Your complete guide to the coolest hotels in Israel, divided into Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, The North and the South.
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Tel Aviv
The Norman
Nachmani Street 23-25 | Swimming pool | $$$
Ok, so its going to cost you an arm and a leg to stay here… but if you can afford it, this is the best hotel in Tel Aviv at the moment. The Norman opened in 2014, setting a new benchmark for luxury boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. Located two minutes from Rothschild Boulevard, the hotel is set in a converted and enlarged 1920s mansion, specked up to the highest standards, with a beautiful infinity pool on the roof, a top-class restaurant, and the best customer service in Israel. Have fun checking out all the beautiful little touches throughout the rooms.
Hotel Montefiore
Montefiore 36 | $$$
Another beautiful boutique hotel in central Tel Aviv, created out of the conversion of a 1920s heritage building, the hotel has 12 unique elegant rooms specked to the highest standards. The restaurant is also well-known in Tel Aviv, famous for its amazing breakfasts.
Market House – an Atlas Group Hotel
Beit Eshel Street 5, Jaffa | $$
Situated on Beit Eshel Street next to the Jaffa Clock Tower and Flea Market, the Market House Hotel contains the archeological remains of a Byzantine Chapel which can be viewed by guests through the glass floor of the lobby. Influenced by the unique spirit of Jaffa and the lively market atmosphere, the hotel design features works of art that express the magical feeling of the city. The hotel boasts 44 rooms, many with balconies overlooking the market’s surroundings.
Alma Hotel & Lounge
Yavne Street 23 | $$
An excellent little boutique hotel situated besides the beautiful Rothschild Boulevard. Each one of the hotel’s 15 luxury rooms is decorated in its unique and different style bohemian, and there is a relaxing lounge area on the rooftop. In the evenings, you can reserve a table at Alma Lounge (Chef Restaurant – Yonatan Rochfeld) and enjoy a wonderful evening in the amazing atmosphere.
Shalom Hotel and Relax – an Atlas Group Hotel
Hayarkon Street 216, Beach | $$
Enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful sunsets in the heart of the city, overlooking the Tel Aviv beach. The Shalom Hotel and Relax offers 51 rooms designed to pamper guests that want to enjoy the resort atmosphere of Tel Aviv. The rooms have sea or city views, with three levels of rooms – standard double, superior double, and for the romantic the superior double with private spa bath – an indulgent hot tub facing the magnificent view.
Mendeli Street Hotel
Mendeli Street 5 | $$
Moments away from the beach, a design hotel that reflects the contemporary spirit of Tel Aviv, the Mendeli Street Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. The beautiful interiors and bar are all set against the backdrop of the latest in Israeli art and design trends. The hotel has sixty six elegant rooms, albeit a little on the small side.
Brown Urban Hotel
Kalischer 25 | $$
This hotel is situated between the beautiful Rothschild Boulevard, the trendy Neve Tzedek, and the lively Shuk HaCarmel and Nahalat Binyamin. It has beautifully designed rooms, a well equipped and charming spa, and a great rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of Tel Aviv. It is also a lot cheaper than the Norman and Montefiore hotels.
Brown Beach House
Hayarkon Street 64, Beach | $$
The Brown Beach House is designed as a luxury summer house inspired by Tel Aviv’s unique combination of resort-like surroundings and urban vibe. The hotel offers 40 luxurious and extra-spacious rooms and suites, most of which feature private sun terraces with both urban and sea views. The hotel’s guests will enjoy a unique indoor ‘Urban Beach’ lounge, a Kosher gourmet restaurant and event facilities, a lavish spa, meeting room, kids facilities and more.
The Poli House
Nahalat Binyamin 1 | $$
The Poli House (by Brown Hotels) opened its doors recently and quickly became an icon! Its beautiful design and unbeatable location made it one of the favorites among tourists. It is a boutique hotel that combines modern and bauhaus designs without sacrificing luxury. The Poli House has a beautiful rooftop with a pool that often hosts parties. It also has a wellness spa with a wide menu of treatments.
Lily & Bloom Hotel
Lilienbloom 48 | $
Tel Aviv’s newest boutique hotel opened in July 2015. With a great location on Lillenbloom Street, two minutes from Rothschild Boulevard and next to the very fashionable Abraxus North Restaurant and Bar, the hotel has a chic urban style and a solarium and terrace.
Vera Hotel
Lilienblum St 27 | $$
The Vera Hotel is a beautiful new boutique hotel located just a block away from one of the most popular streets in Tel Aviv, close to many shops and restaurant. The hotel offers 39 modern rooms, a trendy bar, spa, rooftop sundeck, local concierge and personalized service for business.
Gordon Hotel
Gordon Street 2, Beach | $$
The Gordon Boutique Hotel Tel Aviv is superbly located on Tel Aviv’s vibrant seafront on the corner of Hayarkon and Gordon Street. Its fabulous location enables you to start your day off on a white terrace overlooking the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea. Each of the 12 rooms offer our guests the perfect pampering design experience down to the smallest detail, and feature a spacious terrace with sea view and overlook Tel Aviv’s vibrant promenade.
