Topic Wiki

We all would love to help you with resturant recomendations - when asking please specify which US hechsherim you eat - so we can give suggestions you would eat in!

Additional relevent threads

Israel Hotels Master Thread
Short/Long term apartment rentals in Israel Master Thread
Restaurants In Israel Master Thread
Off The Beaten path in Yerushalaim
Shabbos meals in Jerusalem
Golan/Galil, Israel, Master thread
Eilat, Israel, Master Thread
Dead Sea, Israel, Master Thread
Tiberias, Israel Master Thread

Life In Israel Master Thread
Something Fishy's First Trip to Israel - Planning Thread
Help a n00b experience what Israel has to offer.
Israel Trip Report/Blog (I am there now! so tips appreciated)
Frozen meat to Israel
Tel Aviv Hotels Offering Day Passes
How to do Sukkos in Jerusalem
Interesting restaurants in Jerusalm
First time visit to Israel during Purim in March 2024....Mistake?
Trip itinerary planner for israel
Best Stopover Vacation Countries in Europe on Way to Israel
Cruises from Israel
thread discussing highway tolls in Israel
Lag Baomer in Meron 2022
Vacation area in Israel similar to the Catskills?
Best way to get around Israel
Sharm el-Sheikh
Chu"l  Minyan this Shevuos in Yerushalayim
Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat

Emergency numbers
Police 100
Hatzolah AND Ambulance 101 or 1221
Fire 102


Drivers - Yisroel - Executive Drives - 972-58 411 1671 - see page 654, post 9800 for review

Misc. Reviews
Shmelly

Activities

Jerusalem Area

Begin Museum- outside the Old City
Caliber 3- Shooting Range in Gush Etzion
Ramparts Walk- on top of the Old City walls
Tzomet Institute - Alon Shvut
Kotel Tunnel Tours/Old City Jewish and/or Muslim Quarter Tours (PM satturn if you want a private tour)
Old City Jewish and Muslim Quarter Tours (pm @satturn )
Churva/Ramban
Machon Hamikdash
Burnt house
Gichon
4 Sephardi Shuls
Old Yishuv Court
Shiloach/Gichon


2048 - Tlv - Incredible fun experience! Active Activities in each room. cool team game, electrifying, challenging and especially fun!
Time Elevator in Jerusalem- Don't waste your time.
City of David (Ir David)-Amazing-you must take a tour to fully understand the site.
Segway tour-interesting way to waste a few hrs-NOT an absolute must do
Biking - Beatiful trails in the valleys outside of the city. PM Drago if interested.
http://tmsifting.org/en/visitor-and-volunteer-information/
https://www.patbamelach.com/
https://www.galita.co.il/en
Yad Vashem
Martef Hashoah - Kever Dovid
Migdal Dovid- Museum of Jerusalem
Bibical Zoo/Aquarium/Ein Yael
Tax Museum
Gush Katif Museum
Science Museum
Bible Lands Museum
Israel Museum
Italian Jewish Art Museum
Beit Harav Kook
Underground prisoners
Kneset /Rose Garden/Bird watching
Shuk Machane Yehuda - Kever of Gerrer Rebbes
Mearat Tzidkiyahu/Rockefeller Museum
Belz Shul
Har Hatzofim
Har Hazeisim
Har Hamenuchos
Ammunition Hill
CHaggall Windows @ Haddasa
Chutzot HaYotzer/Park Teddy
Great Syn/Jewish Art Museum
National Library
Supreme Court
Jclay
Mamila
Gan Sacher - sports fields, picniking, exercise equpment, amazing huge kids climbing area

Tel Aviv/Center

Blind or Deaf Museum in Cholon- Blind, amazing. Deaf, good. Prior reservation needed.
Hagana Museum in Tel Aviv--15NIS per adult; students free; a bit disjointed and kind of fake acting in the videos, but mostly very interesting and educational.
Bullet Factory in Rechovot

