Where We Sleep
ISRAEL
This is a handpicked guide to our favorite stays across Israel. Boutique hotels, coastal escapes, desert retreats — all chosen for their character, comfort, and connection to place. Whether you’re after full luxury or a hidden guesthouse with heart, every spot we feature has been personally vetted, beautifully designed, or both.
Ascending by price (you’re welcome).
TEL AVIV
The Vera
A modern boutique stay with local soul, just off Rothschild.
Why we like it
Laid-back, impeccably run, and proudly local. The Vera doesn’t try to be trendy — it just is. With Israeli-made everything, from wine to soaps, it feels rooted in Tel Aviv in a way few hotels manage. Quiet, comfortable, and effortlessly cool.
Details to know
From ~$190/night
Central but calm location
Daily wine tastings with all-Israeli wines, all complimentary
Rooftop terrace with loungers, a shaded deck, and city views
Design-forward rooms with polished concrete, dark woods, and Frette linens
Locally made toiletries and rotating Israeli art
Espresso machine and fresh cookies always available in lobby
They hand you a room key on a leather loops — no plastic, no app — and offer you a glass of red before you even ask where the elevator is.
Sam&blondi
A low-key design hotel tucked into the edge of Tel Aviv’s cultural core
Why we like it
Understated but beautifully thought out. Sam&Blondi feels personal — from the curated interiors to the rooftop loungers and subtle service. It’s not flashy or overdone, but the kind of place where everything just works.
Details to know
From ~$230/night
Located just off Allenby - close to Rothschild, easy walk to the beach, but quieter
Thoughtful interiors with soft colors, retro lines, and warm lighting
Rooftop terrace with loungers and a rainfall shower — rare for this price
Rooms have blackout curtains and Aesop amenities
Complimentary bikes (and routes they actually suggest)
On-site café with coffee and bites
They leave you a handwritten list of neighborhood recommendations at check-in — no QR codes, just real recs.
White Villa
An elegant escape with a Bauhaus façade
Why we like it
Quiet luxury meets Old Tel Aviv charm. With just 18 rooms in a restored 1940s villa, White Villa feels more like a (very stylist) private home than a hotel. Interiors are clean and crisp, service is discreet, and everything feels intentional, down to the fresh flowers in the stairwell.
Details to know
From ~$270/night
You’re steps from Dizengoff, but it feels like a different city
Rooms are on the smaller side, but incredibly clean and stylish
Breakfast is made to order and served late
Service is soft spoken, not fussy
Feels more suited for couples or solo travelers than groups. No scene, no parties — just peace
Not the spot for flashy amenities, but if you’re looking for quiet elegance, you’re in the right place
They don’t advertise it, but if you’re up early enough, they’ll let you take your coffee and a croissant into the library before breakfast service officially starts.
Hotel
Montefiore
A 12 room art-deco townhouse turned eleant boutique oasis just off Rothschild
Why we like it
There’s something cinematic about staying here — from the dark wood floors to the shelves lined with vintage books. Service is polished but personal, the rooms feel grown-up in the best way, and the restaurant downstairs is consistently good. Just quiet, deliberate charm
Details to know
From ~$350/night
12 rooms, all adorned with fabrics, marble bathrooms, and rain showers
No pool or spa — but large rooms
Free valet parking and a surprisingly ood gym for Tel Aviv standards
Restaurant/Bar is a scene unto itself — locals come for cocktails and wine
Breakfast, elevated à la carte, is served on a porch facing Montefiore
Service can be overly eager — some guests find the attention intense — but they are ultra attentive
Mid-morning, you’ll find a stack of artisanal cookies and macaroons waiting in the lobby —complimentary
The Carlton
Old-school charm, modern Tel Aviv energy, and a sea view from nearly every angle.
Why we like it
Polished city hotel meets breezy beach escape. Feels personal, not flashy. Friendly, familiar staff. Unbeatable views.
Details to know
From ~$350/night
Rooftop pool with sweeping views
Legendary breakfast: shakshuka, burekas, honeycomb
Small gym with floor-to-ceiling glass and a livestream of the promenade
Corner suites offer wraparound light and serious sea air
Steps from Gordon Beach, but tucked away from the noise
Staff are warm, intuitive, and conversational
Pro tip: Request a high-floor room for sunrise views
“They knew our coffee order by heart after one night.”
Soho house
A richly layered conversion of an 1880s convent into a club-hotel hybrid
Why we like it
There’s grit behind the glamour. From the historic stone arches to the plush velvet sofas, Soho House is a balance of tousled elegance and cultural cache. Yes, it’s a scene — but a curated one. If you want to be in Jaffa for its art, nightlife, and energy, this place puts you at the center without sacrificing calm
Details to know
From ~$430/night
Rooms vary — some are sun-soaked with high ceilings, others are darker and minimalist
The rooftop is a full scene. DJs, cocktails, and amazing sunsets.
