Eilat is the southernmost city in Israel and its undisputed holiday capital, thanks to its prime location on a Red Sea gulf boasting one of the most spectacular coral reefs anywhere.
Combine that with mountain desert scenery, year-round sunshine, beaches and watersports, nightlife, hiking and biking trails, international music festivals, tax-free shopping and attractions such as the Dolphin Reef and Coral World Underwater Observatory Park, and you can see why Eilat attracts millions of visitors every year.
Now it’s easier than ever to visit Eilat with the opening of the new Ramon international airport in nearby Timna. Accommodations ranging from huge 5-star resorts to small boutique properties to youth hostels dot the city, offering more than 12,000 rooms.
Here are 10 excellent options in Israel’s southern beach resort.
THE REEF EILAT BY HERBERT SAMUEL
The Reef Eilat, next to the Coral Reef Nature Reserve and beach, offers 79 deluxe room and suites for families and couples – some near the main pool, others with adjoining private pool (for adults only). Each room is furnished with a large bath, sitting area and large LCD TV, plus balconies overlooking the Red Sea.
Address: Almog Beach, Eilat
Amenities: kosher dining room, gym, complimentary bicycles and snorkeling equipment, swimming pool, wading pool, children’s club (in August), spa, water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, water skiing, sailing
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The 14-story, 481-room luxury hotel overlooking the Red Sea, Edom Mountains and Eilat Lagoon features a dome-topped entryway spilling natural light on a floor decorated with animal mosaics symbolizing biblical King Solomon’s ability to communicate with animals. The swimming pool is surrounded by animal statues and fountains symbolizing the legendary Queen of Sheba, who brought Solomon exotic spices from her country and was charmed by his wisdom.
Address: 8 Antibes St., Eilat
Amenities: Karibu Kitchen & Bar, Makeda Guest Restaurant, Axum Lobby Bar & Restaurant (all kosher), spa, swimming pool, executive lounge, conference and meeting facilities
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If there’s a queen there must be a king. Across the road from the Queen of Sheba is Isrotel’s King Solomon Hotel comprised of 415 suites and rooms with balconies overlooking the pool or the Edom Mountains. This hotel puts an emphasis on family vacations, while the uppermost “King’s Floors” (10-12) are geared to business travelers and include free access to the King’s Lounge and its sun terrace as well as an exclusive café. The King’s Wharf at the foot of the hotel offers leisure, shopping, and watersports activities.
Address: 1 Antibes St., Eilat
Amenities: Café Royale, Angelina Restaurant, The King’s Table, lobby café and espresso bar (all kosher), gym, outdoor swimming pool with waterslides, kiddie pool, Kids Kingdom, services for guests with disabilities
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The 322-room U Magic Palace is designed as a pampering all-inclusive family resort, with on-site live entertainment, children’s club, teen cooking workshops and poolside shows – something to keep everyone entertained day and night.
Address: 2 Kamen St., North Beach, Eilat
Amenities: outdoor swimming pool, indoor heated swimming pool, toddler pool, spa, gym, lobby bar, kosher Blue Lagoon Restaurant, beauty salon, Welcome Baby service, kids’ club, accommodations for guests with disabilities
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The Royal Garden offers 331 suites set on an “enchanted island” with tropical gardens and several swimming pools, including one designed to look like the beach – although the real beach is close by as well. Every suite includes a bedroom, living room, kitchenette and dining area. Next door, the Isrotel Theater features Las Vegas-style shows.
Address: 5 Antibes St., Eilat
Amenities: Swimming pool and children’s pool with waterslides, gym, spa, shopping boulevard, minimarket, kosher Mediterranean grill and dairy café, Playzone & Kiddos Club, services for guests with disabilities
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Situated on the promenade and beach, the 91-room Herods Boutique is part of a deluxe triple complex designed by architect/entrepreneur/sailor Yoav Igra, also including Herods Palace for families and Herods Vitalis spa hotel. Herods Boutique is geared to business travelers and features a décor rich with sculptures, arches, mosaics and paintings. Guests can take advantage of amenities at the sister hotels such as live entertainment, spa and children’s club.
Address: 7 HaYam St., Eilat
Amenities: Kosher restaurant and lobby restaurant, swimming pool, pool bar, business lounge, gym, windsurfing and snorkeling
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The Dan Eilat Red Sea Hotel, chosen as one of the top 10 hotels in the Mediterranean and Africa by Condé Nast Traveler, is located downtown minutes away from the beachfront and across from the large Mul HaYam mall (remember: there is no sales tax in Eilat!). Recently redesigned guestrooms and suites, 375 in all, offer Red Sea-view balconies.
Address: North Beach, Eilat
Amenities: Dining room, lobby lounge, juice bar, poolside restaurant (all kosher) outdoor swimming pool (heated in winter) with waterslide, relaxation pool, children’s pool and playground, Danyland children’s day play center, gym, beauty salon, drugstore, executive lounge, squash court, conference facilities, airport shuttle
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The Central Park is so named because of its location in the city’s main park, a short walk from the beach and the promenade. The hotel has 170 rooms, among them garden rooms, rooms with balconies, and roomy suites, as well as 27 new efficiency apartments.
Address: Gan Binyamin St., Eilat
Amenities: Kosher restaurant, poolside bar, lobby bar, half-Olympic swimming pool, shaded toddler pool, gym, spa, children’s club, arcade, accessible rooms available
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The Soleil boutique design hotel has 73 rooms decorated in a sea palette, including a junior suite with private sun porch. Guests have all-day access to personalized services to help plan sightseeing in Eilat, book beauty and spa treatments, buy tickets for events, exhibitions, concerts and theater, get reservations in Eilat restaurants, rent a car, and more.
Address: 12 Tarshish St., Eilat
Amenities: Swimming pool, spa, gym, kosher dairy brasserie
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Located on Eilat’s promenade, enabling easy access to the beach as well as recreation and shopping centers, Astral Maris offers a variety of 96 recently renovated rooms and suites with pool or sea views, geared to both family and romantic vacationers. Deluxe rooms feature spa steam bathtubs.
Address: 6 Durban St., Eilat
Amenities: Sea Bell Restaurant, lobby bar (both kosher), Astraland kids’ club, outdoor swimming pool with shaded beds on deck
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