Beit Shemesh to Modiin area (Jerusalem Corridor)

Escape the Machsan escape room (Rechov Nachal Sorek)
Stalactite caves
Renting bikes or the ezraider scooters for the Britannia/Adulam parks
Agrocafe coffee workshop
Several wineries in the area
Lots of towns from first Beit Hamikdash period in Adulam and nearby, worth getting a guide.
Caves from bar kochva period in Adulam
H/T Drago
Mini Israel- Love it or hate it
Latrun Tank Museum - Mini Israel
Slifkin's Tanach Museum
Park Rabin - hiking...
Park Begin - hiking...
Park Modiin -- great for kids
Derech Burma

North

"My Baby - Kids' Airport" - amusement park, mostly indoors, awesome for the entire family. Bowling, wall climbing that all ages can enjoy, bungee jumping, bumper carts, carousels, huge swings, Space Jump, tons, 2 huge buildings. Located in Kfar Yasif, Yarka. Near highways 70 & 85. https://www.mybaby.co.il/about
Kfar Kedem - https://www.k-k.co.il/?lang=en
Rosh Hanikra- Way up north

Golan Heights

Bereshit Apple processing center
Tel Dan nature reserve (similiar to Banias Waterfall -slightly easier & toddler friendly)
Banias Waterfall
Nimrod's Fortress in the Golan
Kayaking down the Jordan River
Mount Hermon Ski Lift
Mount Bental Overlook/Bunkers
Golan Heights Winery
Yehudiya Nature Reserve Hiking

South

Nachal Dragot (aka Darja)- an intense hike near the Dead Sea
Sunrise tour of Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea aprx $70

Good summary of many hikes:
http://hikingintheholyland.com/

FB group with many ideas of activities
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kidsdaysoutisrael

Separate Beaches - AS OF 2022!
The suitability of the area around the separate beach area varies.

Separate Areas for Men and Women:
Tveria - Kinar Hotel
Tveria - Chof Menachem
Tveria - near Chamei Tveria
Yam Hamelach - International Beach
Yam Hamelach - Chamei Zohar

Men: Mon, Wed, Fri - Women: Sun, Tues, Thurs
Akko X2
Ashdod
Ashkelon
Bat Yam
Chaifa X2
Hertzilya (only in the summer?? BZ only??)
Netanya - Kiryat Sanz
Rishon Letzion
Tel Aviv - Sheraton

Men: Tues, Fri - Women: Mon, Weds
Nahariya

Switches bet Mornings (7a-1p) and Afternoons (1p-7p)
Chadera '
Men Morning: Sun, tues, thurs  - afternoon: Mon, wed, fri
Women Morning: Mon, Weds, Fri - Afternoon: Sun, Tues, Thurs
« Last edited by Euclid on October 03, 2023, 11:46:22 AM »

Author Topic: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread  (Read 2283933 times)

Offline Shmelly

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 1432
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1200 on: November 22, 2012, 11:09:42 AM »
I can add a few reviews now.

Sheyan: Egg roll was decent. Entrecote skewers were amazing, I would highly recommend. Teriyaki chicken was really good. Chocolate peanut butter mousse dessert was pretty good, not too peanut buttery. Chinese Wall drink had no discernible alcohol in it. Service was excellent, food came really quick. Prices were decent and the place has nice decor. Look for Moishebatchy when you're there, he's the guy cutting the line. Luckily we were advised to place a reservation, as the place was packed. Roughly 13% tip is included in your bill.

Rimon Bistro What happened to this place? I always loved it in the past, now it was a massive disappointment. Philly steak sandwich had barely any meat in it, which might be a good thing as the little meat that was in there was severely undercooked. Since the last time I was there they also cut down tremendously on the amount of fries you get. The burger was just a burger, you'll find the same or better anywhere decent in America. I also ordered chicken nuggets to go, got back to my hotel and found wings instead of nuggets.  Huge thumbs down.

