According to Luke, Elisabeth's husband, Zechariah's occupation was as a priest, which meant that he lived in Jerusalem, but even if not (Luke 1:23 can be read with that meaning), he would have lived not far from Jerusalem. Passing through Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph would have stayed at the home of Elisabeth, just a few hours walk from Bethlehem. In fact, Ranke-Heinemann wonders why Joseph took his wife at such a late stage of pregnancy to Bethlehem, where they knew no one and could not even find accommodation.
Another Answer:
There is no Scriptural description of travelling accomodations mentioned. People in those days did not have hotel/motel bookings, food stops, etc. They travelled with all their needs with them. All that is said is that at the end of their trip, there was no room anywhere usually considered rentable space for them to rest/sleep. So they stayed in the enclosed area adjoined to living quarters, where livestock usually bedded down for the night. Recent Archaeology has proven this type of housing.
Concerning the time the Romans would have called an Empire-wide Census, they would not have been concerned with the local people's religious events - as there were many diverse beliefs throughout the Empire. Their only concern would have been the weather and they would not conduct a Census in the Winter seasons.
Two good historical sources for this event are from the 'Chronicles of John Malalas, translated by Matthew Spinka (University of Chicago Press, 1940). Malalas was a historian from Antioch, Syria circa 491-578 A.D.. Also, Suidas, another reliable author, etal, have added information about Augustus' decree proving the Census was conducted in Palestine in 4 B.C.. Also, a great article is in Unger's Bible Dictionary under "Chronology").
Not many. The Bible says there was no room at the inn so they stayed in a stable where animals were kept.
Today Bethlehem falls in Palestine, and not Israel, but all the same it is a holy city for the Christians as Christ was born there.
In Bethlehem - currently in Palestinian territory in the Holy Lands.
Bethlehem is Located in Palestine "The Holy Land" near Israel, it is the twin city of Jerusalem.
Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian Territories, is the holy city for Christmas.
She traveled there with her husband Joseph, whose family was from Bethlehem.
One of the holiest of cities for Christians is the city of Jerusalem. Bethlehem is another holy city for Christians.
The Fisher Family - 1952 Child of Bethlehem was released on: USA: 24 December 1967
In Christianity, Bethlehem is known as the birthplace of Jesus. Joseph arrived in Bethlehem with his very pregnant wife, Mary and could not find accommodations at any inn. Desperate for shelter, they retired to a stable and Joseph made Mary as comfortable as he could in a small manger. There, she gave birth to the infant Jesus.
This depends on the denomination of Christianity, but some denominations regard Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and/or Nazareth as holy. Others also regard Vatican City as holy.
Christmas is in Bethlehem which is located in the nice Palestinian Terretories of the Holy Land.
The city of Bethlehem is located in Palestine in the south of the city of Jerusalem.
They were shepherds from Bethlehem.