Hanasi 129 - Boutique Apartments

Mercaz Ha'Carmel is a safe, lively neighborhood in the evenings, with a taxi stand right across the street and lots of public transport buses that can take you around Haifa. The apartment is within walking distance of many places: the Yeh'ffe Noff promenade, with gorgeous harbor and Bahai complex views; the cinematheque for films and concerts; Gan Ha'Emm park; and the Carmelit subway. There are good restaurants nearby too, including Giraffe for Asian food, Mona's for superb Kenafeh, and Gal's Bakery, where breakfast can be had in a secluded garden. The apartment is clean and furnished in a contemporary European style, with a comfy king-size bed, a good shower and bathroom, good Wi-Fi, and a small kitchenette for making quick coffee or warming meals. Owner Kobi was helpful, responsive to all my questions, and flexible about checkout, though we never met in person. There isn't a view from the windows, and there's some evening noise from the bar downstairs. The surroundings are a bit funky and unkempt, with stray cats making their home on the ledges. That didn't bother us, though it might feel strange to an American.

Haifa’s best views and plenty to do are close by, from the Bahá'í Gardens and the Haifa Auditorium to the Zoo, shops, pharmacies, groceries, and places to eat. Taxis and transit make it easy to go farther too. The accommodation itself was quiet, comfortable, and clean, right in a really desirable spot. Eddy, the owner, and Kobi, the manager, were friendly and professional, and went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough. Highly recommend.

The apartment was simple and nice, and the central location worked well. I’d stay here again.

A great place to stay.