Pool’s more for lounging than laps
Guests can book without a membership, but some areas may be off-limits
Breakfast is à la carte and strong
Service is stylishly hands-off; friendly, but never overbearing
walkable to Jaffa’s markets, galleries, and great food spots
Early evenings here feel like art openings — stepping into a crowd you almost recognize, with a Verspertine view and Negroni
The Drisco
Hotel
A heritage landmark reimagined with European polish and Tel Aviv soul. Travelers who appreciate elegance without excess
Why we like it
Tucked into the charm of the American-German colony, the Drisco is refined without trying too hard. Every corner feels considered; hand-painted ceilings, hushed hallwayys, and a kind of service that anticipates your needs before you speak. It’s luxurious, but not loud about it.
Details to know
From ~$510/night
Originally built in 1866, restored
A short walk from Neve Tzedek and Jaffa
Rooms feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, and Juliet balconies
The staff strikes a rare balance of warm and discreet
George & John, the hotel restaurant, is a popular and outstanding option
The crowd is stylish, mellow, and often in-the-know;
Rooftop lounge for quiet evenings and a glass of wine (no DJ, no scene)
Their breakfast terrace is one of the most peaceful in the city. Ask for a table in the garden - it’s worth the extra minute.
The Setai
Ottoman-era architecture, modern luxury, and Jaffa’s energy right outside your door.
Why we like it
Renovated 12th-century walls meet sleek glass and steel. Feels dramatic but not over-the-top. Great for a special stay with a true sense of place. Private, polished, and well-located for exploring Jaffa and beyond.
Details to know
From ~$600/night
Infinity pool with panoramic views over the Port of Jaffa and the Med
Rooms balance modern lines with preserved stone arches
The spa is one of the best in the city: hammam, signature treatments, and quiet corners
Breakfast leans international, but with solid Israeli staples
Steps from Jaffa’s best: flea markets, galleries, bars, and the coastline
Not the best beach, but the neighborhood makes up for it
Once an Ottoman prison,now espresso at sunrise by the sea. Quietly Dramatic.
The Norman
Art Deco elegance meets understated luxury in the heart of Tel Aviv
Why we like it
Feels like staying in someone’s extremely well-designed townhouse, but with a rooftop pool and Champagne on call. It’s low-key glamour. Discreet, personal, and somehow both grand and intimate at once.
Details to know
From ~$700/night
Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views
Rooms are housed in Bauhaus-era buildings, connected by a courtyard
Standout on-site dining: Michelin-starred Alena and the Library Bar
Interiors are warm woods, soft lighting, and mid-century nods
Attentive service, never pushy
Easy walk to Rothschild, Neve Tzedek, and Shenkin
Pro tip: one of the best concierges in the city. Tap them for dinner bookings
You’ll walk in and immediately wish your home had linen-covered walls and fresh cut Peonies on the nightstand.
It’s that kind of place.
Jerusalem
Villa brown
A romantic hideaway with deep roots and just enough edge
Why we like it
The vibe is intimate without being overdone. Think antique floors, velvet armchairs, and an Ottoman-inspired rooftop spa that feels like a secret. You’re in the thick of things — steps from the Old City — but you still feel removed from the noise.
Details to know
From ~$270/night
Only 24 rooms, all individually styled
Stunning rooftop with a plunge pool + bar
Afternoon tea served in the original 19th-century salon
Rooms can be compact — don’t expect sprawling suites
Quiet, adult atmosphere (not ideal for kids)
Breakfast served in the courtyard — charming but limited options
Walking distance from everything
Look for the framed nespaper clippings in the lobby — they’re originals from when the building was a political hub.
Hotel Alegra
Lush, layered, and wildly romantic — Jerusalem’s best kept secret
Why we like it
Hotel Alegra is our favorite hotel in Jerusalem by far. Tucked away in Ein Kerem, this place feels more like a countryside retreat than a city hotel. The building’s a 19th-century mansion with stained glass windows, a storybook garden, and art tucked into every corner.
Details to know
From ~$300/night
Located in a quiet, cobblestone neighborhood
13 unique rooms with artful touches and exposed stone
Outdoor plunge pool and small spa
Limited service — don’t expect full-on hotel amenities
Breakfast is à la carte and beautifully prepared
Walkable to the best spots in Ein Kerem (like cafes and galleries)
Adults-only atmosphere — romantic, not rowdy
The rooftop is usually empty in the morning — perfect spot for coffee with a view of the hills
American
Colony Hotel
Historic without feeling dusty. Iconic, elegant, and deeply local
Why we like it
This isn’t trendy, but it’s got depth. One of the most iconic stays in Jerusalem; the gardens are cinematic, the rooms are grand without being cold, and it’s full of low-key diplomatic history.