Cinema Hotel – an Atlas Group Hotel
Zamenhoff Street 1, Central Tel Aviv | $
The Cinema hotel is located on Dizengoff Square, minutes from all of Dizengoff’s bars and shops, and 10 minutes walk from the beach. The hotel is an original Bauhaus-style building that previously held the Esther Cinema, one of the first cinemas in Tel Aviv. The hotel’s unique design, complemented by some of the original projectors and movie posters, preserves the legacy of the building. Classical movies are screened in the hotel lobby and popcorn is served – all to heighten the nostalgic and unique atmosphere. There are 83 rooms, and a beautiful rooftop terrace.
Center Chic Hotel – an Atlas Group Hotel
Zamenhoff Street 2, Central Tel Aviv | $
Located just next to the Cinema Hotel on Dizengoff Square, the Center Chic Hotel has a great location, a boutique feel, and an amazingly cheap price. The recently renovated Center Chic Hotel was designed to celebrate the culture, architecture, art and spirit of the century old city. The 54-room hotel (including 2 beautiful suites) is located on Dizengoff Square, a short walk from the beach, in the city׳s cultural and entertainment area. Breakfast is served at the neighbouring Cinema Hotel.
Jerusalem
Cramim Resort and Spa, near Jerusalem
Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim, near Jerusalem | Swimming Pool | $$$
Nestled in the Jerusalem hills, 20 minutes drive from the Old City, is the beautiful Cramim Resort and Spa. Part of the exclusive Isrotel Executive Collection hotels, the resort has 155 magnificent rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, hot-tub, and a Turkish Bath, 26 spa treatment rooms, and an excellent restaurant specilising in local produce. The surrounding area is filled with vineyards and hiking trails – guests can book tours from the hotel.
Arcadia Ba’Moshava Boutique Hotel
GERMAN COLONY | 13 Yehoshua Bin Nun Street | $$
Opened in 2014, the Arcardia Ba’Moshava Boutique Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Jerusalem. With only 24 rooms, the hotel is located one block away from the trendy Emek HaRefaim Street (German Colony), where you can find cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Arthur Hotel - An Atlas Group Hotel
SHUK | 13 Dorot Rishonim St. | $$
If you are thinking about traveling to the holy city for your next vacation, the colonial style Arthur Hotel (an Atlas Boutique Hotel) will make you feel right at home. Opened in 2013, the boutique hotel consists of 54 rooms in three different styles: Turkish, Jewish, and British.
The Harmony Hotel Jerusalem - An Atlas Group Hotel
SHUK | 6 Yoel Moshe Salomon St. | $$
One of Jerusalem’s first boutique hotels, The Harmony Boutique Hotel opened in 2008. It is located just near the shuk and has 50 compact and stylish rooms and a sun deck for guests.
Bezalel Hotel
Mesilat Yesharim St 1 | $$$
Just steps away from the revived Mehane Yehuda Market, sits the Bezalel Hotel, a 37 room boutique hotel with artistic influences. The building is a beautifully restored landmark with modern and comfortable rooms, and the location is unbeatable.
Villa Brown Hotel
Ha-Nevi’im St 54 | $$$
Jerusalem’s first Brown Hotels, Villa Brown is a boutique hotel that represents small-scale luxury. Housed in an impressive 19th-century villa that has been restored, Villa Brown offers luxurious modern rooms, a Rooftop Spa, a Garden Cafe and a trendy bar, “Cave Bar”.
The American Colony Hotel
EAST JERUSALEM | 1 Louis Vincent Street | $$$
Another historical landmark in Jerusalem, the American Colony Hotel is unique in that it stands in East Jerusalem, about a 10-minute walk from the Old City. This hotel is in East Jerusalem – it is not a great choice for Jewish families.
It was opened as a hotel in the early 20th century by Americans, the hotel is owned neither by Arabs nor Jews, but by Americans, British and Swedes, making it a favourite haven for international journalists, high-ranking officers of the United Nations and diplomats from across the world.
When checking in to the American Colony hotel in Jerusalem, your room will be in one of the 4 buildings that together create one of the best hotels in Jerusalem. Having a good time in the holy city starts with a great outdoor pool, a Swedish sauna and spending the night on Italian “Frette” bed sheets.
YMCA Three Arches Hotel
CENTER | 26 King David Street | $
The YMCA Three Arches in Jerusalem has an amazing location, opposite the luxury King David Hotel and 10 minutes walk to the Old City. The rooms are decent, and the hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and squash court!
The North
Mizpe Hayamim, North
Rosh Pina | Swimming Pool | $$$
The perfect place to recharge your body and your mind! Mizpe Hayamim is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, in the mountains and forests in the North of Israel, near Rosh Pina and Safed. The 37 acre hotel includes 97 luxurious rooms, gardens, orchards, and a vast organic farm, gourmet restaurants, a spa and swimming pool, and excellent customer service.
