169 Best Hotels in 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.

Two notable Ottoman-era palaces overlooking the Mediterranean have been united to form this uniquely charming boutique hotel. The tastefully furnished guest rooms are made more special by ornamented ceilings and latticed woodwork. Efendi's lovely setting is the result of work by a joint team of Venetian and Israeli artisans, who restored the two historic homes—erected over a Crusader vault—with great attention to detail, adding chic, modern elements to the opulent frame. While the old Crusader vault is now the wine cellar and bar, don't miss the restored 1878 fresco of the city of Istanbul, which was found during the renovation. From the gourmet breakfast to a massage in the renovated 400-year-old hammam, service is impeccable.

It doesn't get much trendier than this stunning boutique hotel, which showcases what restoration can bring to the historic buildings of Tel Aviv. It also doesn't hurt that its restaurant, which is one of the best in the city, is packed with the beautiful people of Tel Aviv day and night. The two-story building stands out because of its lovely salmon-hue exterior. Its light-color walls, hardwood floors, and wrought-iron banisters evoke times gone by. Each of the immaculately appointed rooms has shelves filled with art books and Persian rugs.

This grande dame of Israeli luxury hotels opened in 1931 and has successfully defended its title ever since, adding modern amenities like a well-appointed gym and luxuries like a French-style restaurant (La Régence). The ceilings, columns, and walls of the bustling lobby and bar are decorated in "ancient Mesopotamian" geometrics. Airy guest rooms are elegantly orchestrated in burgundy and gold, with old-fashioned writing tables adding a gracious touch. Pricier rooms and suites have views or balconies facing the Old City. Shaded by palm trees, the landscaped pool area and tennis courts are the most beautiful in Jerusalem.

With clever and soaring architectural flourishes by starchitect Moshe Safdie and a restrained yet luxurious modern interior design by Piero Lissoni, the Mamilla is a sleek and comfortable haven with bars and restaurants that appeal to locals and travelers alike. Perched above the outdoor Mamilla pedestrian shopping mall, all rooms include wood floors, black metal headboards, espresso machines, and richly textured drapes, while the contemporary bathrooms boast deep rectangular soaking tubs and see-through walls that frost over for privacy. The dining establishments offer stylish surroundings, as well as appealing menus. Take a dip in the underused underground pool, tiled in navy blue mosaics, and then head over to the award-winning Akasha spa. Don't skip the in-house breakfast, as Mamilla takes the Israeli morning repast to a whole new level. Visitors also have complimentary access to the David Citadel's outdoor pool.

This sophisticated, beautifully designed hotel harmonizes with the central business location in the heart of Rothschild Boulevard. At eight floors high, it stands tall compared to the surrounding Bauhaus buildings, so a majority of rooms have city-to-sea views. In contrast to the tropical-theme green-and-brown-hue lobby, the contemporary rooms stick to the essentials of a great hotel stay: comfort and cleanliness. The top-floor open-air lounge is a must for relaxation time with a glass of wine from the complimentary happy hour. A lobby breakfast area doubles as a café open to the public for lunch and light dinner options. Free parking is available at the hotel with advance reservations.

In the picturesque village of Ein Kerem, this boutique hotel occupies a century-old house famous for the true-life, Romeo-and-Juliet story of a Jewish--Arab couple. Named for famous lovers from the past, the guest rooms are modern creations with arched windows, diaphanous drapes, and billowy beds set against stone walls. The courtyard that once linked the two wings has been transformed into an intimate dining room where the chef creates new gourmet menus each night based on the culinary preferences of his guests. Surrounded by gardens, the Alegra has a rooftop plunge pool and a wooden deck overlooking the valley of Ein Karem. It's a 20-minute drive and 40-minute bus ride from Downtown.

