My husband and I stayed at the Ein Gedi Hotel for two nights, in one of the superior rooms with garden view (room 201). The room was not much to look at from the outside, but very nice and pretty inside, with a wonderful little terrasse and view of the mountains. The bed and pillows were comfortable, and the decor modern and well-maintained. The staff consisted of mainly young people, overlooked by more experienced professionals - everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming.
We had chosen halfboard = breakfast and dinner in the buffet restaurant. The selection and quality of food was good, but the room a bit noisy due to the tiled floors and high ceiling.
We visited the beach on day two - the hotel provides a shuttle between the kibbutz and the “Sea of Spa” beach, which can also be reached by car. Access and shuttle is included in the stay. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a must, but the Sea of Spa does not quite live up to expectations - it is crowded and not particularly clean. At the site, you change into your bathing suit and jump the next shuttle taking you to the water’s edge (3-400 meter). The beach itself was fairly clean in the early morning, with plastic chairs and shaded areas. It is not a place for sunbathing or staying long, as it is mainly meant for trying the water. We went on the first shuttle of the day and back to the hotel two hours later - this was more than enough and everything was still fairly clean. Go early, and don’t forget to wear bathing-shoes, as