
When I was getting ready my trip to Israel, our partner OUTstanding Travel, gave me the opportunity to choose among several hotels during the tour. When the staff sent me the list of all the available hotels, I could realise that Israel has all kinds of hotels according to what you want to do or visit in Israel. After a long thinking about the best options for staying, I chose these.

In Jerusalem I stayed at the Hotel Arthur Jerusalem (13, Dorot Rishonim Street). A boutique hotel with 54 cozy rooms. The hotel is located in the modern area of the city, in the newly restored pedestrian area of Ben-Yeruda. You can walk easily to the Old City to visit the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Hotel rooms have everything necessary to assure a comfortable and pleasant stay. It has flat TV with international channels, WIFI, kettle for coffee or tea (free of charge) and amenities in the bathroom. Although the bathroom was a bit small had everything I need. The breakfast buffet was plentiful and delicious, plus generally Kosher.
As a lover of boutique hotels, I chose the Hotel Arthur Jerusalem, but I had some doubts because there were also other great hotel in town as the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (recently opened luxury hotel of the famous American chain) and Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel (luxury hotel close to the Old City with a rooftop terrace with wonderful views to the Old City).

At the Dead Sea, the selection of hotels was a bit complicated because the vast majority of hotels are on the seashore with beach access and similar servicies. Finally I decided to stay at the Herods Dead Sea Hotel. This hotel reminded me of a typical beach hotel. It\’s a hotel for families but has an exclusive floor for adults. For me the best thing about this hotel was its Spa. It had direct access to the beach where we enjoyed a mud bath and a swim. In addition, an indoor Spa with heated pools, and even a mud pool (with extra charge). The spacious but simple rooms have all kinds of amenities such as bathrobes, flat TV, WIFI, kettle for coffee or tea and complemenary soft drinks. Some suites are on the ground floor with an exclusive pool for the VIPs.
Another highly recommended hotel to stay at the Dead Sea is the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel. Where services are very similar to Herods Dead Sea Hotel but this hotel has not direct access to the beach.

But the hardest part for me was choosing hotel in Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv you can find all kinds of hotels to suit all tastes. Unable to choose one hotel to stay, I finally opted for staying in 3 different hotels.
The first night in Tel Aviv I stayed at the Royal Beach Hotel. This deluxe hotel with cosmopolitan design is located in front of Tel Aviv beach, and changes the skyline of the city with its 23 floors of rooms with great detail and views to the beach. The hotel offers a rich, varied and yummy breakfast.
The following night I stayed at the Melody Hotel. A small and very cute hotel-boutique just opposite the Hilton Hotel. Across the park opposite the hotel is located the gay beach of Tel Aviv. Rooms offer a comfortable bed, kettle for coffee or tea, amenities, flat TV with international channels, daily newspapers and WIFI. The breakfast is varied and very good. The hotel has a bar at the rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. Perfect for a white wine in a sunny day.
During my last night in Israel I stayed at the InterContinental David Tel Aviv. Huge hotel on the beach. Rooms are spacious with great detail. Flat TV, Kettle, WIFI, King size bed, large bathroom with amenities from the Dead Sea and most of the rooms overlooking the beach. The hotel is large and has several restaurants and lounges to have the varied breakfast or a nice dinner. Although from my point of view needs updating because the decor is quite old, it\’s a good choice to attend the Gay Pride of Tel Aviv because the final party during the parade takes place in front of the hotel.
I love seeing the sea when I am travelling that was the reason why I stayed in hotels near the beach in Tel Aviv, but there were other good hotels in the city that their services and location worthwhile. The famous Norman Hotel, a luxurious hotel in a Bauhaus building; or the Brown TLV Hotel, known as an Art boutique hotel where you will be sleeping surrounded by art. It also has a gay friendly bar very lively during weekends. Another great option is Hotel Indigo, a modern hotel with luxurious comfort and a rooftop bar with a lovely pool and views of the city.
If you are thinking about a holidays in Israel, do not hesitate to contact our partner OUTstanding Travel to help you in selecting hotels during the tour. And remember to mention Gay Travel Advice when booking your tour with our partner to get 5% off.