Budget Hotels in Eilat

Israel’s opening up for tourism again and as well as the obvious ‘hotspots’ - Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Galilee - Eilat is gearing up to start welcoming back visitors. Located in the far south of the country, with wonderful views of both the Red Sea and the mountains, it’s the perfect place for a vacation, a romantic weekend or just a few well-deserved days of R&R.  

Eilat restaurant with a view, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Eilat may not be a big city, but with warm temperatures year-round, and situated slap bang on the Red Sea it’s a resort that’s perfect for eating, drinking, shopping, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Its lively bars and nightlife make it popular with young people and top attractions such as the Underwater Observatory and Dolphin Reef mean it’s a big draw for those with young children.

Eilat is also close to the Wadi Araba Border Crossing connecting Israel and Jordan which means that making a trip to Petra is extremely easy. And if your passion is hiking, then it’s a short drive up to Timna Park, with its copper mines, rock formations and manmade lake…you can take jeep tours and camel treks in the area too!

In the last 20 years, Eilat has developed significantly and as that happened, many luxury hotels sprung up. And whilst they boast all kinds of facilities, they come with a steep price tag - indeed, a weekend vacation down at the Red Sea can really be tough on the wallet. So are there any options for the dollar-conscious traveller?

The good news is, yes, you can visit the Red Sea and not break the bank, particularly when it comes to finding a place to sleep. We’ve looked around and found more than a few budget hotels in Eilat, where you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars each night but still get clean, comfortable facilities. What are you waiting for? 

Eilat Promenade by night. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

1. Custo Club, Eilat

This down-to-earth guesthouse is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a place to swim and/or diving lessons. A little further away from the beach than many hotels, it’s still within walking distance, but the area it’s situated in is a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood.

Custo offers free Wi-Fi throughout the space as well as air-conditioning and LCD TVs in all the rooms. Some of the rooms have balconies and private bathrooms, whereas cheaper options mean you’ll have to share. There is also a big kitchen where you can cook and there’s a relaxed atmosphere in the place at all hours.

Custo’s outdoor pool has sun loungers and a ping pong table nearby. They also have a space within the villa where a diving club operates. Here you can rent equipment, take introductory SCUBA lessons and if you’re staying at Custo you’ll even get a discount!

Custo is a good choice, price-wise, because although things need a bit of modernisation, it’s clean and the owner is a friendly and reliable person. You can walk there easily from the central bus station and they also offer an airport shuttle service, if you’re leaving from Eilat Ramon.

Custo Club. Mish'ol Shoshan 2, Eilat. Tel: 050-887-7989.

Villa Custo Club in Eilat, Eilat. Photo from Custo Club Facebook page

2. Flintstone Guesthouse, Eilat

Located just over 1km from Dekel, Mosh and Papaya beaches, the Flintstone Guesthouse offers guests non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the property and an outdoor heated swimming pool. All of the rooms come with private bathrooms (with showers, not baths) and free toiletries.  There is air-conditioning in every room and some family options also provide a kitchenette with a microwave.

Visitors rave about the hospitality and talk about how helpful and kind the owners are. This place also has a good reputation for cleanliness. In short, Flintstone’s is really good value for money.

Flintstone Guest House., 2 Mishol Egoz, Eilat. Tel: 08 630-3777

A tour on a glass-bottom boat on the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

3. La Villa Eilat 

Located in a quiet, residential part of the city, which is ideal for anyone arriving by car, La Villa offers guests cosy accommodation with spacious common areas. Nearby is an excellent pizzeria and there are several supermarkets where you can buy food to cook, in their well-equipped kitchen. Indeed, many guests talk about how nice it is to eat breakfast outside in the garden.

La Villa boasts spacious clean rooms, some with kitchenette facilities, and the beds are very comfortable. It also has a swimming pool, hot tub and barbeque area and the rooms are comfortable and clean (with the showers boasting good water pressure). Guests talk about how accommodating and friendly the owner David is. This is a great find and incredible value for money.

La Villa Eilat, Mish'ol Habushim 1, Eilat. Tel: 054-808-8084

A cruise boat in Eilat, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

4. Blue Hotel, Eilat

The Blue Hotel is not far from the central bus station and so close to banks, supermarkets and a few cheap eats. Offering affordable prices, it has 30 rooms which can suit a range of people - individuals, families and groups of travellers. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, a terrace and a shady garden. 

The rooms are all non-smoking and come with flatscreen TVs, private bathrooms and the owners can arrange for you to have breakfast at a nearby cafe if you don’t want to make your own arrangements. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. Blue Hotel is owned by the Marina Divers Club and so if you want to don your SCUBA equipment, they’ll be happy to help and give you a nice discount too.  Walking to the beach will take you about 15 minutes.

The Blue Hotel,  Ofarim St 123, Eilat. Tel: 053-2321656

Blue Hotel, Eilat, Israel. Photo from Blue Hotel Facebook page

5. Americana Hotel, Eilat

The Americana regards itself as ‘Eilat’s most popular, moderately priced resort hotel’ and many would agree. Situated on the north beach of Eilat, it’s close to many entertainment spots in town and prides itself on its professional service, personal touches, excellent location and friendly atmosphere.