Details to know
From ~$350/night
Classic colonial architecture and design
Lush inner courtyard — dinner here feels like a film set
Small pool, library, and cigar lounge on site
Rooms vary — some modernized, some older
Service can be a bit formal but very polished
Located in East Jerusalem — easy walk to the Old City
Restaurant is great for dinner, especially on warmer nights
Ask about the room T.E. Lawrence used to stay in — it still exists and they’ll show you if it’s not booked.
Mamilla Hotel
Clean-lined luxury with Jerusalem’s best location and that signature Alrov polish
Why we like it
Modern, understated, and steps from Jaffa Gate. You’re staying here for the rooftop views, the design, and the convenience. It’s one of the rare places in Jerusalem that feels truly international without losing local character.
Details to know
From ~$500/night
Sleek, minimalist rooms — some with Old City views
Rooftop restaurant is one of the city’s best (and best located)
Full gym, spa, and pool on site
Lobby bar is surprisingly lively for Jerusalem
Service is consistent and polished
Best to book a room on a higher floor for the light / views
Direct access to Mamilla Avenue shops
Sunset from the rooftop bar is a must — even if you’re not staying here, book a drink.
Eilat
Herods
boutique eilat
Mosaic arches, quiet balconies, and Red Sea breezes — tucked away at the edge of the Promenade
Why we like it
Eilat’s not a hotel town — it’s a beach-and-desert escape with nightlife, nature, and wild underwater worlds. That said, Herods Boutique is one of the few properties that offers true calm and a sense of place. The architecture nods to Moroccan design, the lagoon-style pool is serene, and the rooms feel peaceful.
Details to know
From ~$325/night
Private beach access and a quieter pool than neighboring hotels
Shared facilities with Herods Palace — but the Boutique wing is noticeably calmer
Mosaic touches and archways offer charm without feeling kitsch
Breakfast buffet is large, but for a quieter experience, ask to sit on the upper level
Great for couples and travelers who want the Eilat experience without the crowd surge
Close to many restaurants, bars, and shops
In a city known more for coral reefs and clubs than chic design, this is one of the rare spots that delivers boutique vibes and some peace.
Brown Eilat
A Powder-pink façade, pastel palms, and the energy of 1930s Miami — all tucked just inland from the Red Sea coast
Why we like it
Brown Eilat is a rare outlier in the sea of outdated, bland Eilat hotels. Retro styling, soft colors, and a youthful energy make this feel more Tel Aviv than tourist town. It’s still casual and beach-adjacent, but the details feel thought through. If you’re looking for a place to start your day with good coffee and end it on a rooftop with views, this is it.
Details to know
From ~$400/night
Private balconies, some with outdoor tubs, look out over the city and mountains
Rooftop terrace with loungers and evening cocktails
10 minutes to the beach, but away from the loudest stretch
Rooms are smaller but well laid-out; bright and well-lit with soft color palettes
Pool is compact but never too crowded
More couples than families, and a grown-up vibe without being stiff
TOne of the only hotels in Eilat that actually feels curated — quiet mornings, cool architecture, and a break from the big-box hotel chaos.
up north
Schumacher
Hotel
A Bauhaus-era building reimagined with minimalist lines, soaring ceilings, and warm stone accents. An elegant stay tucked into Haifa’s German colony.
Why we like it
The Schumacher feels like the best version of Haifa: unassuming, cultured, and quietly refined. It’s surrounded by gardens, yet steps from Carmel Center and a short walk to the Baha’i Gardens. It’s our go-to base when exploring Haifa.
Details to know
From ~$280/night
40 rooms, including garden-facing studios and loft style apartments
Self-check-in options available
No restaurant on-site, but Haifa’s food scene is within walking distance
Interior courtyard with garden seating and morning coffee setup
Pet-friendly and quiet — ideal for couples or solo travelers
Underground parking available for a fee
The penthouse suite has a private terrace facing the bay — it books up early, so plan ahead.
Mitzpe hayamim
hotel
A wellness escape set between the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.
Why we like it
A truly full-bodied retreat an israel — an actual destination hotel. The kind of place where you check in, exhale, and don’t leave. Between the biodynamic gardens, warm minimalist interiors, and mountain views, everything is designed for deep rest.
