Head South for your next vacation, and save some cash! Explore the beautiful Deserts Israel has to offer with out breaking the bank! Whether you’re looking for something to fit your budget, the coolest hostels, or anything in between, this guide has got you covered!


You can also book hotels directly in Israel and around the world through Secret Tel Aviv’s Booking.com Platform, it will cost you the same, but you will be supporting the work we do at Secret Tel Aviv.


We’ve broken this guide into areas:

  • Negev 
  • North Arava 
  • South Arava
  • Be’er Sheva
  • Arad
  • Eilat
  • Dead Sea

We’ve also created a ranking system based on ratings from other popular websites.

Pricing for 2 people sharing 1 room:

  • $$ >$200/ night
  • $    <$200/ night

Best Budget Hotels in the Negev

Isrotel Ramon Inn Hotel

Swimming Pool | Boutique | Mid-Range| Isrotel | Mitzpe Ramon | $$

Whether you’re looking for a quiet desert retreat, or a place to freshen up and re-energize en route to Eilat, look no further than the Isrotel Ramon Inn. This warm, quaint and intimate haven is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ramon Crater, providing a blissful escape from the bustle of your daily routine.

The natural magic of this desert locale makes the Isrotel Ramon Inn the perfect lodging for nature enthusiasts, desert lovers, and cyclists of all ages.


Desert Iris Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | North Negev | $$

In the heart of the desert, there is a peaceful place with a welcoming homely atmosphere. The Desert Iris Hotel.

The Hotel has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Yeroẖam. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property.


Boker Valley Farm and Vineyards

 Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | North Negev | $$

Boker Valley Farm is set in the wine area in the Negev Desert, South Israel. It offers unique accommodations and a large communal hot tub.

This property is part of Negev Farms and produces its own wine and includes the largest wine shop in the area with 47 different sorts of wine to offer. Guests can enjoy tastings of wine for free.


Alpaca Farm

 Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | Mitzpe Ramon | $$

Farming a herd of the exotic alpacas and llamas, the unique Alpaca Farm organizes a range of activities from feeding the animals to wool production workshops in the local factory. Each accommodations unit has its own kitchenette and a terrace with hammock in front.

The farm is peacefully located in the Negev Desert, 2.5 mi from Mitzpe Ramon. Horses, donkeys, angora sheep, camels and many other animals are also farmed there. The area includes various hiking trails.


Carmey Avdat Farm and Vineyard

 Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | North Negev | $$

Carmey Avdat Farm is a family-run property in the Negev Desert, 5 minutes’ drive from Sde Boker. It offers rustic chalets with natural pools and hammocks. Homemade wine is available to taste and buy.

Built on the site of a 1,500-year old agricultural settlement on the ancient spice route. Its chalets are scattered around the grounds and feature a private patio with dining area. The kitchenettes come with an espresso machine and free wine, milk and fruit.


Desert Olive Farm

 Swimming Pool | Tents | Mid-Range | Sde Boker | $

Desert Olive Farm gives you the chance to really experience the Negev Desert. It offers a choice of cabins, tents or suites, each one with a small pool and outdoor area with BBQ.

You can choose between an Indian tent, an African ecological cabin or a luxurious suite. In any case, your stay at Desert Olive Farm is sure to be unforgettable. Suites and cabins have their own private bathrooms. The tents have showers and toilets outdoors underneath the stars.


InnSense

 Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | Mitzpe Ramon | $

Each of the rooms is tastefully decorated using high quality furnishings and special attention is paid to contemporary design, combining luxury and comfort with an atmosphere of sophistication.

Two of the rooms are ideal for couples seeking a quiet retreat while the others can comfortably accommodate three adults or small families.​


Mashabim Country Lodging

 Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | North Negev | $

Mashabim Country Lodging, located on the stunning Mashabei Sadeh kibbutz in southern Israel, offers guests a unique kibbutz hospitality experience. This is the perfect tranquil refuge, where you can escape the bustle of daily life, against an awe-inspiring backdrop of breathtaking desert landscapes.

Mashabim presents 82 guest rooms overlooking the gorgeous desert vista, spread out among rustic buildings on landscaped green lawns.


Tsavta Tube Hostel and Naot Farm

 Desert Lodge | Hostel | North Negev | $

Tsavta Tube Hostel is a meeting and relaxing place, for travelers from all places, young souls from 18 to 80, that enjoy a multi- generation company.

