Fodor's Expert Review Herods Palace Hotel

Designed with the legendary king in mind, this massive hotel is all about over-the-top opulence and Vegas-style pizzazz. The dramatic 12-story lobby, decorated with wrought-iron chandeliers, carved marble planters, and mosaic tiles, graces the main building. The spa wing keeps things serene with an adults-only policy. Touches of luxury are apparent everywhere, from the minaret towers that greet you outside to Romanesque domes, arches, bridges, and niches inside, all designed by well-known architect Yoav Igra to convey Israel's archaeological heritage. Rooms are spacious, with elegant furnishings and lush fabrics. The pool sits at the end of an avenue of palm trees—it looks as though it flows straight into the sea. Note that the Herods chain has three hotels in Eilat, all in the same location; the Herods Vitalis and Herods Boutique are the others.