Friends Hostel

The beds were clean and comfortable, and the hostel is right in the center of town. What really made the stay, though, was Akram. He’s welcoming and genuinely cares about helping guests understand everyday life in Hebron. I can’t recommend the place enough.

I only had one night here and wish I’d been able to stay longer. The terrace was lovely, and the place felt clean and comfortable. More than anything, being here became the highlight of my trip to Palestine. Akram, the owner, was warm, open-minded and so hospitable. He suggested things for my friend and me to see in Hebron, then welcomed us to his family’s traditional Friday lunch. I was deeply grateful and honored to share that experience. Friends Hostel really lives up to its name. It felt like home, not a hostel.

This was my second visit, and the owners were just as welcoming and friendly. The place feels warm, like you belong there. The owner even invites guests to his home for a delicious traditional lunch and spends time with them. If you’re after a luxurious private stay, look elsewhere.

The location is hard to beat, right in the souq and just a few minutes on foot from the old city. The hostel also had a lively social atmosphere when I was there, with plenty of other travelers around. Akram knows a lot about what’s happening in Hebron and its history, and he and his friends invited me for tea, coffee and sheesha. He can also connect guests with local people, which helped me get a deeper understanding of the situation. The male dorm felt a bit cramped, and some of the facilities are old. Still, the hostel is very cost-effective, and I’d recommend it for the hospitality and location.