Post Office: Main branch at 19 Ha-Palyam Blvd. , offers Poste Restante.
Other branches at Shabtai Levi and Ha-Nevi'im St. ; 152 Jaffa Rd. on the
comer of Sha'ar Palmer; 63 Herzl St. in Hadar; and 7 Wedgewood Blvd. next to #37 bus
stop at Haifa University. Most open Su-Th 8am-5pm, F 8am-noon, except for the Shabtai
Levi St. branch which is open until 6pm on Su-Th.
Internet: Nor-Em Internet Cafe. See accommodations below.
ГТ ACCOMMODATIONS
Options are slim, but growing in Haifa. The picks listed here have made enor-
mously welcome contributions to the budget scene. Also, the Haifa Tourist Board
. Religious hos-
tels offer immaculate premises, but strict curfews thwart nightlife revelry. Beyond
these options, buyer beware and take a good look around before committing.
Ш Nor-Em Internet Cafe Bed & Breakfast, 27-29 Nordau St. off Haim St. between Herzl St. and the
Nordau midrahov. This new B&B offers spacious rooms, all with A/C and immaculate
bathrooms. Laid-back, backpacker-friendly staff serves up drinks, sandwiches, and
advice on the city 24 hours a day in the posh cafe. Check-out noo-bed dorms
(coed) NIS80/US$20; singles NIS160/US$40; doubles NIS220/US$55. 10% dis-
count for stays longer than 3 days; 20% discount for stays longer than a week.
ii Port Inn, 34 Yafo St. downtown.
From the central bus station, take bus #3 or 5 to the intersection of Ha-Atzma'ut St. and
Ben-Gurion. The Port Inn yearns to be your home away from home with a den-like social
room, free use of the kitchen and coffee supplies, and a warm and advice-laden man-
ager, who will even do your laundry (for NIS30). Internet NIS0.50 per min. A/C in all
rooms. Reception 7:30am-midnight; ring the bell anytime. Check-out 11a-bed
dorms (single-sex and coed) NIS45/US$11.25, with breakfast NIS55/US$13.75; Sin-
gles and doubles NIS170/US$42.50, NIS200/US$50 with bath.
Carmel Youth Hostel (HI), 4km south of the city at Hof Ha-
Carmel (Carmel beach). Bus #43 from tfie central bus station and 44 alef from Hadar
go directly past the hostel. Though extremely far from the center of town and a schlep
from the beach, this simple hostel offers large rooms, cool breezes, and shaded woods.
All rooms with A/C and bath. Breakfast included. Lockers NIS6. Check-in 2pm-8pm.
Check-out 10a-bed dorms (single-sex) NIS80/US$20; singles NIS128/US$38;
doubles NIS224/US$56; triples NIS288/US$72; quads NIS352/US$88; quints
NIS416/US$416. Hl-card carriers get NIS5 discount.
Bethel Hostel, 40 Ha-Geffen St. Take bus #22 from central bus station
to Ben-Gurion St. walk up to Ha-Geffen, and turn right. The hostel is on the right after a
couple blocks. Located in a quiet neighborhood close to the center of town. Christian
volunteers keep the rooms sparklingly clean. All rooms have fans. Shared bath in hall.
Free dinner on Shabbat and sometimes M and Th. No smoking. Under 18 must be with
an adult. Check-in Sa-Th 5-10pm, F 4-9pm. New arrivals may leave bags in locked stor-
age and return after 5pm to register. Lockout 9am-5pm; strict 11pm curfew; wake-up
7a- to 12-bed single-sex rooms NIS56/US$14.
Downtown overflows with shawarma and falafel shops, the best option for
meals on Shabbat. There's more falafel (there's always more falafel) to be found
in Hadar along Herzl and Ha-Halutz St. and slightly more expensive cafes dot
the Nordau Midrahov (pedestrian section). The lower, even-numbered end of