Sleeping  a double bed or 2 single beds- is in a huge air-conditioned pipe on a pleasant bed, an invalid water conductors pipe that we gave it new life!


Negev Camel Ranch

 Desert Lodge | Hostel | North Negev | $

The Negev Camel Ranch was established in 1986 in the Eastern Negev, along the northern Incense Route, near the ancient Nabatean city of Kurnub-Mamshit.

The ranch raises riding camels with the utmost care and offers camel tours, desert hospitality and lodging.


ibex (iBike) Desert Inn

 Desert Lodge | Hostel | Mitzpe Ramon | $

Just 5 minutes’ drive from the Ramon Crater, iBike Hotel is modern boutique hostel in Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev Desert. It features a café and social areas with a TV and DVD player.

Hotel iBike has a bright and colorful design throughout. Guests can relax out in the garden or in the comfortable lounge with plenty of sofas. Cyclists and hikers are welcome and bikes are available to rent from reception.


Silent Arrow

 Tents | Hostel | Mitzpe Ramon | $

Offering authentic tent accommodation or Camping, many activities, Work Shops hospitality and a lot of inspiration…


Chai Negev Revivim

 Tents | Hostel | North Negev | $

Chai Negev is an Ecological site built entirely out of mud.

In addition, a desert zoological garden with a variety of animals, petting and feeding zoos, The desert hospitality includes: making pita on the saj – made by visitors, labane (cheese), vegetables, olive and za’atar oil, spicy olives and desert tea.


Chan Hashayarot

Bedouin Tents | Hostel | North Negev | $

“Chan Hashayarot” is a site for lodging and desert activities located between Sede-boqer and Mizpe-Ramon, right on the ancient Nabatean “perfume route”.

The Chan offers magnificent Bedouin tents for lodging and activities, guest cabins for families and for couples as well as a camping site, a variety of pampering desert meals and authentic Bedouin feast meals, which are served at the hospitality Bedouin tent or under the open sky.


Me’Ever Hostel

Hostel | Mitzpe Ramon | $

Me’ever is a space for meeting and creation In the beautiful desert town of Mitzpe Ramon, Just by the Ramon crater, offering simple & cool  accommodation options.

During your stay, you will other great travelers, the people of Mitzpe Ramon, and the amazing staff of Me’ever…Come to be a part of an inspiring daily life!


HI – Mitzpe Ramon Hostel

Hostel | Mitzpe Ramon | $

Set on the northern ridge of the Ramon Crater, HI – Mitzpe Ramon Hostel is immersed in the Negev Desert. It offers air-conditioned rooms and dormitories with satellite TV.

Rooms at the HI – Mitzpe Ramon have bright, modern furnishings and tiled floors. Rooms feature a private bathroom with shower, while dormitories have a shared bathroom. Disabled access rooms are available.


Spice Quarter Inn

Hostel | Mitzpe Ramon | $

The Spice Quarter Inn is a unique place where you relax and enjoy your stay at Mitzpe Ramon in a welcoming homey atmosphere.

Offering a variety of rooms including private rooms, each with their own bathroom, whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family or a big group, we can offer you private rooms by your choice, or unique dormitory accommodation with shared bathrooms and kitchen .


Best Budget Hotels North Arava

Zman Arava Lodge

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | Tsukim, North Arava | $$

Welcome to Zman Arava Desert Resort & Suites. You’re invited to put aside your daily routine, unwind and take on a slow, gentle and relaxing pace in the tranquil surroundings of the magical Israeli Arava Desert.

Zman Arava offers 5 desert-inspired suites which were meticulously planned and designed to provide you with accommodations of the highest quality, as you soak up the breath-taking ancient scenery and the sense of wilderness all around.


Nof Zuqim Lodge

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | Tsukim, North Arava | $$

Offering an outdoor pool and free bikes, Nof Zuqim is located in Mahane Ẕofar. It features fully equipped accommodations with a spa bath and a patio. Facilities include a shared kitchen and free WiFi access in all areas.

Fitted with a separate bedroom, all air-conditioned apartments of Nof come with a living room with flat-screen, satellite TV. Each is equipped with a kitchenette with hobs and dining table. Some units have views of the mountain.


Midbara Lodge

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | Tsukim, North Arava | $$

Located in the Arava Desert on the Israeli-Jordanian border, Midbara offers individually furnished suites with a BBQ, kitchenette and free Wi-Fi. The Tzofar and Paran moshavim are about 6.2 mi away.

