The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the gates of the Schumacher Hotel in Haifa is the ancient Templar building standing at its center—blending almost naturally with the modern, clean design built around it. The new glass windows seem to have become an inseparable part of the heavy metal gates, the local stone, and the arched windows that tell a story of other days, of another era—but also of the present.
It will take only a few seconds near the hotel’s reception desk to sense the extraordinary atmosphere. Schumacher’s lobby is not just a reception point but a promise. The art pieces placed in every corner alongside the bold colors make the atmosphere both elegant and meticulous on one hand, but also slightly cheeky and hipster on the other.
The hotel, built in the heart of the city of Haifa, managed to surprise me. The city itself took it a step further.
Wait, there are surprises
Okay, fine. If you’ve survived until now—and I haven’t lost you at “hipster design”—I know you didn’t come all the way to Haifa for an “elegant and meticulous” experience. So I promise you that the city is going to surprise you too, because it still has so much more to offer. Haifa will probably not give you Instagram FOMO; leave the filters at home. But it has everything it takes to make you come back.
In the heart of the German Colony, a short walk from the stunning view of the Bahá'í Gardens, from the culinary abundance of the Colony—and from the nightlife buzz of the Lower City—stands the hotel that’s trying to challenge everything you thought you knew about Haifa. Yona Yahav, the Carmelit, and the Technion make a bit of room for a more updated, elegant, and relaxed version of the city—one that understands style, appreciates quiet, and isn’t in a rush to go anywhere.
I discovered the nearby street when I went down just to find something sweet, and within minutes I found myself in the heart of one of the most beautiful streets I’ve ever seen. Later I found out it was the German Colony, which I had received so many recommendations about—yet it still managed to surprise me. The atmosphere is a bit festive even on a weekday. The pace of the people, the restaurants, the surrounding galleries, and above all—the local, authentic cuisine that totally kicks the behind of some familiar Tel Aviv scenes.
A Tel Aviv drink is not a Haifa drink
“You must come back before sunset,” said Sylvie and Tal, the friendly receptionists—just a minute before I left. “We have a gorgeous rooftop here with a view of the Bahá'í Gardens and the Haifa Port.” I smiled politely. That’s a cliché. In Tel Aviv, every other building boasts a “rooftop” with “Aperol Spritz” and exaggerated design—until it’s no longer exciting. But of course, I came back. I’m not the kind of guy to argue with receptionists, especially not ones with an authoritative voice that reminds me of my teacher Sandra from ninth grade.
I came back before sunset. Skeptic of skeptics, I went upstairs only to realize I was right. It is indeed a cliché. But the good kind. I stood there with a glass of (red) wine in hand, a light breeze on my face, and a truly extraordinary view. The gardens spread out like a golden carpet on one side, and from the other peeked the first lights of the Haifa Port. Honestly, I really like to talk, but there I managed to keep quiet for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.
From there, I continued for another small drink in the Lower City. Let’s be real—a Tel Aviv drink is not a Haifa drink. Haifa’s nightlife doesn’t truly compare to Tel Aviv’s—there aren’t dozens of clubs—and even in the bars you’ll sense a different atmosphere. But maybe that’s why they work so well. The Lower City of Haifa has a different pace: Something more intimate and less forced. There’s no need to “tear up the city”—you go out to meet people and listen to good music. You’d be surprised, there’s something refreshing about that.
Some places just don’t try to impress—and that’s exactly their charm. Both the city of Haifa and the Schumacher Hotel keep a low profile—but when you give them a chance, you discover depth and character that’s hard to ignore. I didn’t expect to fall in love, but I did. I’m definitely coming back.
A few details
The Templar building that houses the hotel underwent preservation and upgrades, and today it is home to 40 rooms and suites in a contemporary, minimalist, and precise design. They have a charming garden, a pampering treatment room, and, as mentioned, two rooftops—with stunning views of the Bahá'í Gardens on one side and the Haifa Port on the other.
Schumacher is an adults-only hotel, making it an intimate, calm place, perfect for a romantic getaway or a small business retreat. Prices range between NIS 750 and NIS 1,500 per night, depending on the room type and day of the week, and we’ve heard that those arriving with IDF reservists’ hospitality vouchers will be warmly welcomed. So if you’re looking for a bit of abroad without the passport, Schumacher totally delivers.
The writer was a guest of the Schumacher Hotel.