Year-round heated swimming pool at Isrotel's Ayala Hotel. Photo: Studio Peled Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar in northern Upper Galilee is home to "Ayala Hotel", an old-new hotel that has joined the Isrotel Hotel Chain's Collection.
The concept behind the location is clearly visible, starting with the entrance to the hotel complex: people come here to find peace and tranquility amid a beautifully polished green setting.
"We invested about 200,000 shekels in upgrading and raising the level of the hotel's landscaping," the hotel's CEO, Asher Pinto, tells PassportNews. And this is indeed seen in every corner, packed with green lawns, abundant plants, and impressive mature trees.
The hotel is also an excellent starting point for area trips, with many options both in the area and within the kibbutz itself. "We give guided tours of the kibbutz. There is a cobbler's shop here as a heritage site, a very successful apiary, a cowshed, and more. We also give lantern tours and tours to get to know the kibbutz," says Pinto. He adds, "On Saturdays, since we are a kosher hotel, hotel guests can sit in the Davidka coffee cart, which is open on Saturday, and enjoy an upside-down coffee the way they like it."
Shmulik Pintz, the hotel's vicepresident, explains that, "in the world of content, the hotel adapts itself to the audience that comes. And in the future, classical music festivals are expected to take place, among other things, but not only."
In the future, a transparent floor that makes the tree roots visible will replace the bench.Photo: Sapir Peretz.The Isrotel chain does not own the property, but operates and manages the hotel under a long-term 24-year management lease agreement. The actual owners of the property are investors who established the hotel in partnership with the kibbutz, businessmen Moshe Marciano and Yaakov Cohen (owner of Tor Plus), and Issta Properties. According to Pinto, Isrotel is exploring a partnership on the property.
Green and well-kept all around. Photo: Sapir Peretz147 rooms (out of 600 total rooms of Isrotel in the north of the country), which are spread across 16 two-story stone buildings, which perfectly blend into the kibbutz and the Galilee landscape for a genuine rustic feel. There are seven types of rooms, including suites and rooms accessible to the disabled (there are five of these).
Two-story stone houses. Photo: Studio PeledThe room design also aligns with the surroundings and uses light shades of brown and green. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the views of the Upper Galilee. The lobby is also decorated in the same color palette, creating a relaxing atmosphere. We stayed in a relatively spacious "Hermon Garden" room that included a king-size double bed, a coffee machine, a sofa, a TV screen, a walk-in shower, and a small balcony, which in our case overlooked the swimming pool.
King size bed. Photo: Aya Ben Ezri
Jacuzzi on the spacious balcony of the suite. Photo: Aya Ben EzriThe outdoor infinity pool is heated year-round (27-29 degrees) and overlooks the Upper Galilee. On a good day, you can see the snowy peak of Mount Hermon from here. There is also a pool for children.
Heated swimming pool. Photo: Sapir PeretzAdjacent to the pool is the hotel's beautifully designed spa complex, which includes a heated mini pool, a traditional Turkish bath, a dry sauna, a jacuzzi, and 8 treatment rooms. There is also a small but well-equipped gym. For families with children, Isrotel's "Yildods" children's club offers a variety of activities on weekends, holidays, and during July-August.
Impressive wooden panels at the entrance to the spa. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Intimate gym. Photo: Sapir Peretz
The kids won't want to leave here. Kids Club at the hotel. Photo: Sapir PeretzThe food at Isrotel chain hotels is known for its variety, flavors, freshness, and quality. Here too, the chain manages to maintain the standard with a WOW menu, one that emphasizes a connection to the region and local produce. "Breakfast and dinner combine local ingredients such as cheeses from surrounding farms, including Mitzpe HaYamim products, alongside vegan and vegetarian dishes," the hotel says.
The hotel's chef, Moni Shemesh, presents a varied and delicious menu. Photo: Sapir Peretz
There is also a large variety in the small personal dishes segment. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Kosher and delicious. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Spacious dining room. Photo: Sapir PeretzThe price range varies depending on occupancy and the timing of the reservation. As of this writing, two nights on the first weekend of 2026 are about NIS 1,550 per couple per night, with a two-night minimum requirement on weekends. That is, about NIS 3,100 per couple on a bed and breakfast basis. Isrotel's "Sun Circle" club members enjoy a discount of about NIS 160. The club has 210,000 members and costs NIS 250 for new members. Sometimes, Isrotel says, there are promotions offering club membership for NIS 100.
The writer was a guest at Isrotel's Ayala Hotel.
We got that here too - a reverse of the Passport brand. Photo: Sapir Peretz