Herbert Samuel Royal Shangri-La Eilat

The hotel's unique design, reminiscent of Thailand, featuring private villas with stunning views of the bay and mountains, stands out as its signature appeal. Many guests describe their stay as "perfect," "dreamy," and "super luxury," praising the overall experience. However, some express disappointment, feeling the hotel is overpriced and that standard rooms do not live up to the luxurious image portrayed online, especially when compared to its associated property. It is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway or a special event celebration, offering a sense of disconnection from the city's hustle. While some families enjoy their stay, a few reviews suggest it might be less ideal for children due to its tranquil atmosphere. To fully experience the hotel's unique charm, guests are advised to consider booking a villa. Additionally, be prepared to utilize the efficient shuttle service for movement around the expansive property.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for relaxation and convenience. Guests frequently highlight the beautiful and often uncrowded swimming pools, including private ones in villas and a quiet upper pool, as a major draw. The exclusive lounge receives high praise for its VIP access, offering a selection of snacks, drinks, and a pleasant atmosphere throughout the day. A distinctive feature is the efficient tuktuk service, providing quick and courteous transportation around the sprawling property, though some guests note occasional waits during busy periods. While the website might suggest certain amenities, some guests found specific facilities like a jacuzzi or the main pool area to be different from expectations, with one mention of flies near the main pool.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally positive for those in upgraded accommodations. Many guests commend the clean rooms, describing them as spacious and well-maintained, with comfortable beds ensuring a restful stay. Villas are particularly lauded for their private pools and luxurious features like huge bathtubs. However, a significant number of reviews point to inconsistencies, with some standard rooms described as outdated, run down, or not matching online images. Issues reported include peeling cabinets, broken closets, poor shower current, and creaking beds. Some rooms experienced multiple blackouts, requiring guests to reset electricity. While some bathrooms were noted as updated, overall maintenance in certain areas, including balcony decking, was a concern for a few visitors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, described as excellent, varied, plentiful, and of high quality, with fresh and tasty options. Many consider it a highlight of their stay. The lounge also offers a good selection of food and refreshments throughout the day, which many guests find convenient and enjoyable. However, feedback on the main dining room is more mixed; while some found the food excellent, others described it as merely "reasonable" or "nothing special," with concerns about it being crowded and less inviting, particularly for those seeking a boutique experience. Some specific dishes, like the schnitzel, received negative comments. Despite these varied opinions, the overall consensus points to a strong breakfast offering and a convenient lounge for light meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a unique and highly praised location perched on a high ground above Eilat's bay, offering amazing views and a pleasant breeze. Guests appreciate its isolated and pastoral setting, providing a sense of disconnection from the city's noise and bustle. This makes it ideal for those seeking tranquility. It is also conveniently located near popular natural attractions, including the underwater observatory, coral beach for snorkeling and diving, and other local sites. However, its secluded nature means it is far from the city center, and guests often note the necessity of having a car for exploring Eilat, as public transportation options are limited. While parking is available, some guests found it less than ideal.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their exceptional service and friendly demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness, attentiveness, and quick response to requests, often noting that staff members remember guests by name, creating a personalized and welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. Specific services like room service and the tuktuk drivers are commended for their courtesy and efficiency. Many reviews emphasize the staff's dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay, making guests feel valued and cared for. While a few isolated incidents of perceived poor service or attitude were mentioned, the vast majority of feedback underscores a high level of professionalism and genuine hospitality from the entire team.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is often perceived as an extension or part of the larger Orchid hotel complex, which can lead to differing expectations regarding facilities and overall ambiance, particularly for those expecting a completely separate luxury experience. This perception is sometimes exacerbated by misleading information on the website regarding the availability of certain facilities like pools or lounges. Many reviews suggest that the hotel can be overpriced for what is offered, especially if not staying in the premium villas, leading to a feeling of not getting full value. A notable concern raised by one guest is the excessive use of plastic water bottles, with a suggestion for the hotel to implement more sustainable options like drinking and ice facilities to reduce waste. While generally peaceful, some guests noted that the hotel might be less suitable for children and mentioned a need for cat control in certain areas.