Accommodation

Best Suggested Hotels in Israel

What to Expect ? Planning a trip to Israel involves considering various accommodation options. While specifics vary by region and hotel type, here's a general overview of what you can anticipate when staying in Israeli hotels.

Standards and Service Israeli hotels, especially those in major cities and popular tourist destinations, generally maintain high standards for cleanliness and guest service. However, it's worth noting that official star ratings might not always align perfectly with European or North American equivalents. Therefore, consulting recent guest reviews is always a prudent step to gauge the current quality and service levels of a specific establishment.

The Famous Israeli Breakfast Often cited as a highlight of staying in Israel, the breakfast is typically a generous buffet included in the room rate (though always confirm). Due to widespread observance of Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) which prohibits serving meat and dairy together, expect a predominantly dairy-based spread. This usually includes a wide variety of fresh salads, local cheeses, breads, pastries, eggs cooked to order, smoked or pickled fish, yogurts, fruits, and vegetables.

Essential Amenities Wi-Fi access is standard in most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, although connection speeds can sometimes vary. Given Israel's climate, particularly during the hot summer months, air conditioning is a crucial and nearly universal amenity. Swimming pools are also common, especially in mid-range to luxury hotels, resort areas like Eilat and the Dead Sea, and properties located outside of dense urban centers.

Cultural Considerations: Shabbat and Kashrut Travelers should be aware of how Shabbat (observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) can impact hotel services. During this time, you might find reduced staffing, leading to slower check-in/out processes. Elevators may operate in "Shabbat mode," stopping automatically on every floor. Hotel restaurants might offer limited menus or pre-plated meals. Public transportation also largely ceases in Jewish majority areas.

Furthermore, many hotels adhere to Kashrut. This primarily affects food service, most noticeably in the separation of meat and dairy products. If keeping Kosher is important for your stay, it's best to confirm the hotel's certification and practices directly.

Security Measures Visible security measures are commonplace at Israeli hotels. This is a standard practice throughout the country and contributes to a generally safe and secure environment for guests and staff alike.

Pricing and Booking Accommodation costs in Israel, particularly in high-demand cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, can be relatively high compared to some other Mediterranean destinations. Prices are frequently quoted in US dollars for ease of comparison, but the final payment will typically be made in Israeli Shekels (ILS). Booking your accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended, especially if traveling during peak season (summer months and major Jewish holidays), to secure better rates and ensure availability.

Room Size One final point to note is room size. Especially when staying in hotels located within historic city centers, such as Jerusalem's Old City or certain parts of Tel Aviv, guest rooms may be more compact than what travelers from North America might typically expect.

Accommodation by Region

Jerusalem: The Historical & Spiritual Heart

General Vibe: Staying in Jerusalem means being close to millennia of history and spirituality. Options range from atmospheric guesthouses in the Old City to modern luxury hotels in the newer parts. Location is key – decide if you want to be immersed in the Old City's bustle, near the vibrant Mahane Yehuda market, or in quieter residential neighborhoods.

Hotel Suggestions:

  • Budget/Hostels (Approx. $40 - $90 per dorm bed / $90 - $180 per private room):

    • Abraham Hostel Jerusalem: Known for its social atmosphere, tours, and central location near the market. Great for meeting other travelers.

    • The Post Hostel: Stylish hostel in a historic building, centrally located, offering both dorms and private rooms. Known for its rooftop bar.

    • Stay Inn Hostel: Fully renovated for comfort, Stay Inn provides a modern, social base for meeting travelers and exploring Jerusalem.

  • Mid-Range (Approx. $180 - $350 per night):

    • Arthur Hotel (Atlas Hotels): Boutique hotel with a charming, vintage-inspired design, located on the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall.

    • Herbert Samuel Jerusalem: An upmarket, 5-star hotel offering an indoor pool, spa, gym, and a restaurant with Old City views. Located centrally.

    • Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: Similar to 4-star, laid-back hotel featuring a restaurant, lobby bar, event space, free parking, and Wi-Fi.

    • Villa Brown Jerusalem: Upscale boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century villa, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop spa, and a central location.

  • Luxury (Approx. $400 - $800+ per night):

    • King David Hotel: Jerusalem's most famous historic luxury hotel, hosting dignitaries for decades. Offers grand decor, beautiful grounds, and Old City views (from some rooms).

    • The Mamilla Hotel: Ultra-modern luxury hotel connecting the Old City to the new, known for its stunning design, rooftop restaurant, spa, and proximity to Mamilla Avenue shopping.

    • Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem: Combines historical facade with opulent interiors. Known for exceptional service, fine dining, and luxurious rooms near the Old City.

Tel Aviv: The Vibrant Coastal Metropolis

General Vibe: Tel Aviv is Israel's modern, bustling, secular hub. Famous for its beaches, nightlife, Bauhaus architecture, and culinary scene. Accommodation ranges from party hostels to chic boutique hotels and beachfront luxury high-rises. Key areas include near the beach promenade, the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, artsy Florentin, or the central Rothschild Boulevard area.

Hotel Suggestions:

  • Budget/Hostels (Approx. $35 - $100 per dorm bed / $100 - $200 per private room):

    • Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv: Large, social hostel with a great bar, rooftop, organised tours, and a central location.

    • Florentin House: Stylish hostel/hotel hybrid in the hip Florentin neighborhood, offering dorms, pods, and private rooms with a focus on design.

