HI - Massada Hostel

This felt more like a hotel but without an extortionate price tag. The building, while not beautiful from the outside, is well built and maintained. The bus dropped us off a few metres away and it was HOT in that bit of desert. The location was great - a very short walk to the base of Masada, which we and many others climbed at 5:00 am to watch the sunrise. Good bus services connected us to Ein Bokek (best Dead Sea beach and resort), Ein Gedi and onwards to Jerusalem, Beersheba, etc. We had a large room with a double bed and two bunk beds, and our children had the same, configured as two singles and two bunks. There was a well-designed wash room with twin basins, a shower and toilet cubicles, loads of storage, TV and fridge. There was efficient air conditioning, wifi and a general feeling of comfort and space. There was a supervised outdoor swimming pool, partly in the shade, which was a lovely way to cool off. Various other facilities such as a children's playground, synagogue and various conference halls and private dining spaces. We opted for half board, which was a buffet breakfast and buffet dinner. There was a wide range of fresh and delicious food, and, all-in-all this was great value. Were I to have any criticisms it was the excessive use of disposable cups, air conditioning which stayed on all the time and doors which were left open, wasting further energy. No hesitation in recommending this as a great place to stay or even just for breakfast after the 5:00 am climb.

Simple, clean and great location. Nice e staff. Basic, but sufficient. Rooms are small and can sleep up to 5. Budget minded. Wonderful view and the pool is a gem. Food is reasonable but keep in mind it is a hostel, not a hotel. Parking available and right under Masada.