Travelling to Israel from my home in Bexleyheath was exciting. But it also brought a big question: where should I stay? The answer shaped my entire trip. And that’s where smart hotels in Israel came in.
I’m Khurram Pervaiz Khan, founder of NoodleMagazine, and I recently visited Israel from Bexleyheath, UK. Let me share what I learnt about choosing the right hotel, the mistakes I made, and the discoveries that transformed my trip.
Planning My Israel Trip from Bexleyheath
Before I even booked my flights, I spent weeks researching accommodation. Living in Bexleyheath, I’m used to London prices, but I wasn’t sure what to expect in Tel Aviv. Would it be more expensive? Cheaper? Different?
My Initial Research Process
I started by looking at major booking websites. The prices shocked me. Beachfront hotels in Tel Aviv were charging £250-400 per night. That’s more than central London hotels. I almost gave up on the idea.
Then I dug deeper. I read travel blogs, watched YouTube videos from British travellers, and joined Facebook groups about visiting Israel. That’s when I discovered boutique hotels.
What I Learnt:
- Peak season (June-August) prices are 40-50% higher than shoulder season
- Booking directly with hotels often matches online prices but with better perks
- Location matters more than star ratings
- Smaller hotels provide better value and service
According to Visit Tel Aviv, the city receives over 2 million international visitors annually, with British tourists ranking in the top ten nationalities.
What Makes a Hotel “Smart”?
Let’s be honest. Many people think smart means gadgets, apps, digital keys, or voice controls. That can be nice. But real smartness is when a hotel fits your trip perfectly.
My Definition of Smart Accommodation
During my stay, I discovered that smart hotels in Israel offer much more than technology. They offer peace of mind.
The Five Elements I Found Essential:
- Strategic Location – Not necessarily the most famous street, but near transport and attractions
- Flexible Service – Staff who understand that flights get delayed and plans change
- Honest Pricing – No hidden fees or mandatory extras
- Personal Touch – Being treated like a guest, not a room number
- Local Knowledge – Staff who actually live in the area and share genuine recommendations
Real Example from My Trip:
I stayed at a boutique hotel three streets back from Tel Aviv beach. The sea view rooms at beachfront hotels cost £200-250 per night. My room was £95 per night. I walked seven minutes to the beach each morning. That’s £525-775 saved over five nights—money I spent on experiences instead.
The walk to the beach took me through residential streets. I saw local life. I found a small bakery that made fresh challah bread every morning. I discovered a corner shop where I bought water and snacks at local prices, not tourist prices.
Would I have found these places staying on the beachfront? Probably not.
What Smart Really Means in Practice
| Feature | What I Expected | What Actually Mattered | Why It Mattered |
| Technology | Digital keys, smart rooms | Reliable Wi-Fi, working air-con | Needed to stay connected and cool |
| Location | Beachfront views | Walking distance to everything | Saved money, saw more of real Tel Aviv |
| Service | 24-hour concierge desk | Staff who gave honest local advice | Discovered hidden gems and avoided tourist traps |
| Amenities | Fancy gym and swimming pool | Clean room, excellent breakfast | Actually used these daily |
| Price | Cheapest option possible | Fair value for what I received | Felt good about spending, not cheated |
It’s being close enough to the beach in Tel Aviv without paying crazy prices for a sea-view room. It’s staying in a place where check-in is flexible, the staff know your name, and breakfast feels personal. That’s what smart really means—less hassle, more value.
The Technology Question
Yes, some hotels in Israel have impressive technology. I saw hotels with app-based room controls, automated check-in kiosks, and smart TVs with streaming services.
But here’s what I actually used every day:
- Strong Wi-Fi (essential for Google Maps and staying in touch)
- Air conditioning (Israel in October was still warm)
- Power sockets near the bed (for charging my phone overnight)
- A safe for my passport and valuables
The fancy stuff? Nice to have. But not worth paying extra for.