Once a pasha's palace, this cool limestone oasis with its flower-filled inner courtyard and gorgeous garden is in a class of its own—no wonder it's a favored haunt of statesmen and celebrities. It's a 10-minute walk from the Old City's Damascus Gate but shielded from the hubbub of East Jerusalem. Owned by a British family, managed by a Swiss company, and staffed mainly by local Arabs, the American Colony combines the best of all these disparate worlds. The turquoise-and-blue tilework, Damascene wood inlay, and potted palms in the elegant vaulted lobby lead to spacious and luxurious rooms with rug-strewn flagstone floors and antique painted-wood ceilings.

In this stylish boutique lodging named after Arthur Balfour (of the famed Balfour Declaration that promised the Jews a national home in Palestine), guest rooms feature unusual black-and-white tile floors, comfortable leather armchairs, and soothing periwinkle walls. Try to reserve one of the few rooms with modest balconies. An abundant breakfast is served in the charming lobby with wooden furniture or outside in a small garden. There's an evening happy hour with complimentary drinks and refreshments every day except Saturday.

The blink-and-you-miss-it driveway (you've gone too far if you see the sign pointing to Eilat) doesn't befit this luxurious property's magnificent natural setting or its status as one of Israel's most expensive hotels. The sweeping lobby has glossy marble floors and smashing views of the crater beyond, as do the terraces in many of the rooms. Private villas, in groups of low-rise buildings, are designed to resemble modest Nabatean huts, but the interiors feature whirlpool tubs, handsome showers, and wooden shutters that open up into sleeping areas. The gorgeous outdoor pool areas are a great perk in the warmer months, while in winter you can swim laps in the candlelit indoor pool. Dinner at the restaurant is better than serviceable, but pales in comparison to the lavish breakfast. Downstairs there's a full spa, a small sauna, and a children's play area.

Set by itself in the Carmel Forest, this spa-resort 25 km (15 miles) south of Haifa is the ultimate escape, thanks to a top-of-the-line spa and tasteful lodgings designed to pamper guests in a calm and healthy setting (no cell phones or children under 16). From the hillside are stunning views of pine trees and the Mediterranean. Rooms on the second and third floors have balconies overlooking the Ofer Forest. Spa treatments include massages, aromatherapy, body peels, and seaweed wraps. Green wicker chaises let you relax with a cup of herbal tea as you contemplate nature through the solarium windows. A sample day? Consult the nutritionist, strike out on a forest walk, enjoy a sesame-oil massage, and then sit down to a gourmet meal prepared with all-natural ingredients. Day guests are welcome.

If relaxation is what you're after, look no further than this homey getaway, a good base for exploring the sights in the Golan Heights. The owner, Anat Cnaan, will greet you with open arms and a table filled with fruit and freshly baked goodies. Your well-designed suite will have a bottle of wine at the ready, which you can open on your personal patio overlooking the Sea of Galilee or enjoy during a relaxing soak in your suite's whirlpool tub. Spa treatments are available at very reasonable prices, and the lovely pool area was designed by Anat's architect-husband, Avi.

The name translates to "vineyards," and grapes are the inspiration for every facet of this spa hotel set in the beautiful Jerusalem hills, including the trellis surrounding the estate. Rooms are decorated in calming shades of violet and green, and most have balconies. There are wine workshops in the on-site shop, and wine-themed quotes from Song of Songs printed on the walls. Indoor and outdoor pools, a Turkish hammam, and 40 spa treatment rooms add to the understated luxury. Enjoy the dizzying variety of the buffet on tables overlooking the property's vineyards. The Imperial Red Bar, a branch of the famous Tel Aviv cocktail bar, draws both hotel guests and locals. The hotel is quite pricey, but booking in advance can help scout deals, and spa day packages are also available.

Scientist Nabil Rishmawi renovated his grandmother's house and created a gorgeous heritage hotel where he serves breakfast on a shaded courtyard. In the evenings, you will find him waiting up for you at the front desk. Two pistachio trees grow on the roof within eyesight of the Church of the Nativity. All rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and thick walls. Ask for a room with a window, as not all have them. You may wake up to the sound of clanging church bells, but in Bethlehem that is part of the charm.