Sam Bagels Ate at the one on Paran several times. Decent food but insanely overpriced (5 bucks for a cream cheese bagel, $2 for a cookie). If you just want eggs, go down the block to...

Waffle Bar I wish someone had told me this before we ordered - ORDER ONE MAIN DISH TO SHARE! I got the Oreo belgian waffle, wife got the dulce de leche crepe, and both were really really good, but half of each dish went in to the garbage. (Not really a food you can take to go.) Food is not cheap, but on the bright side, they make scrambled eggs for just 3 shekel per egg. The presentation of the food is beautiful (I have pictures, will try to post later). Service is good and tip is not included in your bill.

I'll write more later.
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. - Dr. Seuss

Offline YudiG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 2351
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1201 on: November 22, 2012, 12:19:06 PM »
Was all at the DO. You missed it

and l'maaseh we paskened that its beyond a PITA and not so k'dai anymore....

Offline hocker

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 3501
  • Total likes: 85
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1202 on: November 22, 2012, 12:44:16 PM »
Any have ideas for tonight's chulent?

Online Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1203 on: November 22, 2012, 12:47:58 PM »
Chinese Wall drink had no discernible alcohol in it.

Happens sometimes. You're supposed to ask them to fix it.

Look for Moishebatchy when you're there, he's the guy cutting the line.

ROFLMAO!!! ;D

Online Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1204 on: November 22, 2012, 12:50:25 PM »
Any have ideas for tonight's chulent?

Ma'adanei Zahav on Rechov Malachi, owned by my best friend's father-in-law, has an amazing cholent. So good, in fact, that you'd never guess it's actually pareve. :o

Okay, maybe I'm a little biased, but it is good. :)

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 7996
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1205 on: November 22, 2012, 12:50:33 PM »
Any have ideas for tonight's chulent?

Im sick but i put one up this afternoon or bring me some moishala's. or yoilys now :-)
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline YudiG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 2351
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1206 on: November 22, 2012, 12:51:21 PM »
Any have ideas for tonight's chulent?

was listening to menachem tokers radio show today and he was talking about cholent for 2 hours straight...he declared today national cholent day...was giving out free cholent...made me so hungry

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4027
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1207 on: November 22, 2012, 12:51:53 PM »
Roughly 13% tip is included in your bill.

Imteresting they dont tell you that.  Usually in Israel tip not included.
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Online Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1208 on: November 22, 2012, 12:53:38 PM »
Imteresting they dont tell you that.  Usually in Israel tip not included.

These days, it does say it on the bottom of the receipt.

Oh, and BTW, great report Shmelly!

Offline Jkhein

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 4586
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1209 on: November 22, 2012, 01:04:35 PM »
Imteresting they dont tell you that.  Usually in Israel tip not included.
not always a meilah....

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4027
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1210 on: November 22, 2012, 01:10:11 PM »
not always a meilah....
I wasnt saying it was.  Just saying I was there a few nights ago and gave a tip...on top of their 13% because I thought tip wasn't included.
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline hocker

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 3501
  • Total likes: 85
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1211 on: November 22, 2012, 02:09:29 PM »
Ma'adanei Zahav on Rechov Malachi, owned by my best friend's father-in-law, has an amazing cholent. So good, in fact, that you'd never guess it's actually pareve. :o

Okay, maybe I'm a little biased, but it is good. :)
Sorry, Pareve cholent is a no go.
Im sick but i put one up this afternoon or bring me some moishala's. or yoilys now :-)
Believe me I would, but I don't have a car.

Offline Jkhein

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 4586
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1212 on: November 22, 2012, 02:18:29 PM »
Believe me I would, but I don't have a car.
I thought you have good deals :-)

Online Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1213 on: November 22, 2012, 02:19:04 PM »
Believe me I would, but I don't have a car.

Quote from: hocker's signature
Car rental enthusiast, PM me for assistance.