Midbara’s air-conditioned suites have modern décor, with an iPone docking station, tea/coffee selection in the kitchenette, and a hammock. Each includes a private bathroom, while some boast a private pool. A full continental breakfast can be arranged on request and delivered directly to your accommodations. You can explore the surroundings on 1 of the property’s free bikes. Eilat and its international airport can be reached in about 1 hour by car.


Idan Lodge

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Mid-Range | North Arava | $$

Located in Paran in the South District Israel region, Idan Lodge in the Arava provides accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking.

The lodge provides guests with a patio, garden views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Some units feature a dining area and/or a balcony.


Desert Days – Negev Ecolodge

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Hostel | Tsukim, North Arava | $

Negev Ecolodge is located in Israel’s Desert of Paran, in the Arava region. It offers eco-friendly huts built with hay bales and mud bricks, and free use of a shared kitchen.

The Ecolodge uses solar panels to provide electricity and all the water from the showers and the kitchen is drained back to the desert. Free private parking and an outdoor swimming pool are available, which is heated in winter.


Etnahta Lodge

Desert Lodge | Hostel | North Arava | $

Surrounded with a green garden, Etnahta is located in Moshav Ein Tamar near Ne’ot HaKikar. The owners offer vegetables from their homegrown farms.

All accommodations units are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen satellite TV. A fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge are included into each unit. Featuring a spa bath, private bathrooms also come with a shower and towels. All units have views of the garden.


Desert Routes Inn / Shvilim Bamidbar

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Hostel | Tsukim, North Arava | $

Desert Routes Inn Shvilim ba Midbar is located in the Moshav Hatzeva in the heart of the Arava Desert, a 40-minute drive from the Dead Sea. Decorated in oriental style, the property offers accommodations with outdoor areas and colorful rugs. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Private rooms are air-conditioned and feature a private outdoor seating area. Each also consists of a private bathroom with a shower and a kitchenette with a fridge and tea/coffee maker. Guests staying in dormitory rooms have a shared bathroom at their disposal.


Rash Hasita

Tents | Hostel | North Arava | $

Just 4.8 km from Hatzeva, Rash Hasita offers rustic accommodations in tents in the middle of the Arava Desert. The Gidron Stream is about a 10-minute drive away.

This large, isolated complex is surrounded by palm trees and desert. All tent accommodations share an outdoor bathroom. The large public tent is decorated with mats, low tables, mattresses and hammocks.


Best Budget Hotels South Arava

Kibbutz Lotan Desert Inn

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Hostel | South Arava | $

Welcome to Kibbutz Lotan Desert Inn located in the Negev desert. Far from the buzzing crowds of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat, relax in a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful landscapes.

Kibbutz Lotan is home to the Center for Creative Ecology and EcoTourism. Ideal for families, backpackers and groups, there are plenty of exciting activities at Kibbutz Lotan to choose from.  Kibbutz Lotan’s EcoTourism strives to provide a clean and healthy environment for people and the planet.


Kibbutz Elifaz Country Lodging

Swimming Pool | Desert Lodge | Hostel | South Arava | $

Country-style accommodation, with 25 air-conditioned rooms (12 family rooms & 13 doubles) feature satellite TV, shower, fully equipped kitchenette, refrigerator, all surrounded by wide open spaces and glorious shaded seating areas, shaded rest spots, lawns, outdoor grills, playgrounds, and a swimming pool (April-October). For your convenience, our shop sells dates, ice cream, and original locally made items.


Best Budget Hotels Be’er Sheva

La Finca Hotel

Swimming Pool | Boutique | Mid-Range | Be’er Sheva | $

Located in Beer Sheva, La Finca luxury suites hotel provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a bar. Providing a shared lounge, the property is located within 4.2 km of Ben Gurion University. The property has a shared kitchen, room service and currency exchange for guests.

At the hotel, every room includes a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, all guest rooms at La Finca ☆ luxury suites hotel ☆ have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a patio. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and an electric tea pot.


Leonardo Hotel Negev

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Fattal | Be’er Sheva | $$

The Leonardo Hotel Negev provides comfortable and elegant guest rooms in the heart of Beer-Sheva city center, next to the central bus station and a large shopping mall.

The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, open throughout the summer. The wellness area features a sauna and hot tub as well as a fitness room and massage service.


