Where to Stay in Israel
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Israel
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Israel's cosmopolitan heart offers the country's most diverse accommodation scene, from backpacker hostels on Ben Yehuda Street to design-forward boutiques in Neve Tzedek and beachfront luxury towers along the Mediterranean. The city never sleeps, and neither does its hospitality industry, with rooftop bars, innovative restaurants, and beach clubs integrated into many properties.
The capital's accommodation reflects its layered history, with luxury hotels in the modern city center, atmospheric Christian hospices in the Old City, and heritage properties in neighborhoods like the German Colony and Ein Kerem. Options range from pilgrim guesthouses to world-class five-star properties, many occupying historic buildings with Jerusalem stone facades.
This unique resort area specializes in spa and wellness properties along the lowest point on Earth, where therapeutic mud, mineral-rich waters, and year-round sunshine create a health tourism hub. Most accommodations are large resort complexes with private beaches, spa facilities, and comprehensive amenities, though kibbutz guesthouses offer more modest alternatives nearby.
Israel's southernmost city is a purpose-built resort destination with a dense concentration of beachfront hotels, from budget chains to luxury all-inclusives. The year-round warm weather and coral reefs attract divers, beach lovers, and families, with most properties offering pools, water sports, and easy access to the promenade and marina.
The lush north offers a mix of kibbutz guesthouses, rural B&Bs, and spa resorts, particularly around the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. This region appeals to those seeking nature, hiking, and Christian pilgrimage sites, with accommodation ranging from simple country lodges to upscale boutique properties in converted historic buildings.
Israel's third-largest city and its surrounding Mediterranean coastline offer a more relaxed alternative to Tel Aviv, with accommodation clustered around the port, the German Colony, and Mount Carmel. The region serves as a base for exploring the Bahai Gardens, Caesarea, and northern beaches, with a mix of business hotels and coastal resorts.
The vast southern desert offers unique accommodation experiences, from Bedouin-style camps under the stars to luxury eco-lodges on crater rims. Properties here emphasize desert experiences, stargazing, and outdoor adventure, with Mitzpe Ramon serving as the main base for exploring Ramon Crater and surrounding wilderness.
The central coastal strip between Tel Aviv and Haifa offers beach resorts, spa hotels, and suburban accommodation serving both leisure and business travelers. This region provides a quieter alternative to Tel Aviv while maintaining beach access and proximity to Ben Gurion Airport and major highways.
This mountainous region offers boutique wineries, outdoor adventure, and rural tranquility, with accommodation primarily in kibbutz guesthouses, country lodges, and B&Bs. The cooler climate, hiking trails, and proximity to the Sea of Galilee make it popular for weekend getaways, particularly among domestic travelers.
The hills surrounding Jerusalem offer peaceful rural retreats, monastery guesthouses, and boutique properties in wine country. This region appeals to those wanting proximity to Jerusalem without the urban intensity, with many properties in converted historic buildings or purpose-built country estates.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Israel
Israel hosts major international luxury chains including Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, primarily in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israeli chains like Dan Hotels, Isrotel, and Fattal (which operates Leonardo, Prima, and other brands) dominate the mid-range market with properties nationwide. Budget chains like Prima and Leonardo offer reliable standards across major cities and resort areas.
Kibbutz hotels represent a uniquely Israeli accommodation type, offering rural settings with modern amenities across the country. Christian hospices in Jerusalem provide atmospheric, budget-friendly stays in historic buildings. Independent boutique hotels have flourished in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem's German Colony, and northern villages, often occupying restored historic buildings. Zimmer (Hebrew for 'room') B&Bs are popular in rural areas, particularly in the Galilee and Golan Heights, offering intimate countryside experiences.
Israel offers several distinctive accommodation types: kibbutz hotels blend collective community history with modern hospitality; Christian hospices and monastery guesthouses provide pilgrim-focused lodging in Jerusalem and Nazareth; Bedouin desert camps offer authentic overnight experiences in the Negev; and luxury desert eco-lodges combine sustainability with high-end comfort on crater rims and wilderness locations. Moshav (cooperative village) B&Bs and agricultural tourism properties allow visitors to experience rural Israeli life firsthand.
Booking Tips for Israel
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Many hotels, particularly in Jerusalem and religious areas, observe Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) with limited services, elevator restrictions, and dining changes. Secular hotels in Tel Aviv operate normally. Book accordingly based on your needs and comfort level with religious observance.
Jewish holidays (Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot) create nationwide accommodation shortages with significant price increases and minimum stay requirements. Christian holidays impact Jerusalem heavily. Book 3-6 months ahead for these periods and expect premium pricing and less flexibility.
Many Israeli hotels offer better rates and perks when booking directly, particularly boutique properties and kibbutz hotels. Breakfast is often included in quoted rates, unlike in many countries where it's an add-on. Confirm what's included as Israeli breakfasts are typically substantial buffets.
Short-term apartment rentals are popular and cost-effective in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, particularly for families or longer stays. Platforms like Airbnb operate widely, though regulations have tightened in recent years. Apartments often provide better value than hotels for groups and those wanting kitchen facilities.
Many properties require credit card authorization or cash deposits at check-in, particularly for incidentals and minibar charges. International credit cards are widely accepted, though some smaller properties prefer Israeli shekels for deposits. Confirm deposit policies when booking.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Israel
For Jewish holidays (September-October, March-April) and Christian holidays (Easter, Christmas), book 3-6 months in advance. Summer beach season (July-August) requires 2-3 months advance booking for coastal properties. Expect limited availability, higher prices, and minimum stay requirements during these periods.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather with moderate demand. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for good selection and reasonable rates. These months provide the best balance of weather, crowds, and pricing across most regions.
Winter (December-February, excluding holidays) sees lower demand and better rates in Jerusalem and northern regions, though Eilat remains busy. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for good deals. Summer heat (July-August) creates low season in the Dead Sea and Negev with significant discounts available.
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for optimal rates and selection during regular periods. Last-minute deals are rare except in true low season. Israeli hotels have dynamic pricing that responds quickly to demand, so early booking generally yields better rates. Monitor prices after booking as some properties offer price matching or adjustment policies.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Israel