Shirat Hayam, a boutique hotel, is located in front of Lake Kinnert and opposite the breathtaking view of the Golan Heights. This rare building has been totally renovated using basaltic stones with many arched windows typical of the Ottoman style. It was built in 1850 and was enlarged in 1925. The hotel was one of the first hotels in Tiberias and was originally called "Haifa" just like other hotels that were named after cities at that time. In 1946, after the very popular Egyptian singer and actress Umm Kulthum also know as "the Star of the East" stayed at the hotel they changed the hotel's former name to The Star of the East as a token of admiration. After the establishment of the State of Israel, the famous painter, Shimshon Holzman, who was a resident of the hotel, set up a big gallery for visitors. Many artists visited, stayed and painted here. Among them were Nachum Guttman, Reuven Rubin and many more including Holzman. One of the most well known paintings of the hotel was created by Nachum Guttman and is called "The Promenade of Tiberias". The hotel since then has been refurbished keeping the uniqueness of its rooms, suites and balconies, enabling the guests to enjoy the feeling of history in every corner at Shirat Hayam boutique hotel. The hotel has kept its characteristic beauty, creating harmonious combination between ancient and modern, giving a feeling of tranquility at its best. Located in front of the Sea of Galilee, the historic building style with the decorative tiles enforces that feeling. The hotel is situated on the Igal Alon Promenade of Tiberias right in the heart of the open-air museum for sculptures where works of art from the best artists are displayed, Illana Gur's for example. It is becoming a center of art. What is there in the hotel? There are 11 magnificently decorated suites with a view of the Sea of Galilee. The Presidential suite, Balconies and De Lux suites were especially designed and furnished to emphasize the uniqueness of the place and yet are furnished with all modern connivances. All the rooms are equipped with LCD screens and Cable TV. Each of the Presidential Suites and the Balconies Suites has a private balcony facing the lake where the changing colors of the scenery can be seen according to the time of day and season. Most rooms contain Jacuzzi. The Holzman Balcony is located on the rooftop of the hotel and is suitable for sunbathing or relaxation. Gatherings of guests, lectures and professional meetings can be organized with advance notice (up to 80 people). Private dinners or other intimate occasions can be held there, too. The hotel offers a dairy breakfast to both guests and visitors outside the hotel. It also offers a spa for treatment and relaxation. Special spa-deals including a day-room are available. The guests are welcome to relax, enjoy their stay and then leave with a smile and a desire to return.