Hideaways of Tzfat
Tzfat is a tourist town, and thousands of visitors walk through the streets of the Old City and Artists Quarter every week.
Most spend an average of 2 hours in Tzfat....they visit 2 synagogues and then "hit" the shops and galleries for an hour or so of shopping.
Meandering through the Streets
The lucky visitors to Safed are the explorers. They take the time to walk off the main paths to meander through the alleyways, peek into the non-touristy sites, hike down to the cemetery and, perhaps, the wadi, and walk up to the magnificent view that one gets from the peak of the Citadel of Tzfat - to the west, the Meron mountain range, and to the east, the Kinneret and the Golan Heights.
Similarly, while most tourists tend to stay in the large hotels, some search out some of the small B&Bs and Guest Rooms in the area. Small, cozy, and centrally located, these "unknowns" are wonderful hideaways for travelers who want something off the beaten track.
A Few Spots
Rappeport Guest Room
Located in the center of the Artists Quarter, the Rappeport Room is actually 2 rooms, a large room with a double bed, and a small room with 2 single beds. The entrance is off of a large shady yard, where guests enjoy sitting outside and relaxing, sometimes grilling, sometimes picnicking, and sometimes simply sitting quietly. The room is modern, clean and bright, and guests especially enjoy the hospitality of the Rappeports, who live upstairs. "I've often sat outside with the guests until all hours of the night" said Laurie, manager of the guest room, "talking about a million different things. I've met some of the most interesting people, and whenever Tzfat is in the news, I usually get a dozen or more emails, asking for my opinion." To contact Laurie, write to laurierappeport@gmail.com
Sharon's Guest Room
Next to a large public square, Sharon's Guest Room is quiet and clean, yet allows guests the opportunity to sit outside with neighbors and get to know the city. A five-minute walk from the sites of the Old City, Sharon's room has a double bed, fridge, coffee corner, bath/shower, and a/c. "I loved my time there" one recent guest said. "It was so friendly and warm, and I loved being in the heart of the Artists Quarter, near all the galleries". To contact Sharon, write to srscm@013.net
Simcha Laya's Guest Room
Along the path to Simcha Laya's Guest Room, no one would guess that behind the metal gate is a shady courtyard with a beautiful guest room. "Mostly, people write 'lovely accommodations' and 'very homey' in the guest book" Simcha Laya says "because I try so hard to give them that feeling." The room is comfortable and spacious and clean, with 5 beds, a crib, a fridge, microwave and a coffee bar stocked with Simcha Laya's wonderful selection of assorted herbal and regular teas. Many of the guests are repeat guests, and some come every year! To contact Simcha Laya, write to simla@zahav.net.il
Sofer Guest House
The Sofer's House is one of the largest guest accommodations in the Artist Quarter, with room for 12 guests. "Families come when they want to have a family get-together in Tzfat" says Shula, the manager "because our guest house allows them privacy (five bedrooms) with the ability to sit together for meals and relaxation. The Sofer House has a full kitchen available for guests' use, dining room, living room, porch and yard. Parking is next to the house, and it is clean and comfortable. To contact the Sofers, write to laurierappeport@gmail.com
