6 Best Hotels in Eilat and the Negev, Israel

The design of the glitzy Dan Eilat, by internationally acclaimed Israeli architect Adam Tihani, effectively combines high style with creature comforts. The U-shape hotel's pair of connecting two-story lobbies feature a winding glass stairway (as scary as it sounds), craggy rock walls with a water cascade, floating ceiling sculptures, a huge aviary, and a rock pool populated with iguanas. The spacious blue- and terra-cotta rooms have mirrors that you can adjust to reflect the sea. Reserve one of the terrace suites, which have large balconies and indoor whirlpool tubs. Two pools—one for serious swimmers and the other with a waterslide—anchor the large, lush outdoor area, which includes a casual poolside restaurant specializing in juicy hamburgers and hot dogs. Children can play in the supervised "Danyland" playroom or in the toddler's pool.

Direct ocean access makes this boutique property a South Beach favorite, though if you need your fix of mainstream Eilat—and we're not sure you will—free shuttles depart six times daily. Guest rooms have smart, modern color schemes, and contemporary furnishings, and decks feature beautiful wood-plank flooring instead of Eilat's typical poured concrete. Flat-screen TVs, sleeper sofas, and refrigerators for stashing drinks are also standard. The beautiful pool area leads down to the beach where chairs and umbrellas are provided for hotel guests. The surf center offers equipment and lessons, contributing to the hang-loose vibe.

The first thing you'll see when you enter this all-suite hotel is its breathtaking view of the shimmering sea and the mountains beyond. It maintains a refined air thanks to its quiet lobby, its soothing spa, and a beach exclusively for hotel guests—the only one of its kind on North Beach. Each suite in the hotel's twin seven-story towers has its own balcony. Parents can keep an eye on their children in the Kids' Club via a closed-circuit system transmitted to their in-room TV. If you feel like dancing the night away, there's a bar and a dance floor.

The name means "lakes," so it's no surprise that this cluster of four-floor buildings is set amid palm trees, emerald grass, and tropical plants, around a lagoon-shaped pool with hammocks and swing chairs. Pale green wicker chairs invite leisure time on the nearby terrace. Many rooms extend over the curving waterways that flow from the pool, and all have private balconies. Recessed lighting casts a soft light on the luxe furnishings in each room.

Across from Coral Beach, this charming property has a six-story wing—where most of the rooms have balconies facing the sea—as well as a couple of three-story buildings set amid private gardens. There's even a wing intended for small groups of snorkelers and divers—it faces the Manta Dive Center, which offers two- and five-day certification courses. The hotel's entrance, facing the Eilat Mountains, is up a palm-lined drive; inside, the decor is modern and lively. The color scheme of the guest rooms is particularly attractive, with pale woods and earth tones. Just across the road are the beach and a seafood restaurant.

Sitting along the promenade, near the beach and the marina, this hotel is within walking distance of everything. The rooms along outside corridors are done up in nautical shades, and most face the sea or pool. For pure pampering, request one with its own whirlpool tubs. American tour groups and French visitors are partial to this place. The well-regarded spa has an outdoor hot tub with sea views and a large, private tanning terrace.