According to Israel Ministry of Tourism, over 4.5 million tourists visited Israel in 2024, and accommodation choices significantly impact visitor satisfaction ratings.
Why Boutique Hotels Work Best
Bigger is not always better. I learnt this quickly during my Israel visit. Boutique hotels in Israel often give travellers a better balance. They are smaller, warmer, and more personal.
My Boutique Hotel Experience
Instead of being just another guest in a huge lobby, you feel seen. Instead of paying for services you’ll never use, you get the things that truly matter.
What I Got at My Boutique Hotel:
- Clean, comfortable rooms – My room was spotless. Cleaned daily. Towels changed every two days unless I requested more frequently.
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff – The receptionist, whose name was David, greeted me by name every time I walked through the lobby. On my second day, he asked how I enjoyed the restaurant he’d recommended the night before.
- A good location that makes sense – I could walk to the beach, Carmel Market, Dizengoff Centre, and the Old Port. Everything was within 20 minutes on foot.
- Breakfast with local flavours – Israeli breakfast is incredible. Fresh salads, multiple types of cheese, eggs prepared any way you like, fresh bread, olives, hummus, and tahini. My hotel also included English breakfast items like beans and sausages.
Personal Story:
On my second morning, the hotel staff remembered I preferred Turkish coffee without asking. They also noticed I always took extra cucumber salad and started putting an extra portion on my table before I arrived.
On my third day, when I mentioned I wanted to visit Jaffa, David drew me a detailed map. He marked three specific restaurants, a gallery, and a viewpoint that wasn’t in any guidebook. He also told me the best time to go (late afternoon) and how to get there (bus number 10 from right outside the hotel).
That hummus restaurant in Jaffa became my favourite meal of the entire trip. I would never have found it without David’s recommendation.
Human Element
Large chain hotels have systems and procedures. Boutique hotels have people who care.
Examples from My Stay:
- When my flight home was delayed by four hours, the hotel let me keep my room until 4pm instead of the 11am checkout. No extra charge.
- When I couldn’t find a specific type of plaster for a blister, the receptionist gave me one from the first aid kit and refused payment.
- When I asked about Shabbat dinner options on Friday evening (many restaurants close), the hotel recommended three nearby places that would be open and even called ahead to check.
These small gestures made a huge difference. They turned a good trip into a great one.
Practical Tips from Bexleyheath to Tel Aviv
Before You Book
Research Flight Options:
I flew from London Heathrow with British Airways. The flight took 4 hours 45 minutes. I paid £420 for return flights, booking three months in advance.
Other options from London include:
- EasyJet from Luton or Gatwick (usually cheaper, around £280-350 return)
- El Al from Heathrow (Israel’s national airline, excellent service)
- Wizz Air from Luton (budget option, sometimes as low as £200 return)
Consider Time Differences:
Israel is two hours ahead of UK time. My morning flight from Heathrow (6:30am departure) arrived in Tel Aviv at 1:15pm local time. Perfect timing to check in and explore the same day.
Travel Adapter:
Israel uses Type H electrical plugs. They’re different from UK Type G plugs. I bought a universal adapter from Argos in Bexleyheath for £8.99 before my trip. Essential purchase.
Currency:
Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (ILS or ₪). When I visited, the exchange rate was roughly £1 = ₪4.50. I changed £200 at the Post Office in Bexleyheath before leaving (got ₪870 after commission). I also used my Revolut card for most purchases to avoid fees.
What I Packed That Helped
Clothing:
- Light, breathable clothes (Israel in October was 24-28°C during the day)
- One warm layer for evenings (temperature dropped to 18-20°C)
- Comfortable walking shoes (I walked 8-12 km daily)
- Swimwear (for the beach)
- Hat and sunglasses (essential)
Practical Items:
- Reusable water bottle (Israeli tap water is safe to drink)
- Small daypack for daily exploring
- Portable phone charger (used constantly for photos and navigation)
- Basic first aid kit (plasters, paracetamol, antihistamines)
Documents:
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Travel insurance documents (I used Direct Line, £45 for 7 days)
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Flight tickets (though everything’s digital now)
Secret I Discovered
And here’s the secret—pick a boutique hotel near the Tel Aviv beach, but not directly on it. You’ll walk a few minutes to the sea. But you’ll save a lot. That’s a smart move.