Talk about a great first impression—this hotel's lobby, by noted Italian architect Piero Lissoni, is modern and welcoming, illuminated by the natural sunlight streaming in from the arched glass roof. A sumptuous breakfast with omelet and waffle stands is served in the lounge and terrace one floor above, with stunning views of both the Old City and the amphitheater-shape pool area. The contemporary guest rooms, spacious and elegantly decorated in soft tones of beige and cream, have oak parquet floors. Well-appointed bathrooms add to the appeal. The magnificent children's play center has plenty to keep the younger ones entertained, and there are video game systems for older kids.

The Drisco is everything an upscale boutique hotel should be: elegant without being stuffy, luxurious without being garish, and exclusive without any hint of snobbishness. Steeped in history, the hotel is set in a beautiful building that dates back to 1866. Constructed as a luxury hotel by the Drisco brothers who were among the first American colonists to arrive in Israel, it was later taken over by the German Templers before becoming the British Headquarters in Palestine after the Second World War. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair and finally reopened as The Drisco in 2018 following a decade of restoration and renovation. The result is a charming, small hotel that prides itself on its superb service and intimate atmosphere. Don't miss the on-site George & John restaurant, which has quickly established itself as one of the brightest stars on Tel Aviv's excellent culinary scene. It is situated in the up-and-coming Noga neighborhood, which is technically part of Jaffa, but is actually perched right on the border of Tel Aviv's three coolest districts: Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, and Florentin.

Desert ibexes walk the footpaths between the deluxe rooms of this hotel, which is surrounded by majestic baobab trees and overlooks the blue expanse of the Dead Sea. Sadly, the beach here is closed due to sinkholes, and the nearest alternative is a 30-minute drive away. However, on-site amenities include a half-Olympic freshwater pool overlooking the desert. You may want to reserve one of the superior rooms, which include espresso machines and entry to the Synergy Spa that's complete with a Dead Sea–water pool. Ask ahead about free activities, including guided tours by day and night on the paths of the nearby nature preserve. If you don't have a car, Egged public buses stop right outside the lobby.

You would be forgiven if you thought this hotel was newly built: with its exposed cement, clean white lines, and natural walnut furnishings, the modern design from 1973 has been renovated into a striking hotel and world-class center for the arts. The small, hivelike rooms of the original plan have been reinterpreted as luxury accommodations. In a separate wing, the complex has an auditorium with nearly perfect acoustics; it has become a magnet for local and international performance artists. Notable works of art adorn public spaces in the hotel, and you can call ahead for a docent-led tour. The Elma's flagship restaurant, Oratorio, is a special treat.

On-site parking and a central location attracts young and budget-watching tourists to this small, family-owned boutique hotel, one of Tiberias’s newer hotels. It's a short walk to the lakefront promenade and nightlife. Clean and fresh with an attractive breakfast buffet included in the room price, this hotel has a warm service staff that make you feel at home.

A combination of stellar service and delightful rooms heralded this first of many boutique hotels in the historic Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. A generous breakfast is served in the lobby, where the ceilings are covered with silk-screened historical photos. You can enjoy an open-air terrace or a lounge with working fireplace. The modern rooms are decorated in sophisticated shades of red and dove gray. The daily happy hour includes complimentary glasses of wine, fruit, and cookies.

Named after the British-Jewish politician who governed Israel during the Mandate, Herbert Samuel is a widely celebrated hotel in the downtown area. Guest rooms are chicly decorated in warm tones of grayish beige and include espresso machines and free international calls from the land line. The lobby is modern and whimsical; you can enjoy a cocktail and a book from the wall library as you sit on a sapphire blue couch. The real draw is the underground pool and saunas, where daybeds, a vintage portrait of Jerusalem, and classical music inspire pure relaxation.

