Herods Hotel Dead Sea

Herods Hotel Dead Sea doesn't live up to its advertised five-star rating, but it's still an upscale beach property within the Fattal chain's Leonardo Hotel brand. While it does have some evident wear and tear, its fresh, sophisticated style and color scheme stands out among most comparable Israeli hotels. Expect a contemporary beach theme with lots of serene turquoise, beige, and white hues, plus artful glass sculptures and natural light. This property is a bit compact, but large windows and open spaces help to make it feel larger, and big windows are designed to provide Dead Sea views from nearly all public spaces. This is a popular hotel among couples on vacation and families looking for a quieter Dead Sea experience. 

Herods Dead Sea is located near Neve Zohar, in the southern part of the Dead Sea, outside of Palestinian territory. Located about a seven-minute drive from the small beach town of Ein Bokek, the hotel's beach area is private, quieter, and less cramped than the sands found behind resorts in Ein Bokek proper. However, this slightly isolated location means there's not much within walking distance, particularly by way of restaurants and entertainment (outside of those at nearby hotels). The hotel is a two-hour drive from Tel Aviv and nearly two-and-a-half hours from Jerusalem, and it can be reached by bus. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport is an hour-and-45-minute drive away. 

Herods Hotel Dead Sea has 223 city-sized guest rooms with views out to the Dead Sea. The contemporary furniture, serene beach-themed color palette, stylish sitting chairs, and wood tile floors give the rooms a sophisticated look. A big pro is that all units have furnished outdoor spaces with Dead Sea views. Expect thick, tan blackout drapes, glass prints of the Dead Sea on the walls, and big, comfy beds. All guest rooms have large SMART TVs, kettles and espresso machines, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and AC. Bathrooms are snug, outfitted with walk-in showers, digital scales, bathrobes, hairdryers, and hotel-branded toiletries. 

Executive-level rooms snag access to the business lounge and nearly all have a balcony or terrace, with the exception of the Executive Spa Room. Executive Garden Rooms are ground-level rooms featuring semi-private patios with personal padded sun loungers, a plunge pool, and shared garden area with cabanas. Premium Rooms, located on the seventh floor, have the best views, while spacious Junior Suites have separate living rooms. 

The private beach area at Herods Hotel is a big draw, thanks to its wide stretch of gold sand lined with rows of white plastic sun loungers under straw umbrellas and a few basic, first-come, first-served wooden cabana beds. It's common for beach-goers to drag their plastic loungers and chairs into the salty waters, while others grasp onto shaded handles farther in or collect salt balls from the sea floor. It's not recommended to soak in the waters for more than 20 minutes a day. There are also showers, a lifeguard, and a shaded pier popular for picnics, and Dead Sea mud can be bought from the hotel's gift shop. 

A standout here is the large spa, which has a reputation for being one of the best in the area, though expect a locker room vibe in the indoor public pool areas, a packed hot tub, and a lack of changing rooms and sufficient padded indoor loungers. Nevertheless, the indoor, heated Dead Sea saltwater pool is open year-round, hosts free water aerobic group classes, and is a popular beach alternative during winter. A Turkish bath, two indoor sulphur pools, and a sauna, as well as a variety of treatments with Dead Sea products are available. Set by the beach is the sunny outdoor pool with ample padded loungers on different tiers (some with fake grass) and a small snack shack with tables and chairs. Off to the side, a small, gated and shaded circular pool is available for children.

The on-site buffet eatery serves a free, well-stocked Israeli breakfast buffet with vegan and gluten-free options, though the dining room can feel like a zoo during prime times. Like all Herods properties, Herods Dead Sea is certified kosher, so guests are not able to bring in outside food. Room service is available in addition to the lunch and dinner buffets. The food here tends to be above average for Israeli hotels. A lobby bar off reception serves up casual cocktails and occasional live music in an upscale lounge setting. 

For those with access, the VIP business lounge offers free hot and cold snacks throughout, plus a relaxed atmosphere and free alcoholic beverages. Other hotel features include a fun kids' club with games and activities, and a souvenir shop where guests can buy Dead Sea products and sundries. Business features include conference rooms, and family features include a free baby kit with a variety of items such as bottle warmers, strollers, baby food, and bibs. Wi-Fi and parking are free, and bikes are available for rent. Shabbat features include elevators, room keys and late check-out, and there is a synagogue on-site.