Where to stay in Eilat? Below, we walk you through the best areas and our hotel picks to stay in Eilat, Israel.

Eilat feels like one of the great southern escape hatches of the region, with highlights such as Dolphin Reef, the Underwater Observatory Park, coral reserves, the Negev Desert, scenic trails, and inviting beaches.

It is a lively, safe, and cosmopolitan city, with shopping and nightlife adding even more appeal once the sun goes down.

Where to Stay in Eilat, Israel

Best area to stay in Eilat: Near the seafront promenade and beach

If we want to stay in the heart of the action in Eilat, the area around the seafront is the obvious pick. It works especially well for business travelers thanks to its easy access to the Eilat terminal, the commercial port zone, and plenty of duty-free shopping.

It is also a very solid choice for families. The promenade is easy to walk, the beaches are warm and inviting, and there is enough open space for children to run around without the whole day feeling like a logistics drill.

Food is another reason this area wins. Around the waterfront, we find a wide mix of restaurants serving everything from international comfort food to Middle Eastern dishes, so it is easy to settle in for a long lunch or a lazy dinner after the beach.

The seafront promenade is one of Eilat’s main attractions, and for good reason. This is where the city puts on its showy, sun-drenched face, with easy access to the Coral Nature Reserve and all the classic Red Sea activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to water sports.

Mosh Beach, Princess Beach, and Hananya Beach are all excellent spots for slowing down, soaking up the sun, and staring at the sea with a drink and something salty on the table. Frankly, this is what many of us came for.

The Dolphin Reef adds another layer of appeal, especially for families, offering the chance to see and even swim near dolphins in a natural setting. It is one of those Eilat experiences people talk about long after the trip is over.

And then there is the Negev Desert, because Eilat does not stop at beaches. The dramatic desert scenery nearby, along with its parks and nature reserves, makes it easy to mix sea days with rugged outdoor adventures.
The city is also known for its lively nightlife. Around the waterfront, bars and clubs fill up after dark with travelers and locals coming for drinks, music, and dancing.

For shopping, the seafront promenade is another strong contender. One of the standout spots is the Ice Mall, home to around 150 stores and, in a wonderfully extra twist, an Olympic-sized ice rink right in the middle.

Right next to it, the Eilat Museum offers a quieter change of pace, with exhibits on local marine life and stories that dig into the city’s past.

Because the seafront is one of the busiest parts of Eilat, this is one of those rare places where staying without a car actually makes life easier.

There are buses and taxis available, of course, but in practice the best way to get around this area is simply on foot.

All in all, the area near the Eilat seafront is the best place to stay if we want easy beach access, lots of restaurants, and enough entertainment nearby to keep the trip pleasantly effortless.

Why stay near the Eilat seafront:

• Best area for first-time visitors
• Close to the beach
• Great food and nightlife

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Top Hotel Picks in Eilat

• Our top pick: Abraham Eilat

Abraham Eilat is a spacious, modern, family-run hostel and part of the well-known Abraham Hostels group, which also has locations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and even Manila. They also run Abraham Tours, which is handy if you want to book activities without overthinking your life. The hostel is in a very practical location just a short walk from the bus station. It is one of those places that feels instantly easy: relaxed, sociable, spotless, and run by staff who are genuinely kind and helpful. Easily one of the best hostels we have stayed in.

There are both private and shared rooms. The private rooms are simple but very clean, and come with useful extras like a minibar, an armchair, and a small table. Some also have balconies with views over the city.

The common areas are one of the hostel’s biggest strengths. They are large, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable enough that you actually want to spend time there. The lobby doubles as a social space, and the communal kitchen is well equipped, with free hot and cold water. There is also a lounge area and a play space.

And yes, for the hotter months, there is also a large swimming pool with a lifeguard, plus a bar and lounge area around it. The only real drawback is that the pool closes rather early, at 6 pm.

You can also book a room with breakfast included, and the buffet has a good range of fresh and tasty options. We also liked that they organize different paid activities throughout the week, such as painting and beer evenings or Shabbat dinner events. The Wi-Fi is excellent, there are proper work-friendly spaces with plenty of power outlets, and overall the value for money is very hard to beat. We would absolutely recommend it.

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