Yam Suf by Isrotel Collection

Families should like the kids’ play area, the gymboree, and there are three or four pools as well. The hotel is wonderful, though it’s a bit outside the city. The beach is just across the road, about 50-100 meters away. Dinner on Saturday night costs 250 ₪ per adult, with kids paying half price. Late checkout after Shabbat was 380 ₪, something to keep in mind if you’re observant.

The rooms are nice, especially the ones facing the pool. The pool itself is nice when it isn't crowded, though it was busy last week. The small fitness room is okay if no more than four people are using it. The main building felt noisy and like a beehive, so I wouldn't stay there. The room cleaning staff were courteous, but the service otherwise was far from what I'd expect even at a basic hotel. Restaurant staff serving outside, I think Adam and Anastasia, avoided us. When we asked for a clean table, they said, “we don’t clean sorry,” and sent us to someone else. At the desk, too, they didn't seem to care until you paid. For safety, they oiled the bases of the outdoor dining tables, which is dangerous when kids or anyone else steps on the oil and might slip. There are also lots of unmarked steps on marble that can be hard to see. Breakfast service was a mess. The coffee bar doesn't open until 07:30, so there's no coffee before then. Hundreds of people enter and leave through the same doorway carrying plates, even though there are other doors that are locked. They could split the flow, or serve some breakfast outside. The food has plenty of variety, but it's bland; even the bread is sometimes doughy and underbaked. It feels like quantity and variety matter more than quality. I stayed at the agamim hotel last year, and that was much better. On Friday and Saturday there's no fresh coffee or coffee bar, just instant powder. Guests still swim, work, use the elevators, and pay, but they won't turn on the coffee machine. At 200 euros a night, that feels pathetic and hypocritical. I also don't understand why there can't be fresh food on Saturday, or a separate non-Shabbat kitchen for people who don't care about those rituals, so guests can choose. The gym is only open 7-7, which doesn't work for early risers, people wanting to exercise late, or those working long days who want to go before dinner. Maybe it's to save money, but the gold standard today is a gym open 24/7. I could go on. The devil is in the detail.

We had another fantastic holiday at the Yam Suf. Shlomo was eager to help and gave us great menu recommendations. Breakfast and the bar area had great food, and the hotel is spotless and kept up to date. It's one of the best values in Eilat. There's a bus outside that takes you into town in 15 minutes.

We had a wonderful stay, with amazing, helpful staff and really good food. The place is spotless and well cared for. We also liked being away from the hustle and bustle of eilat. Highly recommended.