    • Spot Hostel: Located near the Port (Namal) and Hayarkon Park, offering modern dorms and private rooms, bike rentals, and a good social scene.

  • Mid-Range (Approx. $200 - $400 per night):

    • Brown TLV Urban Hotel (Brown Hotels): One of the original boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, located near Rothschild Blvd and Neve Tzedek. Known for its rooftop terrace and chic design.

    • Cinema Hotel (Atlas Hotels): Housed in an original Bauhaus cinema building on Dizengoff Square. Features unique decor, a rooftop terrace, and free movie screenings.

    • Herods Tel Aviv By The Beach : Located on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Promenade, offering sea views and a beachfront location. Features an outdoor pool and spa.

  • Luxury (Approx. $450 - $900+ per night):

    • The Norman Tel Aviv: Prestigious luxury boutique hotel in beautifully restored buildings near Rothschild Boulevard. Known for its elegance, rooftop pool, and fine dining.

    • The Setai Tel Aviv: Luxury hotel located in Jaffa, housed in a meticulously restored historic building overlooking the Mediterranean. Offers stunning design, an infinity pool, and spa.

    • Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv (Isrotel): Modern, high-rise luxury hotel right on the beach promenade. Features spacious rooms (many with sea views), multiple pools, and executive lounges.

The North: Galilee, Golan & Coast

General Vibe: Israel's North is characterized by lush green landscapes, historical sites (Nazareth, Acre, Safed), wineries, nature reserves, and the Sea of Galilee. Accommodation here includes kibbutz guesthouses (offering a unique Israeli experience), charming B&Bs (known as "zimmer"), spa hotels, and city hotels in Haifa or Tiberias. Great for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking relaxation.

Hotel Suggestions:

  • Budget Hotels (Approx. $100 - $180 per private room):

    • Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel : Centrally located in Tiberias with Sea of Galilee views, Prima Galil offers spacious rooms and central location, ideal for exploring Galilee's holy sites.

    • Astoria Galilee Hotel:  Founded in 1933, is one of the oldest hotels. Featuring a swimming pool and a restaurant, the Astoria Galilee Hotel is located in the center of Tiberias, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, a 20-minute walk away

  • Mid-Range (Approx. $180 - $300 per night):

    • Nof Ginosar Hotel (Kibbutz Hotel): Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee within a kibbutz. Offers comfortable rooms, private beach access, and extensive grounds.

    • Efendi Hotel (Acre/Akko): Unique boutique hotel created from merging two ancient Ottoman mansions in Akko's Old City. Offers stunning design and historical ambiance (can sometimes lean towards luxury pricing).

    • Villa Galilee Boutique Hotel & Spa (Safed/Tzfat): Located in the mystical city of Safed, offering stylish rooms, a spa, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Luxury (Approx. $350 - $700+ per night):

    • Mizpe Hayamim Hotel (Isrotel): Renowned spa and wellness hotel near Rosh Pina/Safed. Features an organic farm, dairy, stunning views, spa treatments, and gourmet dining.

    • The Setai Sea of Galilee: Luxurious spa resort on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Offers private villas with pools, gourmet dining, and extensive spa facilities.

    • Pereh Mountain Resort: A newer luxury resort located in the Golan Heights, set in former French customs buildings. Offers chic design, fine dining, a spa, and access to nature.


Negev Desert & Eilat

General Vibe: The South is dominated by the vast Negev Desert, offering dramatic landscapes, unique geological formations (like the Ramon Crater/Makhtesh Ramon), Bedouin culture, and outdoor adventures. At the southernmost tip lies Eilat, a resort city on the Red Sea known for diving, beaches, and duty-free shopping. Accommodation includes desert inns, kibbutz hotels, luxury resorts in Eilat, and eco-lodges.

Hotel Suggestions:

  • Mid-Range (Approx. $150 - $300 per night):

    • Isrotel Ramon Inn (Mitzpe Ramon): Comfortable apartment-style hotel in Mitzpe Ramon, suitable for families and those exploring the crater. Offers spacious rooms and a pool.

    • Dan Panorama Eilat (Dan Hotels): Large hotel near Eilat's North Beach lagoon. Offers good facilities, multiple pools, and family-friendly activities.

    • Caesar Premier Eilat Hotel: Located by the lagoon marina, close to shopping and beaches. Offers comfortable rooms, a large pool, and entertainment.

  • Luxury (Approx. $400 - $800+ per night):

    • Beresheet Hotel (Isrotel Exclusive): Iconic luxury hotel perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater in Mitzpe Ramon. Famous for its stunning views, private pools (in some rooms), and desert ambiance.

    • Six Senses Shaharut: Ultra-luxury desert resort located deep in the Negev Arava Valley. Offers seclusion, incredible design, spa, wellness programs, and unique desert experiences.

    • Royal Beach Eilat (Isrotel Exclusive): Considered one of Eilat's premier luxury hotels, located directly on the Red Sea beach. Offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, extensive pools, and a private beach area.

* We're excited to share our top hotel recommendations for Israel, drawing from our best understanding of these properties. However, please note that these are simply suggestions to help you get started. We encourage you to conduct your own research to ensure the hotel meets your specific needs. We provides hotel suggestions for informational purposes only and holds no responsibility for the listed properties.

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