Ramat Rachel Hotel

Ramat Rachel Hotel is a kibbutz-run resort hotel in Kibbutz Ramat Rachel on the southern edge of Jerusalem, Israel. The kibbutz sits on a ridge between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and the hotel's gardens and terraces look over the Judean hills and, on clear days, toward the Dead Sea direction. The centre of Jerusalem is several kilometres to the north, so visitors rely on buses, taxis or a hired car to reach the Old City and downtown. The Haas Promenade and the Talpiot area are nearby. The kibbutz has a long history, and the site has been the subject of archaeological work that has uncovered remains from the First Temple period, which adds interest for visitors. The hotel is a sprawling complex of low and mid-rise buildings set among lawns and trees, so the atmosphere is closer to a resort than to a city hotel. Accommodation includes Standard rooms, Family rooms and suites with free wifi, and many rooms open onto garden or hill views. The property has a swimming pool, a spa and extensive gardens, and families find the open space and children's facilities convenient. Dining includes a large restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and dinner with produce associated with the kibbutz, and kosher practice is observed. Service is geared to families, tour groups and event guests, and the hotel regularly hosts conferences and weddings. Rates are in the middle range, at roughly 600 to 1,400 ILS per night, depending on season and room type. Visitors who prefer space, greenery and a pool to a central location, and who are comfortable with a short transfer into the city, will find the hotel good value. Evenings are quiet and the air is cooler than in the city centre, and the large grounds give children room to play, which is a practical advantage over compact downtown hotels.