Tzuba Hotel

Avi Levi turned what was close to a really disappointing day into a nice brunch. We'd driven an hour and a half and had a reservation, but our brunch voucher didn't work at first. The receptionist felt quite unwelcoming and sent us away to sort it out, even though customer service wasn't available on Friday. Avi, the manager, took a photo of the voucher so he could handle it later and welcomed us in. The food had a good range of options, and the balcony view was exceptional. It was lovely to stroll around after eating. Thanks, Avi, you made a real difference that day. We came just for brunch, so I can't comment on the rooms.

The chocolate-making class was the one bright spot. Everything else about this birthday trip with my wife and our three young children was stressful, and it was our first visit to the kibbutz. The family suite felt worn down, with stained towels and dirty walls. I asked before we arrived whether it had a bath, which mattered with three little kids, but got no reply. When we learned there wasn't one, staff offered a portable bath. We agreed, but it never showed up before we left for an activity, or later, despite reminding reception. With limited time and a one-year-old, we had to manage with a shower. At checkout, staff didn't apologize and blamed us for not reminding them enough. We also got no useful reply to several WhatsApp messages before arrival, just an automated response until the day we showed up. The hotel advertises this service, so I don't understand the point if questions go unanswered. At night, groups of soldiers were placed right below our room. They sang karaoke late, walked around topless, then played music again from 6:30 a.m. Reception excused it but offered no help or apology. The soldiers have every right to relax and have fun, but putting them beside families showed no consideration or planning while we were trying to get our children to sleep. The kibbutz theme park was poorly run too. Staff seemed not to care, ignored smoking rules, and left the soft play areas full of crisps and wrappers despite signs saying food wasn't allowed. After many years of travel, this was one of my worst hotel stays: disorganized, dirty, inattentive, and stressful. We paid a premium and got little regard for families or guest comfort. I can't believe this is marketed as family friendly. Save yourself the disappointment and go somewhere that values its guests.

The rooms are suites, and families make good use of them along with the children's park and pool in the kibbutz. Each room has a pleasant patio for sitting and reading, and nights were quiet and peaceful. We enjoyed a walk around the kibbutz on Friday, popped over to the local mall, then came back to the hotel's very nice pool. Breakfast and Shabbat dinner were more toned down than at other hotels, but still very good. On Thursday, we went to Greek Night at the Tzuba Winery, which was wonderful, with good food, fine wine, and great music. The kibbutz is just outside Jerusalem, so it's easy enough to reach. We had a very nice time!

The pools were a hit, especially the smaller one for toddlers, and the hotel has a really nice view. Kiftsuba is about a 7-minute walk away. We only had breakfast, which was very nice and had plenty of variety. The staff were welcoming, and I especially want to mention Avi at the front desk. When our baby son got sick in the middle of the night, he did everything he could to help, and then some. Service was of a high standard. It's one of the best vacation spots near the center of Israel.