My Detailed Calculation:
| Item | Beachfront Hotel | Boutique Hotel (3 blocks inland) | Savings |
| Nightly rate | £220 | £95 | £125 per night |
| 5-night total | £1,100 | £475 | £625 |
| Walking time to beach | 0 minutes | 7 minutes | Worth it? YES |
What I Did with £625 Savings:
- Day trip to Jerusalem (₪150 / £33)
- Food tour in Tel Aviv (₪180 / £40)
- Three excellent restaurant dinners (₪450 / £100)
- Souvenirs and gifts (₪315 / £70)
- Museum entries and attractions (₪225 / £50)
- Still had £332 left over
TripAdvisor’s 2024 research shows that 68% of travellers prioritise location and value over luxury amenities, and 73% prefer authentic local experiences to standardised hotel services.
Local Transport Tips
Getting from Ben Gurion Airport:
The airport is about 20km from Tel Aviv. I had four options:
- Taxi – ₪150-180 (£33-40), 30-45 minutes depending on traffic
- Sherut (shared taxi) – ₪25-30 (£5.50-6.50), leaves when full
- Train – ₪13.50 (£3), 15 minutes to Tel Aviv HaHagana station
- Bus – ₪5 (£1.10), slower but cheapest
I took the train. Easy, fast, and the station had clear English signage. From HaHagana station, I got a taxi to my hotel for ₪30 (£6.50).
Getting Around Tel Aviv:
I mostly walked. Tel Aviv is a very walkable city. When I needed transport:
- Buses – ₪5.90 per journey with Rav Kav card (rechargeable transport card, bought at central bus station for ₪5 deposit)
- Taxis – Use Gett app (Israeli version of Uber, shows price before booking)
- Electric scooters – Available everywhere, ₪1 to unlock plus ₪0.50 per minute
TLV Hotel – An Example of Smart Choice
Take the TLV Hotel as an example. It shows what smart hotels in Israel should be. Comfortable. Modern. In a spot that makes sense.
Why This Approach Works
You don’t waste money. You don’t sacrifice location. You get a place that makes your trip smoother. That’s smart hospitality in action.
What I Valued Most:
- Staff spoke excellent English – Important when travelling from UK. Every staff member spoke fluent English. No communication barriers.
- Location allowed easy walking to multiple neighbourhoods – I could reach different parts of Tel Aviv without always needing transport. This saved money and let me discover the city naturally.
- Breakfast included Israeli specialities alongside familiar options – I tried new things (shakshuka became my favourite) but could also have toast and jam when I wanted something familiar.
- Price point left budget for activities and dining out – Because I wasn’t spending £200+ per night on accommodation, I could afford to eat at excellent restaurants and do activities.
Detailed Comparison Based on My Research
| Hotel Type | Average Cost | Distance to Beach | Breakfast Quality | Staff Service | My Overall Rating |
| Beachfront Luxury | £220-350/night | 0 minutes | Excellent but crowded | Professional but impersonal | 7/10 |
| Boutique Inland | £80-120/night | 5-10 minutes walk | Excellent and personal | Warm and helpful | 9/10 |
| Budget Chain | £50-80/night | 15-25 minutes walk | Basic buffet | Minimal interaction | 6/10 |
| City Centre Business | £100-180/night | 20 minutes by transport | Good but generic | Efficient but rushed | 6.5/10 |
What Makes Boutique Hotels Special
Flexibility:
Large hotels have strict policies. Boutique hotels can adapt. When I asked if I could have breakfast 30 minutes earlier one morning to catch a tour, they simply said yes. No forms, no extra charges, no fuss.
