Royal Beach, Eilat, Israel - Reviews and Hotel Information

I was here with extended family for the amazing classical music festival the first week of February, 2008. A beautiful, elegant hotel right on the beach with very good service and excellent food. I won't even go into the delightful festival, since I understand this sells out a year in advance every year!

The lobby and grounds are like a sculpture garden; the architecture, common area furnishings and art installations all work together to celebrate contemporary art and design. It took me forever to get from the elevator to my room because I was drawn to look at every painting hung in the halls -- every few feet -- it felt like we were staying in a gallery. This was not your typical chain hotel art; these were expressive, sometimes challenging works that demanded attention. I think the artists were mostly Israeli. If I have any complaint, it's that the art was not "curated" in a manner that allows the visitor to sort out what they're examining -- different schools, subject matter, geography just strung one after another with no background on the work or the artist.

The hotel breakfast was unbelievably diverse, fresh and abundant. I had a culinary tour of the entire country before 9:a.m.! In the evening there were snack and dessert buffets connected to the music festival. They really showed off the fine chefs inhouse. I was not as impressed with food we had at the various restaurants in the hotel, however.

The rooms were big and very comfortable, with enough furnishings that my family could easily visit in one another's rooms and not feel they were intruding. Beautiful, serene views of the sea.

The staff was wonderful. I was particularly impressed with the poise of the the wait staff during the evening buffets, when some of the guests acted like they'd never eaten in public before! I was embarrassed to be in that crowd at times -- and it was such a shocking contrast that these were the same people so rapt and appreciative of the hours of breathtaking music we were all there to hear.

Only weak spot of the service was their travel concession. We had some real frustrations arranging a day trip to Petra, and got a big group bus tour when we were led to believe it was a minivan with a handful of people. I think the hotel was in the middle of changing to a new vendor, so this may not still be a problem.

I'm only guessing about the price, as ours was inclusive of the music festival. But I could not imagine a more high-end hotel that could add any more of value.

Don't miss the breakfast, and take a look at the entire spread before you start filling your plate! Do what you can to get a room view on the water side, or else you're looking at a glitzy Las Vegas style hotel (the Queen of Sheeba). The pool looked fantastic, although we were too busy to even take a dip. The sea is just steps away.

Royal Beach, Eilat

Royal Beach

Eilat Hotels