Often tucked behind large stone walls or beneath the stone passageways and store fronts of well beaten side streets, one can find unobtrusive yet architecturally stunning buildings that are actually unique guesthouses run by Christian churches from the around the world. Ranging from the small indiscreet 4-unit Rosary Sisters in the Old City of Jerusalem, down the street from the Latin Patriarchate, to the tucked away converted guest house of St. Charles located in quite hip Jerusalem Germany Colony neighborhood, to the lovely Pilgerhaus set on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Christian guesthouses have endured quietly and for many centuries within the Holy Land.
These intimate lodgings, available for advance bookings of 7 or more rooms, are similar to historic inns and can be found in major Christian cities or regions of interest including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth.
Photo credit: Travelujah – Rosary Sisters Guesthouse Ein Karem
Guesthouses range in size from just 15 up to 150 rooms and offer modest amenities; breakfast, clean rooms with two or more single beds, towels, and an on site chapel. Beautiful gardens or meditative areas are abundant. Most of all you’ll find an incredibly warm and welcoming staff – often sisters of one of the many diverse Christian orders in the world. From the French-run Franciscan de Marie, Stella Maris and Maison D’Abraham to the German-run St. Charles, Pilgerhaus or Paulus Haus – there is a guesthouse to suit your background or interest. Protestant-oriented guesthouses include Beit Bracha, Beit Immanuel, or Yad Hashmona or the very reasonably priced Jerusalem Hills Inn. CMJ-Israel runs Beit Bracha, Christ Church and Beit Immanuel, situated in the upcoming trendy American Colony neighborhood of Tel Aviv. People of every faith and denomination are welcome at any of the guesthouses. But be forewarned: vacancy is extremely limited and reservations are highly recommended at least six months in advance. Group reservations do have strong preference over individuals so if you are a group of at least seven or more people, it will be extremely difficult to confirm a reservation during any peak period (October through June).
To view the Christian guesthouses in various areas of the Holy Land please check out the guide section of our site.
Christian Guesthouses provide a warm and peaceful atmosphere and make for a unique and unforgettable experience to the Holy Land. The properties are generally managed by representative nuns from different orders who go out of their way to make themselves available for conversation, learning or discussion for those who are curious. To learn more about the Christian guesthouses in the Holy Land and how to include these accommodations on your next group tour please contact us.