Personal Recommendations:
Hotel staff at boutique properties often live locally and eat at local restaurants. Their recommendations were always spot-on. They didn’t just suggest the most famous places—they told me where they actually eat.
Atmosphere:
The lobby of my boutique hotel felt like a comfortable living room. I’d often sit there in the evening, planning the next day or simply relaxing. Other guests would chat. Staff would join conversations. It felt like a community.
Large hotel lobbies feel like transit zones. Boutique hotel lobbies feel like gathering spaces.
Practical Advice from My Journey
Questions I Wish I’d Asked Before Booking
Looking back, I should have asked:
- Is breakfast included and what time is it served? – Mine was included, served 7am-11am. Perfect. But I didn’t check this beforehand.
- How far is the nearest cash machine? – There was one two streets away. Useful to know in advance.
- Can you arrange airport transport? – My hotel could have arranged this. I found out on arrival. Would have been easier to book beforehand.
- Are there English-speaking staff available 24 hours? – Yes, there were. But worth confirming, especially if arriving on late flights.
- What’s the cancellation policy? – Mine was free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival. Good to know in case plans change.
- Is there a safe in the room? – Yes, free to use. Essential for passport and valuables.
- Do you have an iron and ironing board? – Available on request. Useful for looking presentable.
- What’s the Wi-Fi speed like? – Excellent in my hotel (50+ Mbps). Essential for video calls home and uploading photos.
Money-Saving Tips from Bexleyheath to Tel Aviv
Flight Timing Strategy:
I flew midweek (Tuesday departure, Monday return) and saved £180 compared to weekend flights. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are typically cheapest days to fly from London to Tel Aviv.
Booking Strategy:
- I checked Skyscanner, Google Flights, and airline websites directly
- Set up price alerts three months before travel
- Booked when I saw the price drop to £420 (it later went up to £560)
- Chose hold luggage option (needed it, and cheaper to book with flight than add later)
Hotel Booking Strategy:
- Used Booking.com and Hotels.com to compare prices
- Read reviews carefully, especially recent ones
- Contacted hotel directly via email after finding best online price
- Asked for discount for 5-night stay—received 10% off booking direct
- Avoided peak season (July-August) by travelling in October
Daily Expense Management:
Israeli hotels often include generous breakfasts. I ate well in the morning—really well. Then I’d have a light lunch (falafel or hummus, usually ₪25-35 / £5.50-7.50) and a proper dinner. This saved £15-20 daily compared to three full meals.
Free Activities I Enjoyed:
- Walking Rothschild Boulevard at sunset
- Exploring Neve Tzedek neighbourhood
- Beach time (free!)
- Wandering through Carmel Market (browsing is free, though I always bought something)
- Walking through Jaffa’s old streets and galleries
- Watching sunset from Jaffa port
What Surprised Me Most
The warmth of Israeli hospitality genuinely surprised me. Coming from London, where service is often polite but distant, the friendliness caught me off guard.
Memorable Moments:
- A restaurant owner sitting down to explain the history of each dish on the menu
- A shopkeeper in Carmel Market giving me free samples and chatting about his grandmother’s recipes
- Hotel staff genuinely interested in how I enjoyed each day
- Random people on the street offering directions before I even asked
- The sense that people wanted me to enjoy their city
This personal touch made boutique hotels worth every penny. They embodied this warmth rather than just professional service.
According to Lonely Planet’s Israel guide, boutique accommodation offers the most authentic cultural experience for visitors, with 82% of guests reporting higher satisfaction compared to chain hotels.
Understanding Israeli Hotel Culture
Shabbat Considerations
Friday evening to Saturday evening is Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath). Many things close or operate differently.
