8 Best Hotels in Lower Galilee, Israel

On-site parking and a central location attracts young and budget-watching tourists to this small, family-owned boutique hotel, one of Tiberias’s newer hotels. It's a short walk to the lakefront promenade and nightlife. Clean and fresh with an attractive breakfast buffet included in the room price, this hotel has a warm service staff that make you feel at home.

Its grand location—with a private beach right on the Sea of Galilee—makes this kibbutz guesthouse near Tiberias especially popular. It's warm and inviting, with spacious balconies looking out over the lake. There is a morning tour of the lovely grounds, and the nearby Yigal Alon Museum is free to guests. The dinner buffet includes both meat and vegetarian choices, the latter including outstanding blintzes with sweetened cheese. There are 168 standard and deluxe rooms and 75 simple country lodging rooms suitable for families. A more upscale property, the Nof Ginosar Hotel, is also at the same location, with different facilities.

With a peaceful rural location high on a mountain, the relaxed kibbutz atmosphere of this hotel mainly caters to Jewish religious travelers and family groups. Many of the spacious guest rooms feature spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. A full-service restaurant, a tennis court, an indoor swimming pool (separate bathing hours for men and women), a health club, and a playground are some of the on-site attractions. Ask to see the synagogue-furniture factory and the unique apparatus set up in the cowsheds to milk the cows on Saturday without violating the Sabbath. The furnishings in rooms are basic but comfortable. The wireless Internet is free.

Cascading down a hillside, this all-inclusive, all-suites hotel boasts an unimpeded view of the lake. The spacious units sleep at least four, and the rate is the same up to that number. This classic vacation property, part of the international Leonardo chain, has a cheerful, upbeat style, an all-season team to engage kids, and a good health club to relax parents. Downtown is less than 10 minutes away by car or cab.

At the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, this kibbutz has arguably the most enchanting view of all the properties around the lake. The furnishings are comfortable but not luxurious. Choose between regular guest rooms or spacious suites with living rooms, small bedrooms, kitchenettes, and patios. The food isn't memorable, but the facilities—extensive lawns, sandy beach, swimming pool near the shore—make it the best deal around. There is a smaller pool and play area for kids. Complete your trip by renting a bike and taking in the scenery while you ride.

The imposing stone facade of the Nazareth Plaza is the first hint that the city has finally acquired an upscale hotel. Many of the guest rooms at this hillside location enjoy views of the Old City. A huge gym and an outdoor swimming pool are big draws, as is the well-regarded restaurant. The hotel arranges a free tour of the Old City on Saturday for guests.

The family-run establishment is the northernmost hotel in Tiberias and has rare private lake frontage, though no beach. Most guest rooms are in a two-story building facing the water. The upper floor is made up of suites; the lower floor opens out to lawns and the pool area. There are also several large family rooms. All in all, it's a great value.

Yehuda Avni and his Jerusalem-born wife Yonah have created something special in Israel: a ranch where guests can ride horses during the day and retire to cozy rooms at night. The one-room cabins and more luxurious cottages combine wood and basalt rock, and some have wood-burning stoves and hot tubs overlooking the lake. Spa treatments are also available. The restaurant has a fine regional reputation for its hearty soups, salads, and steaks. The views of the Sea of Galilee are unbelievable. Nonguests can ride here as well.