5 Best Hotels in Nazareth, Lower Galilee

A 200-year-old mansion in the heart of the Old City, this inn has rooms with soaring ceilings that are perfect for couples or families, especially since some rooms are spacious (some are dorm style). A traditional Arab breakfast is served in the communal dining hall, where you meet a variety of local and international travelers. The inn is the starting point for the popular Jesus Trail hiking trip, organized by the staff. The hotel is difficult to find, so call when you arrive in the city to have the staff pick you up.

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.

Most of the action here is underground, where the adjoining bar, lounge, and dining room add a bit of buzz. Guest rooms are comfortable and well appointed; ask for one on the fourth floor so you'll have a balcony. Service is attentive, as you would expect from a national hotel chain. The location—on Nazareth's main street, very close to Mary's Well—is a limited blessing; this is not a town that comes alive at night.

High on the ridge that overlooks Nazareth, this hotel began life as a convent—hence the charming neo-Gothic church still in use on the property today. Renovations transformed the former nuns' cells into comfortably sized guest rooms, and many enjoy some of the city's greatest views. The reception area is furnished with inlaid tables, chairs, and mirrors in the old Damascene style, and the dining room prides itself on its local dishes. The garden and view are perfect for unwinding at sundown.

A restored schoolhouse, this charming boutique hotel in Mary’s Well Square is a perfect place to base your Nazareth visit. It's around the corner from St. Gabriel's Church and a five-minute walk from the old market and popular tourist sites. Sparkling, simply decorated rooms and great service make this a destination many return to time and again.