Carmel Forest Spa Hotel, North
Carmel Forest | Swimming Pool | $$$
This special Spa Hotel is nestled in the middle of the Carmel Forest, just south of Haifa. The ideal place to recharge and renew, you will quickly forget the hustle bustle of city life.
The resort has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, wet and dry saunas, a Turkish bath, and over 60 different spa treatments from some of the best masseurs in Israel. Guests have a wide choice of activities including nature walks, aerobics, yoga and meditation. The restaurant serves delicious healthy food, including kosher options, and all 126 rooms are spacious and lovingly designed.
Elma Hotel, Zichron Yaakov
Yair Street 1, Zichron Yaakov | Swimming Pool | $$$
Elma Hotel is one of the newest luxury country hotels to open in Israel, in the same league as the Carmel Forest Spa, the Beresheet Hotel, and Mizpe Hayamim.
It is perched on the side of the mountain in Zichron Yaakov, with a spectatular view of Maagan Michael Kibbutz and the beach 7km away. Zichron Yaakov is a quaint little town north of Netanya, famous for its wine production and beautiful town centre. The hotel boasts a pool and spa, an elegant restaurant, art exhibitions – and a concert room which regularly hosts cool musicians!
Vered HaGalil Farm Hotel, Sea of Galilee
Corazim, near Sea of Galilee | Swimming Pool | $$
Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this beautiful boutique hotel is a perfect spot to escape from the city… or use as a base to tour the local area.
The hotel has 31 separate chalets for guests, each with a little garden and most with amazing views, a swimming pool, an excellent chef restaurant, and a horse-farm for the adventurous!
The South
The Beresheet Hotel, Negev
Beresheet 1, Mitzpe Ramon | Swimming Pool | $$$
Escape to this beautiful spa resort in the middle of the Negev Desert, rated as one of the best in Israel. Opened in 2011, and part of Isrotel’s Exclusive Collection, the hotel has 111 rooms, many overlooking the spectacular Mitzpe Ramon crater.
Celebrity guests have included Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, who booked out the whole hotel over Pesach 2014 for a cool $450,000. Guests can go on guided walks in the crater, or take rides on bikes, open-top jeeps… and camels! Or you can just switch off in the hotel’s spa, kosher restaurants, and hotel pool – which overlooks the crater!
The Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, Dead Sea
Ein Gedi Kibbutz, Dead Sea | Swimming pool during the summer | $$
The Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel is ten minutes drive from the Dead Sea, and is a great solution for people who want to combine luxury with experiencing the Kibbutz life. The Kibbutz has its own private beach which you can access as a guest of the hotel. If you are travelling in the months of April to November you will also have access to the hotel’s outdoor pool. The restaurant is really good, and the grounds are very beautiful.
*** For more of the best hotels in the Dead Sea, check our ‘Best Hotels in the Dead Sea’ Guide ***
The Herods Vitalis, Eilat
HaYam Street 6, Eilat | Swimming Pool | $$$
Consistently rated as one of the top hotels in Eilat, the Herods Vitalis Spa Hotel is a small exclusive spa hotel. This is a great romantic getaway, with five-star service, adults only, and a spa with over 60 different types of treatments!
This hotel is part of the Herods Complex in Eilat – a collection of 3 hotels: The Herods Palace Hotel, the Herods Boutique Hotel, and the super-luxury Herods Vitalis Spa Hotel.
Isrotel Ganim Hotel, Dead Sea
Ein Bokek, Dead Sea | Swimming Pool | $$
The Isrotel Ganim Dead Sea Hotel was voted as the best hotel in The Dead Sea by TripAdvisor users in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and usually gets great reviews from members of Secret Tel Aviv!
Located in Ein Bokek, the Isrotel Ganim Dead Sea Hotel is only a few minutes away from the beach by foot. The hotel offers an indoor pool filled with seawater from the Dead Sea, an outdoor pool fresh-water pool, and a spa with a variety of treatments to indulge on in your vacation. The hotel was recently renovated, the rooms are clean, and there is a high-level of service. If you are travelling with kids you’d be happy to know that the Isrotel Ganim Dead Sea Hotel has it’s own children’s pool. Free WIFI is available throughout the entire hotel, and you also have a free parking lot.
Orchid Reef Boutique Hotel, Eilat
Eilat | Swimming Pool | $$
The Orchid Reef is a lovely small hotel, with a great pool, good conditioned rooms, and a delicious breakfast. However what really makes the hotel stand out is its location – right next to Coral Beach. This is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the more touristy North Beach, but offers free bike rental and a free shuttle bus to make the trip easier.
Find the perfect hotel in the perfect location!
This guide is part of our series of Best Hotel Guides in Israel. Also check out our guides for Best Hotels in Israel, Best Hotels in Tel Aviv, Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Best Hotels in the Dead Sea, Best Hotels in Eilat; for those looking for boutique hotels we have guides for the Best Boutique Hotels in Tel Aviv; and for those traveling in a budget, we have guides for the Best Hostels in Israel and Best Hostels in Tel Aviv.