The Best Hotels in Nazareth for Every Traveler

The biblical city of Nazareth is steeped in tradition and history
The biblical city of Nazareth is steeped in tradition and history | © Fred Froese / iStock Getty Images Plus
Mandi Keighran

The largest city in Israel is perhaps best known as the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would bear the Son of God – and its many religious sights attract visitors from around the world. The atmospheric Old City is home to a traditional produce market, as well as many of the city’s hotels. Planning a trip to this biblical city? Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Nazareth, from backpacker hostels to charming guesthouses.

1. Legacy Nazareth Hotel

Hotel

The stylish bar at Legacy Nazareth Hotel.
Courtesy of Legacy Nazareth Hotel / Booking.com

Located near the famous Basilica of the Annunciation and the vibrant market, this hotel is ideal for travellers who want to discover the authentic side of Nazareth. There are 100 colourful rooms and suites over five floors, with mountain or Basilica views, and connecting rooms are available for families or friends. Discover the storied history of the city through the artwork displayed throughout the hotel, and sample Israeli cuisine at the open kitchen of the Souk Dining Room, which is inspired by local markets. Celebrating a special occasion? Book a table at Oud restaurant. Chef Johnny Goric serves up dishes such as lamb dolma and il basha w asakro dumplings.

2. Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels

Hostel

The 18th century stone exterior of Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels / Expedia.com

Backpacking around Israel or planning a visit to Nazareth on a budget? This affordable hostel offers guests the option of shared mixed or female dorms, or private rooms with a complimentary breakfast. There are even family rooms that can sleep up to six. While the rooms are simply furnished, they’re not lacking in style – think ornate timber panels, vaulted stone ceilings and colourful woven rugs. The owners also offer a variety of activities, such as historical walking tours of Nazareth, or beer and wine tasting in neighbouring Galilee.

3. Golden Crown Old City Hotel

Hotel

Spacious and modern double room at the Golden Crown Old City Hotel in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Golden Crown Old City Hotel / Expedia.com

Interested in trying Arabic produce at one of Israel’s most famous markets? This comfortable hotel in the Old City is just a 10-minute walk from Nazareth’s traditional shuk (market), which attracts Israelis from across the country for its produce. It’s also just minutes from Mary’s Well which, according to the Catholic tradition, is the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced she would bear the Son of God. There are 100 rooms, each with a large bed and an ergonomically designed desk perfect for business travellers. In the evening, drop by the Piano Bar to enjoy a glass of local wine from one of the many boutique wineries surrounding the city.

5. Mensa Christi Hotel

Guesthouse

Cosy lounge with a stone fireplace, chess board and plush armchairs at Mensa Christi Hotel in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Mensa Christi Hotel / Expedia.com

This friendly guesthouse is found in the Latin Quarter, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Nazareth. It takes its name from the neighbouring 19th-century Mensa Christi Church, which is home to a block of limestone that, according to legend, once served as a table for Jesus and his disciples. The terracotta-domed hotel is in a 120-year-old former residence that is typical of a Nazareth home, with a large living room in the centre and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and with views to the Gilboa Mountains. The rooms have been renovated to preserve and highlight the traditional construction, and range from single rooms for solo travellers, and doubles for couples, to quadruple rooms with four single beds beneath a vaulted stone ceiling.

6. Nazareth Hostel Al Nabaa

Hostel

Outdoor terrace at Nazareth Hostel Al Nabaa.
Courtesy of Nazareth Hostel Al Nabaa / Expedia.com

This friendly hostel in the Old City has just five rooms – three private rooms with ensuites that are ideal for either couples or solo travellers in search of their own space, or families, and three dorm rooms with security lockers and shared bathrooms. There’s also a large main living area, a terrace and a courtyard with views to the Mensa Christi church. The hostel is owned and managed by Tony Kheshibun and his family, who cook up an Israeli-style breakfast each morning that previous guests pick out as being one of the highlights of a stay here.

7. Alexandra House Nazareth

Guesthouse

Bright and spacious double room at Alexandra House Hotel in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Alexandra House Nazareth / UKHotels.com

Looking for accommodation in Nazareth that feels more like a home than a hotel? This charming guesthouse in the Old City was previously the home of the owner’s aunt, Alexandra, who lived here for more than 70 years. When her nephew bought the house, he restored it based on her recollections of what it was originally like, and the walls are adorned with paintings done by her. The three guest rooms are also named after people from the owner’s life – Amal’s Room is a double room named after an aunt who gifted the room’s impressive copper chandelier; Mary’s Studio sleeps three and is named after the owner’s mother-in-law; and Linda’s Room, which also sleeps three, is named after a volunteer who worked in the city for many years.

8. Hassan Guest House

Guesthouse

Double room at Hassan Guest House Hotel in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Hassan Guest House / Booking.com

If you’re visiting Nazareth on a budget, and you’re on the search for simple, comfortable and convenient accommodation, this guesthouse 400m from the Old City could be just the ticket. There are double rooms, ideal for couples and singles, and large quadruple rooms for families or groups of friends. Each room has air conditioning, a private bathroom, a seating area and either a balcony or a patio. It’s also conveniently located near several popular attractions, including the Basilica of the Annunciation, Christ Church and St Gabriel’s Church.

9. La Casetta Guesthouse

Guesthouse

Bright double room decorated with simple furnishings at La Casetta Guesthouse in Nazareth.
Courtesy of La Casetta Guesthouse / Booking.com

This homely guesthouse is located in the centre of Nazareth, by the entrance to the Old City and next to the Basilica of the Annunciation church, one of the city’s main attractions – famous as it’s built on the alleged site of the Virgin Mary’s home. The family-run hostel is suited to both backpackers and families on a budget, and has two large family rooms and four dorm rooms. The rooms are air conditioned, and are decorated with colourful rugs and hand-embroidered cushions that add a warm touch.

10. Villa Nazareth Hotel

Guesthouse

Lounge with traditional furnishings at Villa Nazareth Hotel.
Courtesy of Villa Nazareth Hotel / Expedia.com

This charming stone hotel is popular with couples. It has 18 spacious double and triple rooms, each with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Breakfast is buffet style, and includes a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, and there’s a restaurant and bar on site that serves local dishes in the evening – think dates, olives, yoghurt and falafel. On colder evenings the owners will light the large fire, creating a cosy atmosphere for diners. There’s also a pretty courtyard where guests can enjoy free soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout the day. It’s just 180m to the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church, and the friendly owners are happy to help plan your itinerary.

11. Royal Guest House

Guesthouse

Double room offering impressive city views at the Royal Guest House Hotel in Nazareth.
Courtesy of Royal Guest House / Expedia.com

Situated just three minutes from Christ Church, this affordable guest house in a contemporary new building is ideal for those looking for accommodation with self-catering facilities. All rooms have a kettle and refrigerator, and there is a shared kitchen guests can use. The wide variety of rooms caters to all kinds of travellers, including an expansive suite with five single beds, a spa bath and a furnished balcony with city views that’s ideal for families or groups.

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