When flying is not over, we visited two hotels that made us feel like abroad • This is what vacation looks like in the era of the Corona restrictions

• Exceptional experience - Edmund Hotel

  Photo: 

  Uri Ackerman

For months they were edited, excited, shining and waiting - but then came the Corona virus, and the opening of the summer season in hotels was postponed time and time again. When some of the restrictions were removed in early May, the industry's employees again had to recalculate the route, and prepare for holiday accommodation in accordance with the Ministry of Health's guidelines.

The Edmund Hotel in Rosh Pina was able to open twice in about six months. For the first time, the hotel opened last November and had to close due to the outbreak of the virus. We visited him on his second opening day, where guests were invited to his 66 fine rooms, under the Ministry of Health's purple character limits of course. From its location near the shopping center at the end of the Galilee Colony, it overlooks the beautiful views of the Golan and Galilee, and offers a beautiful courtyard with a clean design line, centered by an inviting pool. The hotel is designed for adults and youth only 14 years old, so the pastoral and quiet atmosphere is very noticeable, and is suitable for a relaxing double weekend.

Indulgence - and cleanliness

The hotel provides a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. From the moment you enter the compound, there is a sense of adherence to the guidelines. Transparent partitions in the reception stand separated us from the receptionists who wore masks, measured our bodies heat and signed us to a health statement.

We also received a sign explaining that in public areas guests should also wear masks. We later realized that this section was less meticulous throughout the hotel, but it less bothered us as we felt it was very spacious and did not require proximity to other guests. In elevators for example, we made sure to keep our "capsule", and avoid getting in with guests or hotel employees even if it required a little longer waiting. "The Edmund Hotel boasts an outstanding level of cleanliness and so will the strict hygiene rules," said hotel manager Omar Porat in a conversation with us.

Wine workshop and cylindrical dishes

Indeed, for the duration of our stay, for a moment we did not feel that we had to be overly cautious or avoid any activity offered by the hotel, to take advantage of the use of the hot tub and sauna (not to worry, there is also a dry sauna). Aside from the beautifully clean rooms, the public areas of the hotel are spacious and allow for a safe feeling of social remoteness. In the lobby of the hotel is an elegant bar, and on the restaurant floor are conference halls, a small gym overlooking the pool and a spa center. Another floor - a wine room where you can participate in a funny NIS 25 environmental winery workshop, which also includes a cheese plate in a cylindrical production.

The hotel restaurant is built from the inside and a closed and air-conditioned balcony that leads out into the courtyard so that dinner and morning can be eaten almost by the pool. The restaurant's dishes are meticulous and include locally sourced ingredients. The tables in the room were arranged at the required intervals and the entire staff wore masks and gloves and made sure of perfect cleaning. The hot dishes were served by the team to a polished bamboo plates, and the salads were divided into small self-serving plates and plates for taking to the tables. It should be noted that the intervals between the waiting and the buffet were also carefully maintained. The breads were spread and wrapped separately so that each diner could choose what to take with him to the table without waiting alongside other diners or fearing a hand touch on the food itself.

The view makes the difference

On our way to our next destination at the tower junction, north of Tiberias, we enjoyed the stunning view of the Kinneret after the blessed winter, looking full and inviting. It is recommended to stop for a dip in the Ein Ayoub spring near Kfar Nahum, where a small waterfall spills into the Sea of ​​Galilee and provides clean, cool water.

Also a magnificent hotel, which at the foot of Mount Arbel twice opened its doors in a few months. From the end of 2019 until it was forced to close for three months, the Sea of ​​Galilee hotel hosted many tourists from around the world - but Israelis did not. With the reopening, the hotel has adapted its hospitality to suit the Israeli audience.

When the hotel was built, the tower of the Old City, dating from the first century AD, was exposed. According to sources, Maria Magdalena lives there and is therefore of great value to foreign tourists. After the discovery, the hotel's construction was designed in accordance with the excavations and the discovered finds, so that a variety of corners in the hotel can look at the antiques and really feel the history under your feet. The highlight of the archaeological garden - an ancient synagogue, can already be viewed from the entrance lobby. The building is the most preserved of the seven synagogues found in Israel from that period, and can be viewed with a spectacular mosaic and special stone on which all the temple's markings such as the lamp and the oil urn. In the excavation area there are paths and lighting, as well as signs explaining life here then. You can also sign up for on-site tutorials throughout the day.

Here, too, the Ministry of Health is kept relatively carefully. The large and impressive lobby has been dedicated to keeping distance, installing partitions, signage with instruction, alcohol at every corner and of course - masks. We felt less secure in using the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, where it was more difficult to maintain a distance between the chairs and the ones that lingered inside it.

The weak points - in the pool and at breakfast

The hotel design is special and impressive. From every corner of the beautiful courtyard, one can gaze at the impressive Arbel Cliff, and sprinkle in it fountains, the landscaping in good taste. The 150 spacious rooms have been carefully designed, including contemporary furniture in natural tones, which delivers a pleasant and serene atmosphere. In the area of ​​the hotel, near the Sea of ​​Galilee, there is a spiritual center called "Doc in Elthom". We were a little disappointed when we realized that the hotel, despite its location on almost the water's edge - has no regulated entrance for bathers. When asked about this we responded that the beach is under the responsibility of the Kinneret Authority and is a public area. So even if the authority would make the beach regulated - it would be open to the public and not just hotel guests.

Another small weakness was discovered at breakfast when the seating was not properly done and a large load was felt causing the dishes to be taken out of the kitchen to the open buffet for guests and tables. Here, too, the salads and dishes were served in bowls and personal saucers. Eggs were served on the table upon request and so was a basket of breads and pastries. The food itself was very tasty and fresh. The disorganization may have been because it was really the first weekend when the hotel hosted a relatively large number of guests. Listing guests for breakfast by the hour for example - would have solved the issue as well as made for greater comfort in terms of density and distance.

No dinner is served at the hotel restaurant, and half-board accommodation is available for dinner at one of the area's best restaurants. (Tibis, 1910, Rotenberg, Tamar Shadow).

The hotel's CEO, Alon Winter, commented: "We are prepared and ready to provide the Israeli public with a luxurious experience in a tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty and Israeli history in its glory. During the summer months we will clean the hotel with cheese and wine evenings, which will include the best dairies and Galilee wineries, including wine workshops from leading industry parties, along with tasting fine cheeses from the Galilee producers. I guarantee all our guests an experience in the scent of abroad. "

In the overall experience, hotels can be said to adhere to the purple character regulations as much as possible, but nonetheless, like any departure from home these days - even where it is advisable to keep the rules and recommendations that depend solely on self-discipline such as wearing masks, keeping distance, and hygiene.

So before heading back to the Low Coast, it's worth remembering that here in the country you can relax at a very high level of hospitality, while celebrating our country for its scenery, trails and incredible history.

Prices:

Edmund Hotel Rosh Pina: on a half board basis.

Starting at NIS 1,250 per couple per night over the weekend, and starting at NIS 1450 per night per weekend (July-August requires a minimum of two nights per weekend) 

Magdalene Hotel: Based on bed and breakfast.

Starting at NIS 1225 per couple midweek, and at the weekend starting at NIS 1435 per couple. During July and August - Tuesday night at 50% off.