Best Budget Hotels Arad

Inbar Hotel Arad

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Arad | $

The Inbar Hotel is located at the entrance to Arad, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year seeking to enjoy the kind of desert experience that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

The clear air, renowned for its medicinal properties, its proximity to the Judean Desert, the perfect combination of green forest and desert landscapes, the variety of attractions that the area has to offer as well as 17 marked hiking trails – including the Israel National Trail which passes near to the hotel – make Arad one of Israel’s most sought-after and surprising destinations.


HI Arad Hostel

Hostel | Arad | $

Arad hostel is situated in a green and rural location, but only a short walk from the central bus station.

There are 45 welcoming rooms, all with air conditioning, shower and bathroom, TV and coffee-making sets. The hostel has two halls with audio-visual equipment for study days, conventions, conferences and events. Free Wi-Fi is available. The spacious dining room seats 160, and there is a second dining room that seats 40. Additional meals (including packaged meals) can be ordered in advance. Food is Kosher.

Best Budget Hotels Eilat

Astral Maris Boutique Hotel

Swimming Pool | Boutique | Mid-Range | Astral | $$

Astral Maris resides in the most central location in town, on Eilat’s beautiful promenade, which enables fast and easy access to the beach and the various recreation and shopping centers in town, and it is also nearby the airport.

You can enjoy the  large swimming pool, connecting harmoniously to the horizon of the Red Sea,
along with sunbathing beds and deck chairs and “Astraland” club, which is filled with games for children and toddlers.


Abraham Hostel Eilat

Hostel | Abraham | $

Abraham Hostel Eilat, a one of a kind hostel located in Eilat’s city center, and is only a short walking distance to the beach.

With modern dorms & private rooms, a swimming pool, and bar & lounge, the hostel is a unique meeting point for global travelers looking to experience the wonderful combination of sea, sun, and desert.

Bordering with Jordan & Egypt, the hostel is the perfect starting point to explore the amazing underwater world of the red sea, the powerful desert, along with beautiful sandy beaches.


HI Eilat Hostel

Hostel | $

Eilat Hostel

Does exactly what is says on the tin – Cheap accommodation in Eilat! Located in the city center, about 1km from the touristy North Beach, the hostel has various different room options and a free breakfast.

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Arava Hostel

Hostel | $

The Arava Hostel is located in Eilat’s town center, a 10-minute walk from North Beach. It offers free WiFi, free parking, and free breakfast. The simply furnished rooms and dormitories come with air conditioning.

Rooms at the Arava all have a private bathroom. The mixed dormitories have shared facilities.

The property has a relaxing sun terrace and a communal kitchen for guests’ use, as well as barbecue facilities.


Eilot Kibbutz Country Lodging

Hostel | Kibbutz | $

Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, Eilot Kibbutz Country Lodging is 3.7 mi north of Eilat and its beach. It offers spacious rooms, and a garden with free BBQ facilities.

Modern, air-conditioned rooms at the Eilot Kibbutz come with a balcony, seating area, and refrigerator. Some also include a microwave.


Best Budget Hotels Dead Sea

Spa Club Dead Sea Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Prima Hotels | $$

Spa Club Hotel Dead Sea

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation­ this recently renovated spa hotel is all you need. Enjoy your private oasis without being afraid someone else will spoil your vacation, as the hotel restricts the guests by not allowing: Cellphones, smoking or guests under the age of 18. The spa has a Moroccan style and offers all kinds of body treatments, from regular massages to full mud mask body treatment.

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Crown Plaza Dead Sea Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Intercontinental | $$

Set right on the beach, Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Hotel features a large freshwater pool. The rooms are elegant and offer views of the sea. There is free WiFi throughout. The large and luxurious spa offers a fitness room, a heated pool with salt water from the Dead Sea, 2 hot tubs, wet and dry saunas, and 2 pressure showers. A wide variety of treatments and massages are available. All rooms at this Crowne Plaza come with parquet or carpeted floors, air conditioning, and a tea/coffee maker. Some have a private balcony.


Daniel Dead Sea Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Tamares | $$

Daniel Dead Sea Hotel

The Daniel Dead Sea Hotel is more like a little city than a hotel. As well as 300+ rooms, it has a swimming pool, a spa and sulphur pool, a gym with lots of different fitness classes, restaurants, a pub, tennis courts, soccer courts, basketball courts, kids games rooms, and even a 7-lane bowling alley!

