Introduction: An Amazing Week In Israel With My Parents

It's so awesome to see some reviews of places in addition to just the planes/hotels. Glad you enjoyed the trip and were able to spend some amazing quality time with your folks. Israel's been off and on my bucket list over the last couple of years - most recently off - but just this intro has definitely thrown it back on. Can't wait to read the rest of report(s).

This looks like an incredible trip, but of all the decent options at Heathrow, including the Hilton actually connected to the terminal, what compelled you to stay at the Premier Inn?

QR a350 review???

@Varun Susarla Ben reviewed the inaugural A350 on qr almost 3 years ago. Not much has changed on the product since then.

Anxious to hear about the Israel portion -besides Jeru/Tel, did you get out in the country? Is 7 days enough? Any fears re security -did you feel threatened in any way?

Lucky, how does the elal originating in Toronto help with the elal fare if it was on Porter who's an independent airline vs, just showing up at EWR for the TLV flight

I love Israel, went for the first time with my family 9 or 10 years ago, and hope to again next year. Beautiful country, so much history, cant wait to read about your experience Ben!

So informative. While I enjoy reading blogs for personal travel experiences, this post goes way beyond that in a super helpful way. I think I need to read it again to fully digest all the great snippets of information, and how you saved money by strategic booking along the way. I also didn't realise how much there is to discover about mileage partners and flying points.

At first glance I thought the photo of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem was the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore; looks almost identical in terms of layout and color tones.

@ Colin

He actually explains why he chose the Premier Inn at LHR over the Hilton.

I've often stayed at that Hilton which is perfectly pleasant for an airport hotel. But that Premier Inn rate looks very tempting. I'm curious to see how it was.

Can't wait for this report. We did a similar trip to Israel a few years ago, spending time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The Sofitel at Heathrow is connected to Terminal 5 by a walkway. Similar to Le Méridien in Cairo which you recommended. We stayed there following your recommendation (in the same suite) and mentioned your review to the management team. It is excellent for an airport hotel. Flew with British Airways, London Heathrow to Tel Aviv, first class. We had the entire cabin to ourselves. This might explain why BA subsequently withdrew almost all FC flights to Tel Aviv. Low demand. This is a pity as Israel is unmissable. In Jerusalem we chose the King David Hotel for the incredible views of the old city. The Waldorf Astoria is a short walk away. We had drinks there but disliked the attitude at reception. The Waldorf is very attractive and pleasant otherwise. The newly refurbished rooms at The King David would still be my preference for a first visit as I like the swimming pool and breathtaking views from the top floors of the old city.

I stayed at the Premier Inn T4 twice in August, and while I was happy with it, there were some issues. Curious to see your review!

For the first three nights we booked the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem. We booked one room for 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night, and the other for about $400 per night. Ultimately this wasn’t a great use of points, but I figured I was already spending enough cash on the trip.

I'm curious why you said that; you value Hilton points at .4 cents per point here:

https://onemileatatime.com/value-miles-points/

So it sounds like you got about what you value your Hilton points at?

@ eponymous coward -- Right, that doesn't account for the points I was forgoing. As a Gold member with the current Hilton promotion I'd be earning close to 40 points per dollar including the return I get on credit card spend, so I need to account for that when valuing the redemption.

Dear Lucky,
2.5 days in Israel - Traveling next month with husband and adult son for first time. Looking for a private tour guide to maximize limited time. Also looking for what to see there. Thanks in advance for your help.