MIn recent years, we have witnessed an interesting phenomenon among the Israeli public: More and more people choose to spend Yom Kippur in hotels throughout the country. What was once considered a day of fasting and gathering at home, becomes a family or couple experience within a hotel accommodation.
Dina Lahav, Vice President of Branch Operations at Diesenhaus Group, explains the phenomenon: "Vacation during Yom Kippur is often in a different style than on normal days. Many are looking for peace and detachment from routine." She adds that "customers on Yom Kippur are looking for the symbols of the holiday such as organized prayers, a synagogue, kosher and more."
Lahav also notes the general trend in Israeli tourism: "From a broader perspective, the tourism picture in Israel these days is on the rise, and this is also in light of the uncertainty associated with vacationing abroad. Despite the increase in demand, it is still possible to find places for Yom Kippur in Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Israelis Many take advantage of these days for rest, gathering and the holy atmosphere of the holiday in hotels in Israel."
Assaf Ben Dov of AP Hotels adds interesting data: "More than half of our chain hotels are open for accommodation on Yom Kippur (Poly, Vert, Crowne Plaza, etc.), with the hotels recording occupancy of more than 80 percent." He also notes that "this year due to the situation The security and the closure of the northern region to tourism this year will also see an increase in hotels in the center, including cities such as Tel Aviv and Netanya, which are very popular."
So what exactly do you do in a hotel on Yom Kippur?
Ben Dov explains: "A hot breaking meal is served near the start of the fast and a meal at the end of the fast for the benefit of the fasting guests." In hotels, the dinner or early break meal is for 16:00-18:00. On Yom Kippur itself, breakfast (for those who are not fasting) is served as a cold pass and plates, similar to a normal Shabbat.
It is important to note that "in most hotels in Israel the meals during Kippur are served cold (there are no hot meals) and the public knows and respects this", as Lahav points out.
The difference does not remain at the level of the meals, the spa facilities are also usually closed for the duration of the fast. On the other hand, the hotel pools are open to the guests.
And what about the prices?
This year there is a price drop compared to last year between 10-20%. This is due to the lack of tourists, the inventory of available rooms is large and therefore as the supply increases, the prices decrease accordingly.
Here are some examples of deals for the coming weekend:
Kfar Maccabiah Hotel in Ramat Gan: From NIS 860 per couple per night.
Vert Dead Sea Hotel: NIS 1,321 per couple per night on a half-board basis, including a midday meal.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel Aviv: NIS 1,377 per couple per night on a half-board basis, including a midday meal.
Noga Hotel (Isrotel chain) in the Dead Sea: From NIS 1,434 per couple per night on a half-board basis.
Kedma Hotel (Isrotel chain) in Sde Boker: From NIS 1,503 per couple per night on a half board basis.