Arrival/Check-In: Arriving late after a day touring the Sea of Galilee, we chose to stay overnight at The Scots Hotel in nearby Tiberias. The original building was established by the Church of Scotland as a hospital, founded by Scottish surgeon David Watt Torrance, who dedicated his life to practicing medicine and treating the sick in the Holy Land.
On arrival, the reception staff seemed indifferent and assistance with our luggage was not readily offered. After a bit of persuasion our bags were taken to the desk. We completed registration and passed through a charming courtyard into the hotel. The property blends a modern wing with the former hospital and surgical theater, which remained in use until 1949 and later served as a maternity ward. The hospital closed in 1959, and in 1999 the Church of Scotland converted the site into a hotel and cultural center for visitors to Israel. The courtyard contains a number of attractive statues and artworks that are worth a look.
Guest Quarters: Our room showed its age and could benefit from refurbishment. The decor felt reminiscent of a 1980s hotel, with worn wood finishes, older carpet and upholstery. Practical touches included a decent desk with a conveniently located outlet, though I had to prop an adapter to keep several devices powered. The bathroom featured a shower/tub combination with a multifunction shower system — a handheld sprayer plus a rainfall showerhead that worked well. My wife found the wall-mounted hair dryer/shaver combo amusing; it delivered only a weak airflow and was labeled “Shaver 2000.” The minibar had a decorative brass and silver plaque yet was empty. On the positive side, the bed was a comfortable king size and the bathroom provided Verveine Agrumes bath amenities and hair products.
Services/Amenities: The Torrance Restaurant is the hotel’s main dining venue, offering a full breakfast and generous dinner service. Brunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant occupies the space that once served as the hospital’s maternity ward.
Because we arrived late and were not very hungry, we opted for the Ceilidh Bar on the second floor. The bar’s whiskey selection is extensive, with roughly 80 varieties, most sourced from Scotland. We ordered light fare and a fresh green salad, which unexpectedly contained an active Israeli cricket. The discovery startled us and the two staff members serving us; they photographed the insect to report it to management.
A short corridor leads to rooftop access, where you can enjoy pleasant sunset views over Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee.
The Experience: The Scots Hotel benefits from an excellent location by the Sea of Galilee, combining historic architecture with a small gallery of artworks. The setting and cultural history make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a hotel with character, though some guest rooms would benefit from modernization and attention to small service details.
The Scots Hotel
Gdud Barak Street
Tiberias, 14100, Israel
tel 972 4 671 0710
scotshotels.co.il