Israel’s location on the southeastern shores of the Mediterranean gives it a unique and varied climate, offering visitors wanting to stay in its excellent hotels everything from arid desert safaris to sandy beaches. As the biblical ‘Holy Land’, Israel is also jam-packed with heritage sites and religious shrines, mostly centred in the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israel’s natural plateaus, ancient ruins and vast density of museums and galleries mean a visit here offers more things to do than you could hope to see in a hundred trips, let alone one.
Where to Stay in Israel
Jerusalem — At over 4,000 years old, Israel’s capital Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities on Earth. While it houses many religious artefacts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jerusalem is more than just a religious focal point. It also has numerous hiking trails, national parks, museums, music festivals and book fairs, ensuring there is something for everyone who books an Israel hotel in Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv — The country’s financial centre and a popular seaside resort, the liberal city of Tel Aviv is best known for its luxurious beaches, unsurpassable cuisine, cafe culture, vibrant nightlife and top hotels. Tel Aviv also has a thriving LGBT community and probably offers the best collection of Bauhaus architecture outside of Europe.
Eilat — The port town of Eilat in southern Israel began life as an ancient centre of trade, but it is now mostly known for its stunning coral reefs. Home to an array of aquatic wildlife including dolphins, it is unsurprising that Eilat is one of Israel’s top hot spots for keen snorkelers and scuba divers, who flock here from around the globe to book hotels overlooking the sea.
Safed — The highest city in Israel, Safed is located 900 metres above sea level in the mountainous region of Galilee. Once the country’s arts hub, Safed thrives while retaining a small village feel. It is now best known as home to the unique Jewish musical tradition of Klezmer, which has its own dedicated annual festival here.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in Israel
No trip to Israel would be complete without visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Enjoy them both with a full day tour from Tel Aviv. Starting with a whistle-stop tour of the sights of Jerusalem, you’ll then head to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity, built upon the birthplace of Christ. Today, of course, the region is also home to a number of striking mosques, including the impressive white stone Mosque of Omar.
Learn all about Jewish culture with a full day tour to Jerusalem, where you’ll get to see the historically significant Zion Gate and nearby Mount Zion, the latter of which houses the tomb of King David. The expansive Judean desert shimmers like water in the intense Israeli sunshine, so be sure to get a snap of it while you’re here. After a day of tours and sightseeing, be sure to kick back and sample the local cuisine. From falafel and locally made hummus, to sweet, mouth-watering pastries such as baklava, you’ll find plenty of culinary delights to broaden your taste buds from the norm back home.