Dizengoff 99 hotel by Isrotel (Isrotel)[Missing Credit]
"The food is amazing. Everything is amazing."
Other hotels in the pipeline include a five-star, 11-storey development inside a 42-storey Tel Aviv tower, a massive 327-room complex in Herzliya Pituach with a spa and a rooftop swimming pool, and a luxurious mansion in Jerusalem with mountain views.
Michael Yitzchakov, the director of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, said the war has not stopped Israelis from living their lives, and for that reason the country remained a fantastic place to have a holiday.
He said: "You think it is a disaster, that it is a war zone, but we don't feel it - not in Jerusalem, not in Tel Aviv, not in Galilee, not in Haifa."
Yitzchakov accepted, however, that the “feeling” had changed among potential tourists to the Jewish state – latest figures indicate that the total number of visitors to Israel in 2025 will be about one million, down from 4.9 million in 2019 – but the country would not hide away from its struggle to attract them.
Instead, the story he seeks tell is that of the "miracle" endurance of a country that can remain attractive to holiday-makers even after fighting a multi-front war for two years.
He added: "If you want to see great views in Australia, you have to drive for two weeks. In Israel you can see it in eight hours. Those who come to Israel... they come back.
David Intercontinental Hotel, Jerusalem (Image: IHG)[Missing Credit]
"To speak with God in Israel... it is free. It is a ticket to speak to God.
"We have the desert, and we have the mountains. We have Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. We have the sun."
Throughout the war, many airlines scrapped flights to Israel, but several have brought them back. Now, Elal, Israir, Arkia, Wizz Air and British Airways are operating flights from the UK and EasyJet is due to restart it services next March.
Michael Ben Baruch, Director of the Israeli Tourism Office in the UK, said: "The first to come back to Israel will be those who have been before...
"I think when the situation stabilises, we will see more tourists from the UK."
"We have what UK tourists want - great weather, greenery, culture, diversity, history."
Tali Tenenbaum, Vice President of the Israel Hotel Association: "The Israel Hotel Association welcomes the opening of new hotels across the country in 2026 – a sign of hope and recovery for the tourism and hospitality industry that was severely damaged during the ‘Iron Swords’ war.
“Israeli hotels that hosted tens of thousands of evacuees during the war proved their importance as a social and economic anchor.
Six senses, Tel Aviv (Image: Six Senses)[Missing Credit]
“Entrepreneurs' investments in the hotel industry, despite the security and image situation, attest to faith in the growth of tourism in Israel and in the resilience of the Israeli economy. The investors are confident in the State of Israel's economy, its security, and its unique tourist appeal.
“The Hotel Association will continue to work in close cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and government authorities to ensure that the hotel industry emerges stronger from the crisis."
The new hotels on the block
99 Dizengoff, Tel Aviv
A chic, urban hotel set to open at an address that’s become mythological thanks to the classic 1979 movie Dizengoff 99. A stone’s throw from both Rothschild Boulevard and the beach, it’s expected to attract the young and hip.
Palatin Hotel, Tel Aviv
The building on the corner of Nahalat Binyamin and Ahad Ha’am, which dates back to 1926 and was once Tel Aviv’s first luxury hotel, has been transformed into a sleek inn aimed at business types looking for a meticulous hospitality experience in the heart of the city’s hustle.
Montefiore 7, Tel Aviv
This Isrotel establishment on Montefiore Street is being designed in a meticulous European style and will feature a classy cocktail bar.
The Yacht, Herzliya Pituach
Backed with an investment of half a billion shekels, Fattal’s new flagship hotel in Herzliya Pituach will offer a spa, rooftop pool and a large conference complex.
NYX Jerusalem
Fresh from its successes in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Fattal turns its attention to the capital. Expect urban design with a Jerusalem touch and a young, innovative vibe.
InterContinental Jerusalem
The international brand is back in Israel with a new luxury establishment on Jerusalem’s King George Street. Stand by for a contemporary concept accommodation experience with meticulous service.
SIX Senses Tel Aviv
A world-class wellness experience and five-star service is coming to the first 11 floors of a 42-storey tower on the corner of Herzl, Rothschild and Lilienblum – the home of this luxury brand’s latest venture.
Nobu Tel Aviv
Robert De Niro’s chain Nobu arrives in Tel Aviv with this boutique hotel at the corner of 55 Rothschild Boulevard and 66 Ahad Ha’am. It’s been designed with art lovers in mind, with a changing gallery in the lobby.
Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
Huge expansion project will see rebranded hotel reopen with 350 rooms. Blessed with breathtaking views, it promises to set a new standard of hospitality.
Bessad Mansion, Jerusalem
A luxurious 50-room hotel in a Jerusalem mansion with mountain views.
Nof HaReches, Jerusalem
Modern choice with 180 rooms, conference centre, spa and rooftop infinity pool.
Ramon Crater, Mitzpe Ramon
142-room luxury premises set in beautiful environment.
5 Brenner St, Tel Aviv
Ultra-modern, 140-room accommodation, with work spaces – ideal for the digital generation.
Ella R. Bat Yam
Vast, 250-room project with pools, restaurants and a prestigious beach path.
A.R.I. Mizrahi Motel, Bat Yam
17-room motel will be joined next year with a new eight-suite complex
Gordonia
The Gordonia chain is set to expand with two new hotels: the 142-room Zichron Yaakov on the Carmel ridge with infinity pool and a spa and the 150-room Hof Golan.
Shoval Hotel, Nahariya
New 93-room establishment in the Achziv neighborhood will offer access to the beach and nature cenres.
Desert Iris, Yeruham
Veteran hotelier Eli Gonen is expanding this popular premises with an additional 42 rooms. High-quality hospitality destination known as a gateway to the desert.