What I Noticed:
- Many restaurants close Friday evening and Saturday lunch
- Public transport is extremely limited on Shabbat
- Some hotels don’t operate elevators normally (they stop at every floor automatically)
- It’s quieter, more relaxed—I actually enjoyed this pace
My hotel provided a list of nearby restaurants open during Shabbat. Very helpful.
Breakfast Culture
Israeli breakfast is legendary. And rightly so.
What Was Included:
- Multiple fresh salads (cucumber, tomato, cabbage, beetroot)
- Various cheeses (at least 5-6 types)
- Smoked fish and pickled herring
- Eggs cooked any way (I loved shakshuka—eggs in spicy tomato sauce)
- Fresh bread, bagels, and pastries
- Olives (so many varieties)
- Hummus and tahini
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee, tea, and fresh juice
This wasn’t a light continental breakfast. This was a meal. I’d eat well, then not need much until evening.
Service Expectations
Israeli service is friendly but informal. Don’t expect British formal politeness. Instead, expect warmth, directness, and genuine helpfulness.
Staff call you by your first name. They ask personal questions (not being nosy, just friendly). They give opinions honestly (“That restaurant is overpriced, go here instead”).
I found this refreshing. It felt authentic.
Final Word
When choosing where to stay, don’t just ask, “What’s the fanciest?” Ask instead, “What’s the smartest for me?”
My Personal Recommendations Based on Experience
Do you need the beach?
Stay near it, not on it. Save money and still enjoy the Mediterranean. The walk to the beach becomes part of your daily routine. You’ll discover cafés, shops, and local life along the way. I wouldn’t change this choice.
Do you want culture?
Pick a spot with easy access to markets, cafés, and nightlife. Neve Tzedek and Florentin neighbourhoods offered the best local atmosphere during my visit. These areas felt authentic, not touristy.
Do you care about the budget?
Go boutique and save. Then spend those savings on experiences—food tours, day trips to Jerusalem or the Dead Sea, excellent dinners, or souvenirs. I spent £625 less on accommodation than I would have at a beachfront hotel. That money funded most of my activities.
What I’d Do Differently
Looking back at my trip from Bexleyheath to Israel, I’d only change a few things:
- Book an extra two nights – Five days wasn’t quite enough. I’d prefer seven days to feel less rushed.
- Learn basic Hebrew phrases – Most people speak English, but effort is appreciated. I learnt “Toda” (thank you) and “Bevakasha” (please/you’re welcome). I wish I’d learnt more.
- Pack a lighter jacket – My jacket was too warm for October. A light windbreaker would have been better.
- Buy a local SIM card – I used UK roaming. A local SIM would have been cheaper for data.
But my hotel choice? Absolutely spot on. It supported my trip rather than complicating it.
Final Thoughts for Fellow UK Travellers
Travelling from the UK to Israel is easier than you might think. Direct flights are under five hours. English is widely spoken. The culture is welcoming. And with smart hotel choices, the cost is manageable.
The key is finding accommodation that works for your travel style. Don’t copy what influencers do. Don’t book the hotel with the best Instagram photos. Book the hotel that makes practical sense for your plans and budget.
This is how you enjoy Israel fully. With a hotel choice that supports your trip, not complicates it.
Travelling from the UK to Israel?
Consider boutique hotels near, not on, the beach. Your wallet will thank you, and your experience won’t suffer. Trust me—I made this journey from Bexleyheath, and this approach worked perfectly.
The money I saved on accommodation funded incredible experiences. The personal service at my boutique hotel made me feel welcome in a foreign city. The location let me explore Tel Aviv like a local, not a tourist.
That’s what smart really means.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal travel experience to Israel. I’m Khurram Pervaiz Khan, Founder of NoodleMagazine, based at 70 Barrington Road, Bexleyheath, England, DA7 4UW. I’m sharing real travel experiences and practical advice for UK travellers exploring Israel. Having recently returned from Tel Aviv, I’m passionate about helping fellow Brits discover this incredible destination without breaking the bank. All opinions, recommendations, and advice are based on my own experiences and research.
