Your Jerusalem Hostel:
The Israel Youth Hostel Association maintains a network of guest houses throughout the country, many of them lovely modern facilities set in gorgeous scenery. The IYHA runs the first two of the three hostels listed here. The prices are reasonable and include breakfast. Additional meals and picnic lunch boxes are available for an extra fee but must be arranged for on location. Purchasing the 50-shekel International Youth Association membership will get you a discount at a variety of tourist sites as well as at any other IYHA guest house around the world.
Agron Youth Hostel and Guest House
The Agron Guest House is conveniently situated in downtown Jerusalem. It is only a few minutes' walk from the hostel to the Old City or the center of town. If you can find the right gate to this Jerusalem hostel (sandwiched in a nest of gates that lead elsewhere), you'll find rooms with showers, air conditioning, TV and internet access. Yitzhak Rabin Youth Hostel and Guest HouseThe Rabin Guest House is located in a more quiet neighborhood, close to the botanical gardens and major museums. The striking building has 77 rooms with bathroom, TV and minibar. Guests enjoy a discount at the sports center (pool, gym, tennis courts) on nearby Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus.It gets our vote for reserving accessible rooms for the handicapped. The hostel is home to the "Red lines in the Israeli Democracy" Interactive Educational Program which explores non-violent dispute resolution using the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin as a springboard. There is also a variety of cultural programs.
Bayit Vegan HostelThe Bayit Vegan Hostel is no longer affiliated with the IYHA, but continues to run in much the same vein.The building is clean and modern with a stunning view of the Jerusalem forest. (This is a wonderful place to come watch the sunrise.) The location is perfect if you like quiet, a gorgeous view and easy access to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Mount Herzl - across the street - and the picturesque village of Ein Kerem, with its hikes and many Christian holy sites. But you won't be far from the action either - hop on the bus and you are in the center of town in 15 minutes. Because it is in the predominantly religious neighborhood of Bayit Vegan, modest dress will be appreciated. This Jerusalem hostel is also a popular spot for Jewish Orthodox weddings, so you might get to enjoy some late-night Israeli music and dancing if your room faces the street-side courtyard. A single bed (three to a room) is 250 NIS A private room for a couple is 330 NIS Breakfast is included. The hostel is kosher mehadrin under the supervision of the Jerusalem Rabbinate. Tel: 02-642-3366
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