Sofers can be contacted (in Hebrew) at (050)4114-134. For assistance with English bookings, the Sofer House can be contacted through laurierappeport@gmail.com

  • Artist Quarter Guesthouse (B & B)

    If you are looking for a place to stay with ancient Tzfat charm and modern amenities in the Artist Quarter of the Old City of Tz

    Artist Quater GuestHousefat, the Artist Quarter Guesthouse is the place for you. Quietly situated at the end of an alleyway, yet close to parking, this guesthouse is centrally located–just a few minutes walk away from synagogues, galleries, the main shopping area and restaurants. The guesthou

    se has a private entrance and shares a courtyard with the friendly and helpful owners and hosts, the Strausses. The guesthouse is beautiful, clean and newly renovated, and is completely set up for shomer shabbat/shomer mitzvot guests.

    Accommodations

    The walls and domed ceiling of the guesthouse are of stone, so you have a taste of classic Tzfat ambiance-complete with Moroccan lamps and beautiful stained glass in the arched windows and door. The airy room has incredible natural lighting, with curtains for privacy and for those who wish to sleep during the day. There are two single beds that can either be separated or connected together, plus a pull-out couch to accommodate more guests. There is a dining area to comfortably celebrate your shabbat meal or work on your computer using the guesthouse’s free Wi-Fi internet connection. Central air conditioning and heating along with the thick stone walls regulate the temperature quite well.

    The kitchenette has a window looking into the courtyard, and is equipped with a refrigerator, electric kettle, shabbat hot water urn and electric hot plate. The kitchenette is stocked with coffee, tea, sugar and milk. Dairy dishes are provided as well as a considerable amount of disposables to avoid problems with kashrut. There is a private bathroom with soap, shampoo and conditioner for your convenience. To keep your things organized and out of the way there is a separate closet to unpack your belongings, hang clothes and place your luggage. There are candles and candlesticks for shabbat, as well as water basins and cups for ritualistic hand washing.

    Rates

    Rates for two people are 350 shks/night or 400 shks/night for just Friday night. For each additional person the rate is 75 shks. Children of all ages are welcome, and children ages 2 and under are free of charge. Discounts are offered for longer stays.

    Dining

    Arrangements have been made for you to enjoy a full breakfast a few minutes walk away at M Bagel restaurant on the main street of Tzfat for an additional discounted fee of 35 shks per person. The breakfast includes eggs prepared in any style, a bagel with cream cheese and butter, a salad of your choice and a large coffee, tea or cold drink. Their kosher certification is Mehadrin.

    In addition, the Strausses cater complete Shabbat meals from their kosher kitchen for their guests for an additional 100 shks per person per meal. Arrangements need to be made by noon on Thursday.

    Women’s Massage

    Women are welcome to relax and enjoy a massage with Guesthouse co-owner, Joy Strauss. Joy offers a Swedish massage in which she incorporates acupressure, foot reflexology and craniosacral therapy into her massages. Joy’s training is through the Holistic Health Program at the University of California at Santa Cruz. She works on women of all ages and with different physical issues. A one hour massage is 200 shks.

    Booking

    To book or for further inquiries, please call 077-524-0235, cell phones 050-410-7469, 050-410-7468, or email joyevan@netvision.net.il. Also, please see more photos on our facebook page.