Isrotel Bereshit Hotel

Isrotel's fanciest hotel is now close to completion.
"The Isrotel Hotel chain is building a unique leisure resort in Mitzpe Ramon, a hotel that will be fully integrated into the surrounding natural terrain.
The 112 room hotel will offer guests service of the highest standards, alongside the attractions associated with the crater and the Negev desert.
The new hotel will itself be an attraction, constituting an additional magnet that will attract visitors to the crater." Pretty nice sounding, huh. More specifically, the hotel will feature small two-storey units or 'chalets', with each ground floor suite boasting its own private swimming pool. As far as amenities, the hotel will have a spa, conference facilities, tennis courts, a main swimming pool right on the edge of the cliff, and a Presidential Suite suspended over the cliff. This hotel reminds me of the Four Seasons Troon North in Scottsdale, with chalets, pools, views, etc. We can only hope that the Isrotel will be as nice. If not, though, it guaranteed will be nicer than the Isrotel Ramon Inn, which is really dying for a renovation. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, IsraelGuest is simply posting its own opinion, based on TripAdvisor reviews and other indicated sources. IsraelGuest representatives have not been guests of the hotels.

W Tel Aviv????

Yes, as a first reaction, W Tel Aviv would be perfect. There already is another Starwood property, the city is exciting and hip, and perfect for a W Hotel. When I read this posting on HotelChatter (http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2010/4/26/94826/5757/hotels/Where_Will_W_Welcome_Us_Next_), I was very excited. After some quick searches, however, I became disheartened. Yes, there is a W Tel Aviv. It is a luxury residential building. Is this a mistake on HotelChatter's part? Or, should we keep hoping that there will be a W Hotel Tel Aviv, which will simply have some trademark issues? The latter, of course. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, IsraelGuest is simply posting its own opinion, based on TripAdvisor reviews and other indicated sources. IsraelGuest representatives have not been guests of the hotels.

Tiberias- Comeback

Tiberias, the Crown Jewel of the North, the Star of the Kinneret. Not. With a capital N. This city is old, dirty, trashy, depressing, and most importantly, had, up to recently, not even one good hotel. For years the top hotel was the Sheraton. But now, it has been reduced to just another hotel in the Leonardo empire, which is especially prominent in Tiberias, where there are three Leonardo's. (Interestingly enough, the Leonardo Club Hotel has the Leonardo sign on one side of the building, and the old Golden Tulip sign on the other side.) The top hotel is unarguably the Scots Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel with a true luxury feel. It definitely doesn't fit in with the Tiberian ambiance. But there are other good choices. The Leonardo Hotel, which thankfully is a little removed from town, completed a full renovation a few years ago, and offers clean and nice rooms, as well as a bright and pretty lobby and outdoor pool. It definitely is nicer than the other basic hotels. Another hotel to undergo a renovation was the Prima Galil Hotel, which now has fresh and beautiful interiors. If only the other hotels would follow, and the city would spend some money on beautification, Tiberias would emerge as a new city. Until then, these are the best. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, IsraelGuest is simply posting its own opinion, based on TripAdvisor reviews and other indicated sources. IsraelGuest representatives have not been guests of the hotels.

Savyonei Hagalil

So who has heard of the Savyonei HaGalil? Anyone? We recently had the pleasure of staying in this hotel. Being familiar with Etap Hotels in Europe, we knew what to expect of this former Etap. The hotel was located right off the highway, with a gas station and a few shops adjacent to it. The lobby was small but nice, with leather couches and a flat screen TV. A walk down the brightly lit, hospital like corridors brought us to our room. We walked into a tiled area with shelves and hangers on one side and a sink on the other. There were two doors, on for the toilet and one for the shower. Beyond this multipurpose chamber was the room, with a double bed, two night tables, and a little fridge. It was clean and decent, and very different from the Etaps in Europe, which consisted of bunk beds and a tiny bathroom. We left early in the morning, but our stay was fine. We would stay again. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, IsraelGuest is simply posting its own opinion, based on TripAdvisor reviews and other indicated sources. IsraelGuest representatives have not been guests of the hotels.

Eilat

A friend recently asked my opinion as to where he should stay in Eilat. Here's the results. The standard list of "five star" hotels includes Herods, Dan Eilat, Hilton Queen of Sheba, and the Isrotel Royal Beach. Herods, in my opinion, is the worst hotel of this group. The rooms are old and tired, the decor is tacky. Only the pool is nice. The Dan Eilat also has similar issues- tacky decor, but well kept. The rooms, too, are old, but the bathrooms are luxurious. The pool is beautiful. The Queen of Sheba has a theme, but it's not overwhelming and if you didn't look around for the hidden details, you would think it's just a nice Hilton. The pool here is standard and unexciting, but it has fountains and pretty flowers. The rooms here are probably the nicest in Eilat, but they too could use an update. The Royal Beach has a striking lobby, with gorgeous flower arrangements and a good pool. The rooms here are nice as well. But, the hotel is beginning to look tired around the edges and could use a little care.
So, which is the best? We advised the Hilton Queen of Sheba. It just feels more luxurious than the other hotels. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, IsraelGuest is simply posting its own opinion, based on TripAdvisor reviews and other indicated sources. IsraelGuest representatives have not been guests of the hotels.