Leonardo Plaza Hotel Tiberias

The room was clean and otherwise comfortable, and the location was very central with a beautiful view of the Sea of Galilee. But we kept having trouble with the hot water. It was hard to reach reception: one phone line was always busy, and the phone in the connected room had no dial tone. Maintenance came after we got through, but following the first fix, the water stayed hot for only about five minutes before turning cold. It happened again after a second fix and was never properly resolved. Hot water and reachable reception are basic expectations at a hotel, so this was disappointing. Better maintenance and communication would make for a much better stay.

Breakfast had a huge range of high-quality options, from the omelette station and fruit spread to several kinds of fresh bread. At check-in, we appreciated the drinks and snacks in the lobby, including cookies and dates. The property was clean and smelled pleasant throughout, and our room was ready for us. Bathroom amenities were good quality too. The pool was large and fun for the kids. Ossi from the pool staff was friendly and attentive to our family. He even reminded a nearby smoker to use the designated area. The spa services looked amazing, and I wish we'd had more time to try them.

The service was awful from the moment I arrived. There was no parking, and when I tried to unload all my luggage, they told me to move the car before I'd even checked in. Parking has to be paid through an app, which you can't use without an Israeli phone number, leaving you at risk of getting a fine. They charged me an extra 600 ILS because I hadn't noted on the reservation that I was bringing my baby. The staff were not friendly, and most of them, including at the check-in desk, couldn't speak English.

The hotel is nice overall, but finding two single beds instead of a queen or king was very disappointing. I don't understand the point of that arrangement. It really takes away from the comfort and the experience.