judilie

The more I read about Eilat, the less sure I am that I want to go there. I've seen iit described as "tacky" and as an "overdeveloped beachg resort." We were going mainly for the snorkelling and the Underwater Observatory Marine Park and were going to stay at the Orchid Reef Hotel. I've already booked flights, but for about $78 can cancel them. If we don't go to Eilat, I would add one extra day to Haifa or Rosh Pina and one to Jerusalem. (Current plan is to drive to Haifa from Tel Aviv mid-day Sunday after flying from Eilat to TA; to spend one night in Haifa and two in Rosh Pina. Current plan is to be in Jerusalem from late afternoon Wed. throug Sunday evening. New plan would have us in Haifa and RP Fri. - Tues., and Jerusalem late afternoon Tues, through Sun. night.) If change plans, wouldn't need taxis to/from airports in TA and Eillat and wouldn't be spending money on snorkeling, etc. but would need rental car for two extra days. If we change plans, we would be in the Haifa area on Shabbat. Would that limit what we can see and do?

mbgg

I personally don't like beach resorts anywhere, so my opinion would not be very objective

Most sites up north are open on Saturday so you would not be very limited. It would be the perfect day to go to Akko and Rosh Hanikra. Other options are the Ceasarea - Zikhron Yaakov area (if you do not see them on the way from Tel-Aviv), Atlit, Bet Shearim, etc.

qwovadis

Booking.com/Eilat

I like Eilat the snorkeling was good so I would go

Dan Hotels best for me in the past there

Unless you do not like beach resorts...

Try to get over to Petra if time for something special.

Movenpick nice there.

Happy Travels!

Gardyloo

An Israeli cousin visiting us this week (a senior travel professional <i>very</i> familiar with foreign travelers' tastes and preferences) told us that he's advised several parties who wanted to go to Eilat (which he says is now "Vegas without the casinos") that they should stop en route at the new Beresheet Hotel at Mitzpe Ramon - the Ramon Crater - in the Negev. http://www.isrotelexclusivecollection.com/hotels/

Most of the parties have stayed one night at Mitzpe Ramon, then phoned him to ask him to cancel their Eilat bookings so they can stay longer at the crater. Beautiful desert scenery, excursions, no glitz, great food... (BTW he doesn't get commissions for this - just reporting his words here.)

We'll definitely try to get there next time we're in Israel.

MiaMom

I agree that Eilat is not that interesting for tourists. Snorking is noce but it is not a place to go and relax, it's more like a big party. I actually did enjoy the night time bazzar which is usually described as tacky.
I heard good things about Mitzpe Ramon but we didn't get there.
There is much more to see in the North. Akko and the Rosh Hanikra grottos are interesting. There is not much to do in Rosh Hanikrah but Safad a few miles away is much more interesting. We stayed at a BB (Zimmer) in Rosh Pina and drove to Safad. Also just driving around and seeing the views is lovely.
Outside of Jerusalem and Safad everything is works on Saturday except public transportation, so if you have a car you have nothing to worry about.

mbgg

Hellooooo - mid- NOVEMBER !!!!! Look at a calendar, MiaMom

gbn31

Eilat is excellent for snorkelling, especially for beginners or with kids. Otherwise its just a party town for Israelis mainly, and extremely expensive compared with the rest of the country. Unless you are going for the water, don't bother. It is a good jumping off point for Petra in Jordan though.