This was an amazing experience, I honestly don’t know why everyone isn’t staying here. You get to be onsite overnight, in this beautiful and tranquil setting, and have access to the Jordan River, and watch the stars. I have never slept so well or so deeply. And we even had the resident cat, Ginger, giving us the grand tour, and come to get us for breakfast the next morning 😄 The manager was very kind, and arranged for a priest in the Catholic church next door to give us a tour of the baptism site the next day (we are catholic). This was amazing, and we got a full explanation of each part of the site, and we got to spend time at each part of the baptism site. (Usually, to visit during the day, tours are only 30mins to only the main baptism part). Irena cooked us the best vegetarian dinner, and then an excellent breakfast the next morning, and was so kind. There is also tea, coffee and as many biscuits as you can eat provided! I can’t recommend highly enough!!

Nothing.

Excellent Breakfast, very generous and clean food.

I so wish we had booked to stay for 2 nights instead of 1. This guesthouse is in a restricted area, due to its proximity to the Palestine border. On arrival, go to the Visitor Centre and speak to the Police. They will issue you with a pass that enables you to pass the checkpoint and drive down to the guest house. Due to border patrols, you are not allowed to access the River Jordan at night. There is ample parking and, currently, the whole area is very quiet. (However, the Catholics are building on the adjacent plot, so this might increase the number of tourists.) There were only half a dozen other people staying when we were there, so we almost had the residence to ourselves. Our room has comfortable twin beds and was utterly quiet. We hadn't realised how far the guest house was from the nearest town and how difficult it was to access the site, so we didn't know where to get dinner. The cooks prepared food for the staff and they kindly provided extra, so that we were able to eat. The absolute highlight for me was sitting on the terrace, watching the sun set over Palestine. It really was rather special and I didn't want to go in to bed.

We were not allowed hot drinks in the room, which we found to be a little odd.

Very quiet place, perfect to meditate and get attuned with nature and your spiritual side, even if you do not adscribe to any religion. The staff was very kind and helpful, going beyond their duty to make your stay comfortable. The room I was in was very spacious, clean and aesthetically pleasing. The breakfast was varied, plentiful and delicious. If you want a peaceful place to stay at, with a gorgeous view of the sunset, this location is top tier.

The issues I experimented were not because of the residence, but because of the very strict policies of the area, which is close to the border of Jordan. Even with a permit, I wasn't allowed to go outside the Residence's borders. Again, this is not the Residence's fault, but you better keep this in mind if you book it.

Perfect retreat close to Jordan river - no other option nearby - it is in heavy military zone as meters away from Israel border - cannot walk about - hang out by the river and hotel gardens and small local walks - to St Mary of Egypt ‘s cave for example and Baptism site without the daily hoards-good home cooking clean and quiet - it is a pilgrim’s retreat after all !

Beverage facilities coffee tea would be good as no where to eat between meals - complicated access through police checking and military prevent general walking about - register with police at car park and take local bus to hotel

Our stay in the Russian Pilgrim Residence was absolutely great. It is such an amazing place, to get in touch with the christian religion in Jordan and it is also a fantastique place for meditation and to enjoy the calming and curing silence. The manager, Mr. Elias, is a very friendly and helpful person, who was always looking how to make our stay comfortable. Also the food, cooked by Mr. Taniah, was so delicious and plenty. The place and also the rooms are very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed our visit so much and we will come back definitely! Thank you very much for all!

Nothing. Everything was great!

Honestly, I had such a great time there. I wish I could have stayed for a week. The peace and silence were so soothing. The whole place is so magical and it was a truly amazing experience. When you need a break from the business of life, you need to go there. My highlight was swimming in the Jordan river - what an experience :) The manager, Elias, was so helpful and helped me to get around.

The solitude.

There were difficulties getting in to the site. The manager was not available to arrange escort and staff at visitor centre did not know what to do.

This is absolutely unique place, just 50 meters from Jordan river with private access point to the river where we could bath in its holy waters. Nowhere in Jordan or Israel you can sleep right next to Holy Jordan, where Jesus had been baptized. The most mysterious and stunning place I ever stayed! Absolute blessing!

The location is exceptional as it is the only accommodation inside the site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan.