4 Best Hotels in Akko, Haifa and the Northern Coast

Two notable Ottoman-era palaces overlooking the Mediterranean have been united to form this uniquely charming boutique hotel. The tastefully furnished guest rooms are made more special by ornamented ceilings and latticed woodwork. Efendi's lovely setting is the result of work by a joint team of Venetian and Israeli artisans, who restored the two historic homes—erected over a Crusader vault—with great attention to detail, adding chic, modern elements to the opulent frame. While the old Crusader vault is now the wine cellar and bar, don't miss the restored 1878 fresco of the city of Istanbul, which was found during the renovation. From the gourmet breakfast to a massage in the renovated 400-year-old hammam, service is impeccable.

At this three-story hostelry inside a former Turkish police station, original wooden doors lead in to a small lobby, where a painted plaster rosette decorates the gold ceiling. The lavish old-world design has received some updates—original bathrooms are beautifully modernized—but original stonework remains in the windows and walls. Double rooms are decorated in brown, caramel, and beige, and net curtains embroidered with flowers frame the windows. Each of the five family rooms has a loft with two beds so four people can settle in comfortably. The rooftop café showcases the lovely skyline of Old Akko.

Founded in 1963, this ecumenical Christian settlement—whose name, which means "Sign of the Nations," is taken from Isaiah—between Akko and Nahariya focuses on mutual respect and tolerance; it also runs a hotel, where you're invited to chat with members of the community, who are also happy to take you around the beautifully landscaped grounds. Lodging options are either standard rooms or kibbutz apartments with kitchenettes. The setting, 10 km (6 miles) north of Akko, is picturesque and rural, once you get past the dismal approach road.

A private beach with exceptional views and a country club with state-of-the-art facilities make this hotel a great deal, especially for families. There's a huge outdoor pool in a sprawling grassy area where wooden walkways lead down to the curving bay. The views are fantastic: on one side you can see Old Akko's blue domes, skinny minarets, and stone walls; on the other, the Carmel mountains behind Haifa. For youngsters there's a children's pool, and for adults a Turkish bath with wet and dry saunas. There's also a bar in the cheerful lobby.