Nzar Khoury For Hosting

Breakfast on the terrace was a real highlight, with Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea spread out in front of us. The rooms are basic but clean and had everything we needed. Staying here also meant getting to know a real local, who shared stories about Israel's history and current situation and, when asked, showed us the Old City's narrow lanes. Just brilliant.

The terrace overlooking the Mediterranean was lovely, and the beer in the fridge made it even better. Our host Nzar was knowledgeable and gave us a few quick pointers for sightseeing. The rooms have a simple, atmospheric feel in an old local house. Finding the entrance took a bit of effort, as you need to walk up one of the little alleys from the waterfront.

We only wish we could have stayed longer. The house is Nzar's old family home, with a lovely terrace looking toward the sea and lighthouse. He treated us like family, let us use rooms in the morning, welcomed us with snacks, and even drove us to the gardens and the train station.

I stayed for a whole month, and the owner clearly wants guests to have a good stay. The beds were comfortable and the rooms spotless. There’s a great patio facing the ocean for sunset, and the kitchen was stocked with goodies. It was affordable, too.