Aleh sheesters geyin boorvis, eh? ;)

Online Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1214 on: November 22, 2012, 02:20:16 PM »
restaurant discussion is officially dead.   let's have it...

No CPR, eh? ;)

Okay, fine, here goes...

take a look at this thread   http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=2861.msg28664#msg28664

basically after the 11th rental you're walking away with 3,000 points each 2 day rental.  if you value lh at about 1.7/1.8 a point, then you're getting $54 back on each 2 day rental.  that should pretty much cover the cost of a two day rental on a small car.   

Back in the day (as recently as a few weeks ago), one could get a class A or B car on a qualifying rate code (not all rate codes give miles) for $23-$25 per day. That meant every two days was $46-$50 (if you weren't paying tax), and was earning roughly $48 worth of miles (M&M used to be worth less than it is now), making the car more or less free. But one out of every three rentals had to be three days (since the week has seven days, which is not divisible by two), which meant paying $69-$75, while getting the same $48 of miles. Nu, a little sacrifice for Shabbos Koidesh. :)

Now, life is a bit more difficult. The rate codes that earn miles have all been updated to a three day minimum at $26 per day, and if you only take it for two days, you are charged $33 per day. Thus, a two day rental is $66, and a three day rental is $78. But... If you book specifically through NoachCar, you get a zikuy Shabbat of $14, bringing down the price of a Thursday-Sunday rental (3 days) to $64. (Noach is the only agent authorized to offer zikuy Shabbat for the "American" rate codes.)

Also, M&M has gone up slightly - with the right connections, you can find a buyer whereby the points will be worth $54, or $162 per week (three rentals).

So... let's do the math:

3 rentals are $66 + $66 + $64 = $194
Points are worth = $162
total cost per week after all is said and done: $32

Not to shabby, eh? A car for four-and-a-half bucks per day... ;D

Caveat: you want the points to credit automatically, since you don't want human eyes prying into your account unnecessarily. Blessings are only found in that which is hidden from the eye. :)

That being the case, try to avoid any unnecessary surcharges (like renting accessories on the same contract) or refunds (like demanding a few bucks back because you got the car with some gas missing), because touching the contract too much may cause your points to not credit automatically. Then you will have to make the difficult choice between forgoing the points for that rental altogether, or fighting for them and risking getting your account audited (kinda like how we try to avoid F/R triggers). Additionally, dealer has warned me that if the price drops below what you are supposed to pay for two days, you won't get any miles at all; so avoid, for example, taking a zikuy Shabbat on a contract of only two days. Better make the weekend rentals the three-day ones.

there are a couple things that need to be worked out though.    if you book it using the awd for the promo it's a higher rate.  supposedly though it's easy to book on a diff awd and then change it when you get into the store.  not sure if travel agent rate would work the same.     

This is the easy part: put the AWD on your Wizard, then have an agent (Noach, Yaari, Sruly Feig etc.) make the reservation for you. Make sure to give your Wizard number, and make sure to specify you want the HC or HZ rate code. Ta da! The AWD will be on your contract, and you will get the prices I mentioned above. :)

also, i don't think it would be worth it for most people if you need to spend an hour every 2 days returning the car and getting a new one, it's a major pita.   if you could work out a way with them to just stop by and fill out new papers or something, without actually returning the car it makes it much more feasible.     

True... let's just say, it helps to have friends in high places. :D

and of course you need to change the awd on each 2 day rental.

No, you don't... see above. :)

the other thing is the hold on your cc.  it would be very annoying if they put a new $1k hold on your cc for each rental...

-1

They can re-use the same hold again and again until it expires. I'm not sure if they do it automatically or if you have to ask, but it's definitely doable.

it usually takes about 10 days to come off.  but that's not such a big deal. 

Here's a little pro tip for anyone renting from Avis (not just people doing this promotion): once you return the car, you can ask the agent to manually cancel the hold, on the spot, instead of waiting for it to expire on its own.

i believe if you maxed it out from here until the end of the year (promo is through dec 31), you could do about 21 rentals, which is about 59k points (first 11 rentals earn less).      not the best, but still a great deal.