The Americana has free wi-fi, modern rooms (all with cable TV and kettle), two restaurants, a pool with hot tub and a smaller pool for kids. Rooms all have private bathrooms and air-conditioning and on site there is also a supermarket and gift shop. Guests love the buffet breakfast (with up to 20 dishes to choose from) and the place is clean and has friendly staff.  As a value for money, it can be highly recommended…it’s not five stars but it’s a great budget option in Eilat.

The Americana, Kaman Street, Eilat. Tel: 08 630-0777

The Americana Hotel, Eilat, Israel. Photo from Americana Hotel Facebook page

6. Comfort Hotel, Eilat

A five-minute walk from the Central Bus Station, and 12 minutes by foot from the shores of the Red Sea, the Comfort Hotel is strategically located (close to everything) and offers simple but pleasant accommodation. All of the rooms are air-conditioned, with LCD TVs and private bathrooms, and come with a kettle, tea and coffee and a safe.

Some rooms also have a view over the Gulf of Aqaba. The Comfort has an outdoor pool and you can also book paid sessions at their spa (which has a steam room, hot tub and dry sauna).  The beds are comfortable, the place is clean and if you’re not hankering after a luxury resort, this hotel is the perfect option.

Comfort Hotel, Sderot Hativat HaNegev 14. Tel: 08 636-3222

Comfort Hotel, Eilat, Israel. Photo from Comfort Hotel Facebook page

7. Hotel Adi, Eilat

Situated in the centre of Eilat, not too far a walk from the beach, Hotel Adi is close to restaurants, pubs and a big shopping mall. It boasts 111 rooms, and the suites have either a private jacuzzi or two adjoining rooms. With air-conditioning throughout, safety deposit boxes and cable tv, it’s ideal for families.

The Adi hotel also has a lobby, bar and large dining room with a diverse menu and guests talk about the good breakfast which is included in the price. This is a simple hotel but it’s friendly and the staff are very efficient.  Its location is also great - you can get everywhere on foot, and quickly. The Adi is a good choice if you don’t want to pay the high prices of big Eilat hotels. 

Hotel Adi, Topaz St 6, Eilat. Tel: 08 638-8111

Palms at Eilat beach, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

8. Sunset Inn, Eilat

The Sunset Inn is located just two minutes walk from the Central Bus Station, and another 15-20 minutes walk from the seashore and the town’s promenade. All rooms are air-conditioned, have flat-screen TVs with cable options and free Wi-Fi.

All of the rooms come with kitchenette facilities, including a minibar, electric kettle (with tea and coffee) and a microwave, so it’s ideal if you want to prepare food. If you’re not arriving by air or bus, take advantage of their free private parking. This is a no-frills place, not fancy but very clean and is definitely good value for money. Guests comment on how accommodating the staff are and how much they enjoy the outside space, which they say is good for reading and relaxing.

Sunset Inn, Retamim St 130, Eilat. Tel: 050-270-8795

Sunset Inn, Eilat, Israel. Photo from Sunset Inn Hotel Facebook page

9. Palms Hotel, Eilat

Marketing itself as an ‘urban resort’ this recently renovated hotel, with its trendy modern decor, is the most costly option on our ‘budget hotel in Eilat’ list but still a steal when you consider what it offers. With a range of comfortable rooms, suitable for couples and families, the Palms features a sun terrace, two swimming pools - one for adults and the other for children - a video games room, a jacuzzi and a Kids Club.

The Palms Hotel is located about 10 minutes walk from the shopping centre and beach, in the city centre. The 152 rooms are elegant, spacious and all include black-out curtains, LED TV, air conditioning and mini-fridge. Some suites have private jacuzzis and sun terraces and there is free parking for guests, close by. Guests are particularly impressed with the comfortable beds and rich, diverse Israeli breakfast. For a mid-price, three-star hotel in Eilat, you can’t go wrong.

Sderot HaTmarim 2, Eilat. Tel: 08-651-6000.

Palms Hotel, Eilat, Israel. Photo from Palms Hotel Facebook page

10. Red Sea Hotel, Eilat.

Offering guests a central location, the Red Sea Hotel is a good choice for anyone looking for accommodation with a number of facilities, but at a reasonable price. The spacious rooms all come with LCD TV and cable TV, air-conditioning, minibars and private bathrooms and downstairs there is a 24/7 reception.

The Red Sea Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and there is a private beach, ten minutes walk away, with free sun loungers there. On the beach is the Mamam restaurant and guests of the hotel can receive a discount when eating there. The hotel is small but clean and tidy and offers guests a decent breakfast, with a good quality and variety of food.  It’s located close to the central bus station, so you’re close to money changers and supermarkets. Fair prices for what you get.

The Red Sea Hotel, Tamarim 12, Eilat. Tel: 08 637-2171

Israel's Red Sea coastline. Photo credit: © Shutterstock