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Oasis Dead Sea Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Tamares | $$

With a unique Moroccan design, Oasis Dead Sea Hotel is set on the shores of the Dead Sea in Ein Bokek. It offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a modern wellness center. Free WiFi and parking are provided. All rooms at the Oasis Hotel offer views of the sea. Each comes with air conditioning, and a kettle with tea and coffee. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Marin dining room.


Hod HaMidbar Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | $

Hod HaMidbar Dead Sea

The Hod HaMidbar Hotel is a reasonable mid range hotel in Ein Bokek by the Dead Sea. It has 200 rooms, a private beach, a salt-water swimming pool, and a well equipped spa that includes a sulfur pool,  a sauna, a hot tub and a gym.

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David Dead Sea Hotel

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | Grand | $

As the quintessential hotel in the Dead Sea area, David Dead Sea Resort & Spa has prepared, specifically with you in mind, a prestigious selection of modern rooms and suites, two palatial spas offering the most advanced facilities, a celebration of fine cuisine at the hotel restaurant, all set against the mythical background of the Dead Sea and the breathtaking desert stretching away before your eyes.


Royal Hotel Dead Sea

Swimming Pool | Tower | Mid-Range | $$

Royal Rimonim Dead Sea

The Royal Rimonim Dead Sea Hotel is a decent mid-range hotel. It comes with all the features you would expect – 400+ rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a private beach at the Dead Sea, a spa, and on-site restaurants.

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The Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel

Swimming Pool | Kibbutz | Mid-Range | $$

Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel

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.

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The Ein Gedi Hostel

Hostel | $

Ein Gedi Hostel

Located about 1km from the Ein Gedi Kibbutz, the Ein Gedi Hostel has many of the amenities you would expect from a decent hostel – clean rooms, free wifi, free breakfast good location. Many rooms have balconies overlooking the Dead Sea, and the location is great for people wanting to hike nearby.

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Massada Hostel

Hostel | $

Masada Hostel

A good cheap alternative for people who want to visit the Dead Sea and Massada on a budget. The hostel has clean rooms, free breakfast and wifi, and an outdoor pool! It is located on the foot of Massada, making it a great option for hikers and travellers who want to walk up Massada or hike around nearby trails.

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Shkedi’s CampLodge

Hostel | $

Shkedi’s CampLodge is located south of the Dead Sea, and is ideal for hosting backpackers, families and small groups.

Shkedi’s Camplodge offers private wooden cabins and stylish bungalows (dorms & private). You are bound to have a unique experience in a place that cherishes and compliments nature and the beautiful atmosphere of the desert.


Kfar Hanokdim

Hostel | $

In the Kana`im valley which is in the Judean desert, between the city of Arad and ancient Masada, lies Kfar Hanokdim. It is a green oasis shaded by palm trees and crowned with biblically inspired gardens.

Much thought and imagination were put in to creating an authentic Bedouin oasis, with buildings of natural stone, lamps made of salt crystals from the nearby Dead Sea, wooden furniture decorated with iron art work, colorful fabrics constructed with stone tools all contributing to the magic of Kfar Hanokdim.


Metzoke Dragot

Hostel | $

Metzoke Dragot – the magnificent view of the Dead Sea on one side and the wide open desert and breathtaking mountains on the other. Imagine being surrounded on all sides by open-air spaces. Perfect for your next trip!

The village offers various accommodation styles: a campsite, hostel rooms of various sizes, or fully-equipped apartments on a cliff 21 m above sea level.


Kalia Kibbutz Hotel

Hostel | $

Located within an Israeli settlement, Kalia Kibbutz Hotel is surrounded by green plants and gardens with outdoor swimming pool. Located in the desert, it is 4.3 mi from the beaches of the Dead Sea. 

The historic site of Qumran Caves as well as Ein Feshchah Nature Reserve are only 10 minutes away by car from Kalia Kibbutz. The rooms of Kibbutz Hotel Kalia all have a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a fridge.


Biankini Village Resort

Hostel | $

Biankini- Dead sea beach is a resort, spa, beach and much more, located at one of the most beautiful places in the world! Located within an Israeli settlement, The Biankini is a luxurious property on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, with private beach. It offers elegant suites, an outdoor swimming pool, and a Moroccan restaurant. Parking is free.


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 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 Israel and 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


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