Here's where it gets a little sticky. Lufthansa's T&C's do not allow back-to-back rentals. This is not automatically enforced by the computer, but if they audit your account for whatever reason, you're screwed - they can count the entire period as one giant rental, and claw back all but 3,000 of the miles. In fact, someone lost close to half a million miles that way. :'(

The way around this is to make two accounts, and alternate between them, so that no account has back-to-back rentals. Even then they may detect duplicate accounts, so for best results, you make one account in your name and one account in your wife's name.

However... each account needs ten rentals before it starts earning the full bonus. That sets the "buy-in price" at twenty rentals - pretty steep for someone starting this late in the year.

also they've been renewing this every year for the last few years so you could always just wait for january and start then with a full year to do it.

Let's hope they do renew it. I've got my fingers Magen-David'ed... :)

One final note, that may not be obvious to some: Avis Israel is not losing anything because of the miles you are getting. Or even if the corporation as a whole is, the specific branch you rent from is not.

Why am I mentioning this? Because it is worth noting that as far as the branch is concerned, you are a gold mine. You are a steady customer binging them the better part of $1k in revenue per month. Couple that with being a friendly guy, and they will treat you like royalty. I've had cases where I booked an A and drove out in an F, or where I returned a car six hours late and the manager authorized them to override the computer and not charge me an extra day. I've rented minivans for half the price, and had them hold specific cars for me even when other paying customers wanted them.

Remember, you are not some schnorrer who has to feel self-conscious that you are "taking them for a ride" because of all the points you are getting. The employees all know exactly what I'm doing, and not only don't they have a problem with it, they actually admire me for it. And when I'm one of their best customers... what's not to like? ;D
« Last Edit: November 22, 2012, 02:23:19 PM by Moishebatchy »

Offline YudiG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 2351
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1215 on: November 22, 2012, 02:26:44 PM »
gr8 post...how long do you spend at the branch every few days dealing with the rental exchange?

Offline deals

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Posts: 2624
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1216 on: November 22, 2012, 02:30:38 PM »
I can add a few reviews now.

Sheyan: Egg roll was decent. Entrecote skewers were amazing, I would highly recommend. Teriyaki chicken was really good. Chocolate peanut butter mousse dessert was pretty good, not too peanut buttery. Chinese Wall drink had no discernible alcohol in it. Service was excellent, food came really quick. Prices were decent and the place has nice decor. Look for Moishebatchy when you're there, he's the guy cutting the line. Luckily we were advised to place a reservation, as the place was packed. Roughly 13% tip is included in your bill.



u pay for the ambiance u basically get Chinese food tiny portion (but delicious)and no side dishes not even rice 

Entrecote skewers were amazing

+1

Offline yare

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 2096
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1217 on: November 22, 2012, 03:44:44 PM »
No CPR, eh? ;)

Okay, fine, here goes...

Back in the day (as recently as a few weeks ago), one could get a class A or B car on a qualifying rate code (not all rate codes give miles) for $23-$25 per day. That meant every two days was $46-$50 (if you weren't paying tax), and was earning roughly $48 worth of miles (M&M used to be worth less than it is now), making the car more or less free. But one out of every three rentals had to be three days (since the week has seven days, which is not divisible by two), which meant paying $69-$75, while getting the same $48 of miles. Nu, a little sacrifice for Shabbos Koidesh. :)

Now, life is a bit more difficult. The rate codes that earn miles have all been updated to a three day minimum at $26 per day, and if you only take it for two days, you are charged $33 per day. Thus, a two day rental is $66, and a three day rental is $78. But... If you book specifically through NoachCar, you get a zikuy Shabbat of $14, bringing down the price of a Thursday-Sunday rental (3 days) to $64. (Noach is the only agent authorized to offer zikuy Shabbat for the "American" rate codes.)

