Hotels in Palestine

Palestine: Ancient Crossroads of Faith, History, and Stone

Palestine occupies a territory at the heart of the Levant, stretching across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Jerusalem — a city sacred to three Abrahamic faiths — sitting at its geographic and spiritual center. The landscape shifts from the Jordan Valley, nearly 400 meters below sea level, to the Judean Hills above Bethlehem, producing a terrain of remarkable contrast within a compact area. Olive groves dating back centuries line the hillsides around Ramallah and Nablus, and the old city souqs of Hebron still carry goods produced by craftsmen using techniques passed down for generations.

Cities Worth Exploring

Ramallah, 15 km north of Jerusalem, functions as the administrative and cultural hub of the West Bank, with a lively restaurant scene on Al-Masyoun street and galleries showcasing contemporary Palestinian art. Bethlehem, 8 km south of Jerusalem, draws visitors to the Church of the Nativity — a UNESCO World Heritage Site first constructed in 339 CE — and to the adjacent Manger Square, where the pace is calmer than the pilgrimage crowds suggest. Nablus, 65 km north of Jerusalem, is the commercial city of the northern West Bank, known for its Old City soap markets, kanafeh pastry shops on Al-Shuhada Street, and the ancient Jacob's Well shrine. Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, sits near the northern edge of the Dead Sea and anchors the Jordan Valley region.

Regions and Landscapes

The northern West Bank around Jenin and Tulkarm is predominantly agricultural, with terraced hillsides producing olive oil, figs, and stone fruit. The central highlands — the spine running through Ramallah, Jerusalem's outskirts, and Bethlehem — hold most of the heritage sites and hotel infrastructure. The Jordan Valley corridor follows the Jordan River southward and offers some of the lowest-elevation terrain on the planet. The Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal territory on the Mediterranean, has a separate administrative reality; travel access is subject to significant restrictions and should be researched carefully before any visit.

When to Visit Palestine

Spring (March to May) is the most comfortable season, with daytime temperatures around 18–24 °C across the West Bank highlands and wildflowers covering the hillsides between Beit Jala and Artas. Autumn (September to November) offers similar temperatures and coincides with the olive harvest, when family-run groves outside Nablus and Ramallah welcome visitors. Summer heat in July and August regularly exceeds 30 °C in Jericho and the Jordan Valley. Winter (December to February) is mild in the hills — snow falls occasionally in Bethlehem and Ramallah — and Christmas pilgrimages to Manger Square draw large international crowds.

Practical Tips for Visiting Palestine

• Entry: Most visitors enter the West Bank via Israel's Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan; verify current crossing requirements before travel.
• Currency: The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is the primary currency; US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops.
• Getting around: Shared service taxis (sherut/service) connect major West Bank cities affordably; private taxis are available for shorter trips between towns.
• Accommodation: Hotels range from guesthouses in Bethlehem's old quarter to business hotels in Ramallah; book ahead during Easter and Christmas.
• Connectivity: Palestinian SIM cards (Jawwal, Ooredoo) provide reliable 4G coverage in urban areas across the West Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to travel to the West Bank? A: Conditions vary by area and change frequently. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho receive regular tourist visits and maintain established hotel and tour infrastructure. Travelers should monitor current advisories from their home government before and during any trip.

Q: What is the best base for visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem? A: Bethlehem itself has several hotels within walking distance of the Church of the Nativity, including options in the old city quarter. Ramallah offers a wider selection of mid-range and business hotels and is well connected by service taxi to other West Bank cities.

Q: Do visitors need a visa to enter Palestinian territories? A: There is no separate Palestinian visa; entry is controlled by Israel or Jordan at the crossing points. Visitors should check Israeli entry requirements for their nationality and be aware that border officials may ask questions about the purpose of travel.

Q: What currency should travelers carry? A: The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is standard. ATMs dispensing shekels are available in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus. US dollars are accepted at many hotels and larger restaurants.

Q: When does the olive harvest take place? A: The harvest runs from mid-October through November, depending on altitude and grove location. Farms around Nablus and the villages north of Ramallah are among the most accessible for visitors interested in participating or observing the harvest.