Herbert Samuel The Reef Eilat

This hotel is highly regarded for its direct beach access and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat away from the city's main hustle. Its spacious rooms and an exceptional breakfast experience are consistently highlighted by guests. The friendly staff also contributes significantly to a positive stay, making it a preferred choice for many returning visitors. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples and relaxation-seekers looking for a quiet getaway, as well as divers and snorkellers due to its proximity to the coral reef. To enhance your experience, consider taking advantage of the complimentary sports equipment available and note that the hotel's location is ideal for those preferring a calmer environment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a welcoming pool area, though some guests noted the water can be quite cold, especially during cooler months, and a few mentioned it being small or having limited sun-beds. While some rooms offer the luxury of a private pool, a few guests reported these were not always well-maintained. Direct access to the beach facilities is a major draw, providing sunshades and loungers exclusively for hotel guests. For active guests, the hotel provides free bikes, snorkeling masks, SUP, and kayaks, allowing for enjoyable sea activities. A gym or fitness center is available, but some feedback suggests it is cramped, not well-maintained, and could benefit from updates.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms and overall cleanliness of the hotel. The beds are generally described as comfortable, though some older mattresses were noted to have lumps, which were sometimes addressed by staff. Many rooms boast a balcony with stunning views, enhancing the guest experience. In-room amenities often include a coffee machine, an electric kettle, bottled water, and cookies, adding a thoughtful touch. While most find the rooms quiet, some guests reported hearing noise levels from outside the room or from nearby parties. Minor issues like shower leaks flooding the bathroom floor or outdated furniture and televisions were occasionally mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at this hotel consistently receives rave reviews, often described as exceptional, delicious, and generous. Guests are impressed by the vast variety of fresh and tasty options, including items like cheeses and smoked salmon. The breakfast service extends until 11 AM, which is appreciated by many, and some guests enjoyed the added ambiance of live music in the dining room. However, it's important to note that the hotel does not offer dinner service on-site, with guests sometimes directed to an external restaurant, which received mixed feedback regarding food quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant highlight, offering direct beach access and a notably quiet location away from the bustling city center. This makes it particularly appealing for guests seeking a peaceful retreat. Its proximity to the coral reef and various diving centers is a major advantage for underwater enthusiasts. While slightly removed from the main tourist areas, a bus stop conveniently located right outside the hotel provides easy access to the city center. However, parking is a recurring concern, with guests frequently reporting limited, small, or full parking lots, often necessitating payment for public parking nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. From the reception team to the breakfast staff and cleaners, their positive attitude and warm welcome are a recurring theme in reviews. The check-in process is generally smooth, and the staff's readiness to accommodate requests, such as room upgrades or late check-out, is greatly appreciated, contributing to a very positive overall service experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that there has been ongoing construction by the beach, which some found to impact their experience, though it is hoped to be temporary. The hotel offers a beneficial late check-out policy on Saturdays, extending it until 2 PM, which is a convenient feature for guests. A notable perk is the provision of free sports equipment, including bikes and snorkeling gear, encouraging guests to explore the surroundings. It is also important to note the hotel's policy of no dinner service on-site, meaning guests will need to seek dining options elsewhere for evening meals.