Also, M&M has gone up slightly - with the right connections, you can find a buyer whereby the points will be worth $54, or $162 per week (three rentals).

So... let's do the math:

3 rentals are $66 + $66 + $64 = $194
Points are worth = $162
total cost per week after all is said and done: $32

Not to shabby, eh? A car for four-and-a-half bucks per day... ;D

Caveat: you want the points to credit automatically, since you don't want human eyes prying into your account unnecessarily. Blessings are only found in that which is hidden from the eye. :)

That being the case, try to avoid any unnecessary surcharges (like renting accessories on the same contract) or refunds (like demanding a few bucks back because you got the car with some gas missing), because touching the contract too much may cause your points to not credit automatically. Then you will have to make the difficult choice between forgoing the points for that rental altogether, or fighting for them and risking getting your account audited (kinda like how we try to avoid F/R triggers). Additionally, dealer has warned me that if the price drops below what you are supposed to pay for two days, you won't get any miles at all; so avoid, for example, taking a zikuy Shabbat on a contract of only two days. Better make the weekend rentals the three-day ones.

This is the easy part: put the AWD on your Wizard, then have an agent (Noach, Yaari, Sruly Feig etc.) make the reservation for you. Make sure to give your Wizard number, and make sure to specify you want the HC or HZ rate code. Ta da! The AWD will be on your contract, and you will get the prices I mentioned above. :)

True... let's just say, it helps to have friends in high places. :D

No, you don't... see above. :)

-1

They can re-use the same hold again and again until it expires. I'm not sure if they do it automatically or if you have to ask, but it's definitely doable.

Here's a little pro tip for anyone renting from Avis (not just people doing this promotion): once you return the car, you can ask the agent to manually cancel the hold, on the spot, instead of waiting for it to expire on its own.

Here's where it gets a little sticky. Lufthansa's T&C's do not allow back-to-back rentals. This is not automatically enforced by the computer, but if they audit your account for whatever reason, you're screwed - they can count the entire period as one giant rental, and claw back all but 3,000 of the miles. In fact, someone lost close to half a million miles that way. :'(

The way around this is to make two accounts, and alternate between them, so that no account has back-to-back rentals. Even then they may detect duplicate accounts, so for best results, you make one account in your name and one account in your wife's name.

However... each account needs ten rentals before it starts earning the full bonus. That sets the "buy-in price" at twenty rentals - pretty steep for someone starting this late in the year.

Let's hope they do renew it. I've got my fingers Magen-David'ed... :)

One final note, that may not be obvious to some: Avis Israel is not losing anything because of the miles you are getting. Or even if the corporation as a whole is, the specific branch you rent from is not.

Why am I mentioning this? Because it is worth noting that as far as the branch is concerned, you are a gold mine. You are a steady customer binging them the better part of $1k in revenue per month. Couple that with being a friendly guy, and they will treat you like royalty. I've had cases where I booked an A and drove out in an F, or where I returned a car six hours late and the manager authorized them to override the computer and not charge me an extra day. I've rented minivans for half the price, and had them hold specific cars for me even when other paying customers wanted them.

Remember, you are not some schnorrer who has to feel self-conscious that you are "taking them for a ride" because of all the points you are getting. The employees all know exactly what I'm doing, and not only don't they have a problem with it, they actually admire me for it. And when I'm one of their best customers... what's not to like? ;D
nice post!       at what point are you attaching your m&m number?   if it's automatically connected to your wizard number and you need to switch accounts every other rental period, that would mean you can't book the next one until you finish the first one and change out the number, no?

also, you sure yaari isn't authorized for the zikuy shabbat?    usually use em for my rentals

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1218 on: November 22, 2012, 03:56:05 PM »
Great post Moishe!
I'm curious why their miles are worth so much. Dont they charge YQ? Is their award chart unusually generous?

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 7996
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1219 on: November 22, 2012, 03:59:18 PM »
gr8 post moish   so why the tus tus?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.