Details to know
From ~$410/night
On-site dairy farm, bakery, orchards, and vegetable gardens
Multiple restaurants, including vegetarian fine dining sourced entirely from the property
Full-service spa with indoor pool, saunas, and holistic treatments
Adults-only and extremely quiet — best for rest and reset
Located a 10-minute drive from Rosh Pina, 30 minutes from the Sea of Galilee
The rooftop is usually empty in the morning — perfect spot for coffee with a view of the hills
The Scots Hotel
A stately stay on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with history, beauty, and serious hospitality
Why we like it
It feels like a relic from another time in the best way possible — without losing relevance. Set in a 19th century Scottish hospital compound, the hotel blends European charm and Israeli warmth. Elegant and rare for the north.
Details to know
From ~$450/night
In-house restaurant with gourmet Israeli breakfasts and dinner service
Lake-facing garden for cocktails at golden hour
Small spa, pool, and wine cellar on site
Located in Tiberias, but quietly removed from the town’s bustle
Great base for exploring Golan Heights, Rosh Pina, and Galilee vineyards
Interiors fuse antique Scottish design with modern comfort
Don’t miss the whisky bar tucked beneath the main building — it’s cozy, atmospheric, and totally unexpected.
Efendi
Hotel
Old Acre’s crown jewel. A painstakingly restored Ottoman-era palace turned ultra-luxurious boutique stay
Why we like it
Walking through Efendi feels like being inside a secret. The ceilings are frescoed, the floors marble, and the restoration process took over eight years. Rooms blend original stonework and antique furniture with high-end amenities, and the rooftop views over Acre are unbeatable.
Details to know
From ~$470/night
Only 12 rooms — each different, each designed with original Ottoman and Crusader architectural elements
A short walk from Acre’s souks and port
400-year-old preserved Turkish bath
Adults-only for a peaceful, romantic atmosphere
Located inside Acre’s Old City walls
Rooftop lounge, perfect for sunsets
Wine cellar dates back to the Crusaders
The in-house restaurant is a quiet standout — local fish, seasonal produce, and a wine list that leans heavily, all served beneath softly lit stone arches.
The setai
Contemporary minimalism meets dramatic natural surroundings. This is one of the only true resort-style luxury stays in the north.
Why we like it
This is the escape for those who want stillness without sacrificing service. While other hotels in the north lean rustic or sentimental, Setai leans sleek: stone and wood architecture, infinity pools, spa rituals, and sunsets that wash over the Sea of Galilee like a painting. It’s quiet in the right ways.
Details to know
From ~$650/night
Each villa has a private terrace and many with private plunge pools
Expansive spa with hammam, treatments, and indoor thermal pool
Excellent breakfast buffet with à la carte egg and salad options
Great for couples or solo reset trips — romantic, but not cheesy
Not near much, but perfect as a reset base
Adults-only during the week, family-friendly on weekends
Ask for a villa closer to the water — mornings on the terrace are worth it.
down south
kedma hotel
AModern Nabatean fantasy, blending desert stillness with warm hospitality and refined touches
Why we like it
It’s not flashy or made for Instagram — just a serene, spacious escape with soft edges and serious desert atmosphere. The hammam-style spa is a highlight, the food is a surprising standout, and the stars at night are life-changing.
Details to know
From ~$270/night
Next to the Sde Boker kibbutz and David Ben-Gurion’s desert home
Pool framed by palm trees and desert light
Eleant, neutral rooms with local artisan touches
Full-service spa and Turkish bath
Great breakfast spread and mellow courtyard dining
Family-friendly without sacrificing sophistication
Ideal for exploring nearby desert hikes
Sit in the courtyard and listen to the soft music from the lobby bar at night
Beresheet
Silence, stars, and soft linens.
Why we like it
Beresheet feels like it was built to disappear into the land — and to reset your entire nervous system. Sunsets from the infinity pool are unforgettable. There’s a reason why it’s won so many awards.
Details to know
From ~$550/night
Private villas with crater-facing balconies or personal pools
Heated infinity pool with panoramic views
One of the most famous spas in the country
Buffet-style meals that are actually great
Town of Mitzpe Ramon is walkable but quiet
Stargazing tours available directly from the hotel
The rooftop is usually empty in the morning — perfect spot for coffee with a view of the hills
Six Senses
shaharut
The ultimate Negev escape. Redefining what desert luxury looks like
Why we like it
It’s almost unreal. Detail-oriented indulgence, eco-obsession, and off-grid elegance. Yoga at sunrise, dinners under the stars, camel treks, pickling workshops, spa rituals — every hour is magic.
Details to know
From ~$1300/night
Private villas with desert views, some with personal pools
World-renowned Six Senses spa with holistic treatments
One of the most sustainably built properties in the region
Serious culinary program with farm-to-table sourcing
Service is intuitive, warm, and never overbearing
Located in East Jerusalem — easy walk to the Old City
Restaurant is great for dinner, especially on warmer nights
Live-in sommelier, hidden wine cellar and candle lit tastings
They offer a sunset tea ritual on a clifftop dune - not advertised, but ask anyway