My family spent the entire week of Passover at Nof Ginossar in April 2011. Admittedly, this is one of the most crowded times in any hotel in Israel, with huge, entire families travelling together to spend long vacations in the countryside. But it is precisely at such a time that one can test the real capacity of a hotel.
The very great thing about Nof Ginossar is its surroundings: situated right on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, it affords breathtaking views, gorgeous landscapes and the ability to travel to all the fascinating sites in the North of Israel.From that point of view, it can't be beat.
The hotel belongs to the kibbutz of the same name, and many kibbutzim throughout the country have set up wonderful guest houses over the years, to which people return happily again and again. (Two of the best examples in the north are Kfar Blum and Hagoshrim).
This hotel has many different levels of rooms, and the highest level, and most expensive LOOKS a lot better, but on close inspection, suffers from the same basic defects as the other, cheaper ones: too small and crowded, uncomfortable beds, airless bathrooms and no really comfortable chairs to sit on.
Because of the well-known outrageously expensive rates always taken over the Passover holidays, we opted for a standard (i.e., lowest level) room.The beds and pillows were so uncomfortable that we complained repeatedly, but to no avail. You don't have to refurbish an entire room to buy new mattresses and pillows!! The towels were absolutely threadbare, and the bathroom, both very tiny and airless, was almost always humid and unpleasant.Before we left, we entered a written complaint, but the management never even bothered responding to us, to this day.
On the brighter side was the good, but not brilliant food. This I definitely attribute to the strict regulations of kosher eating during this holiday, and the masses of people involved. Here and there some truly excellent dishes did appear, and one evening, when the hotel supplied all the guests with a surprise barbecue dinner on the grass bordering on the lake itself, we were all really delighted with the extraordinary food, the organization and, of course, the priceless setting which is unmatchable.But on a day to day basis, though there was always enough food, it was never really imaginative or exciting.
The highlight, though, is the service. To their credit, the staff of Nof Ginossar go out of their way to be helpful and pleasant, which is not often the case with hotels in kibbutzim (Kibbutz people have a reputation for being surly, though that has improved over the years).The hotel was also very, very clean despite the huge crowds.
Over all,I would have to say, unfortunately, that it would not be my first choice of a recommendation as a HOTEL, except for the location which is perfect.Even during the year, when the prices are lower than during Passover, it is not worth what they charge.If one wants the same location, just up the road is a very good, modern youth hostel (with private rooms and showers, food provided) called Karey Deshe which is much cheaper,with less expectations and providing the same view at a lower price.
Room Tip: Go for the more modern, refurbished rooms which are at least better decorated.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
