I'm going to try to make it to Bethlehem for Christmas, and I was wondering if anyone has an idea of where I might find lodging.
With the shear amount of people there this time of year and the apparent lack of cheap lodging, would I be better off trying to find a local who has some extra room? I have camping stuff with me also, if there's anywhere to do that.
Thanks so much!
H'm, you're not the first person trying to find lodging in Bethlehem for Christmas... ;)
Have you considered staying in Jerusalem? Bethlehem is only a short bus ride from Jerusalem, where there are plenty of cheap hostels, but you should book now as they are likely to fill up.
Buses to Bethlehem go from the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City.
Staying in Jerusalem when you really want to be in Bethlehem can be a pain, and does nothing to support the Palestinian economy which desperately needs it.
There are plenty of rooms in private homes in Bethlehem, mostly in the Christian area of Beit Sahour. They are generally pretty cheap compared to hotels, $20-$40/night. There's only one company organizing this, ToursInEnglish.com. They also have an alternative Bethlehem tour on the 24th and 25th December, departing from Jerusalem.
This may help you - [www.couchsurfing.com]
It is a great website where people offer a spare place to sleep in their house for free. The idea is to meet local people where ever you go.
I use it quite a lot and enjoy it very much. You also get a free place to stay and also some one from the place to hang out with and show you around.
I just check, and in Beit-lehem there are 14 such people, which isn't a real lot but you may get lucky.
It takes a bit time to register (also free) and get all your information in but it is worth it.
Yoni
That's real great, thanks a lot for all of your help.
I just got to Jerusalum today and I really do enjoy the place. Here for a few nights, Bethlehem for a night or two, yeah. Great city, good feel to everything. The lighting of the first candle at the Wailing Wall was something else, too.