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.

This palatial hotel is decorated in relaxing blues, teals, and grays to echo the natural landscape. Rooms have unbeatable views; nearly all have balconies, and some have access to a private pool and garden. The pampering spa has a Turkish bathhouse and offers exfoliating body scrubs given atop a marble table decorated with colorful tiles. There is also an indoor pool filled with warm Dead Sea water. Full board is a good option here, as the food is delicious. Premium rooms have espresso machines.

Jerusalem stone lends a warm glow to this low-slung hotel, which is wrapped around a central courtyard and atrium. In warm weather, the best way to start the day is with an excellent outdoor breakfast in the shaded courtyard. The well-maintained guest rooms are comfortably furnished and all have views. Penthouse suites have balconies overlooking the Old City, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Others face the leafy Talbieh neighborhood. The gym, spa, and heated pool are added bonuses. The hotel's location next to the playgrounds at Liberty Bell Garden makes it ideal for families. Major renovations and rebranding have recently taken place and the hotel is as luxurious as ever, including their in-house restaurant, 02.

Gorgeous design, a sprawling pool complex, and friendly service make this a top pick for a Dead Sea stay. Wood dominates the decor, from a ground-floor wall carving of date palms and fruit to the furniture inside the rooms. The spa includes an indoor sulfur pool and a Dead Sea–water pool that has both indoor and outdoor sections. Bookings include buffet breakfasts and an option to add on buffet dinner, which is a good idea in a town with few restaurants. If your budget allows, get a room on the Moab floors, which have upgraded amenities and access to the business lounge.

With its enviable location in the heart of the Jaffa Flea Market, Market House is a five-minute walk from the sea, surrounded by great restaurants and important biblical sites, and only a quick walk, bike, or cab ride from the center of Tel Aviv. The industrial chic and stone decor of the entrance hovers over the ruins of a Byzantine-era church, visible through the glass floors of the lobby. Although guest rooms are on the small side, there are cozy lounge seating areas for checking emails and enjoying the free afternoon happy hour. Request a room with a terrace for a sea or urban view.

With a splendid view of the Sea of Galilee, this colonial-style hotel south of Rosh Pina specializes in pampering its clients. Its spa features such treatments as the olive-branch massage and other rubdowns with oils distilled from wildflowers. The organic restaurant is known throughout the region, and the lobby has an herbal-tea corner open around the clock. A gallery sells local artworks, and a gift shop offers homemade breads, cheese, and other products. About half the accommodations are suites with their own whirlpool tubs.

Two immaculately restored historic buildings in central Tel Aviv make up this contemporary urban hot spot that evokes Bauhaus-era elegance and old-world charm. Guest rooms are furnished with exquisite vintage decor, the most insanely comfortable beds and signature-scented bath amenities that are created specially for the hotel by a local artisanal perfume maker. The rooftop infinity pool and plush loungers with umbrellas provide a welcome respite from the sweltering afternoon heat, while the on-site Dinings restaurant serves some of the highest quality Japanese fare in town. If you prefer to venture outside, The Norman is ideally located in the midst of one of Tel Aviv's trendiest neighborhoods packed with fantastic food options.

Nestled in the natural beauty of the Golan Heights is this gem of a hotel with an escapist feel, perfectly designed to complement the magical hilltop landscape. The exquisite Bauhaus design in a number of rooms pay homage to the building's origins as a French Customs House from the early 20th century.

Each of these distinctively designed suites offers all of the amenities you could want in a Rosh Pina retreat. The owner restored one of the historic homes built by Baron Rothschild in the late 1800s for the settlement's farmers. Taking it upon himself to be an ambassador for Rosh Pina, Kobi Kuperberg takes incredible care to make sure that you have a pleasant journey. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with wine, fruit, and chocolates. Breakfast is served in the peaceful gardens surrounding your suite, which have lots of stone and beautifully finished wood.