La Villa Eilat

Stay away, and don’t book here. We showed up at the scheduled check-in time after making a reservation, then spent more than an hour waiting outside. The owner never replied, even through Airbnb. After we finally left and got a full refund, the owner said we hadn’t bought the place and had underestimated what he was asking for it. What a joke.

We felt like part of David’s family the whole time. The rooms and facilities were what we expected, and the evening we spent with him was a highlight. After he suggested a nearby supermarket, we used the outdoor kitchen, cooked several steaks, and went through a few cases of beer together. David is a wonderful host with a fascinating life story. There’s also a small hot tub tucked away at the back.

The room was clean, with two double beds split by a TV unit, plus a nice kitchen and bathroom. Outside there’s a washing machine, a big round table with chairs, a pool, and a jacuzzi. A few useful additions would help: more teaspoons in the kitchen, hooks for a hand towel and dishcloths, and somewhere in the bathroom to hang bath towels.

The owner and staff are top-notch. It’s a lovely place in a peaceful residential area, so you feel like you’re experiencing the real city instead of just staying in a hotel. I’d definitely recommend it.