Fodor's Expert Review Shavit's Arbel Guest House

Israel and Sarah Shavit make congenial hosts, with the added bonus that he's a licensed tour guide and chef. A riot of greenery, including an inviting bustan (a local-style garden redolent with fragrant herbs), surrounds their inn, which has whirlpools and wooden balconies. Four apartments have living rooms, kitchenettes, and bedrooms (one is wheelchair accessible); the fifth has two bedrooms. There's also a dorm-type room for up to 14 people. The rustic environment, 10 minutes from Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, is pleasant, and the dining room, which serves breakfast, transforms into a good-value à la carte restaurant in the evening.