Kedma by Isrotel Collection

Kedma is a very nice and, in many ways, surprising hotel. We came with our 2.5-year-old daughter and a couple of friends with their own 2.5-year-old. The location is excellent: in the middle of the desert, with many hiking and travel opportunities in the surrounding area. Overall: I think this is a very good hotel, with an exotic feel, and for a very good price—especially in the less crowded seasons—for a few nights with family and friends. I can see how it can be romantic at times, but I would not recommend it for a purely romantic vacation. Here is the full review: The design of the hotel is very pleasant—boho-chic style. (I read it’s inspired by Nabatean architecture, but what do I know…) They are putting a lot of effort into the landscaping and gardening, and it really shows. It’s genuinely enjoyable to walk around the hotel’s small alleys during the day—there’s a very calm and relaxed atmosphere. As for the rooms, we stayed in the “Kedma Studios,” which are very spacious and include a small balcony. The rooms are surprisingly high quality. I would recommend paying a little extra for one of the larger rooms—it’s worth it. I found the pool area overall charming, though I can see how it might feel crowded when the hotel is full. The pool is small, and there are too many pool chairs squeezed around it. That said, the kids had fun, and it was still pleasant to sit nearby with a drink from the pool bar. In general, there are too many rooms for the size of the public spaces. The spa is surprisingly good for a hotel of this tier. The hammam is huge, with a large plunge pool in the center, and it’s truly wonderful. It costs a few extra shekels to enter, but it’s well worth it. There isn’t a separate spa lounge. Other facilities, however, are more cramped. The gym, although well-equipped, is very small. There’s a nice indoor play area (gymboree) for the kids. At night, when the kids go to bed, it’s really nice to sit with friends in one of the hotel’s peaceful corners—there are a quite a few very pleasant spots with cushions and fireplaces. As for food: breakfast in the main restaurant is OK. The space is nicely designed and well maintained, like the rest of the hotel, but it can get very loud and crowded. The quality of the food is not top-tier—just a bit above the usual, notoriously generic Israeli hotel breakfast. The dairy restaurant is also quite pleasant and serves very good pizza made in a proper taboon. The pool resturant serves junkfood which kids really like. Service at the hotel is capable—not quite at the level of a full luxury hotel, but still adequate. They could improve evening upkeep by having more staff walk around and tidy the public areas, though. Everyone are very nice and welcoming.

Probably more like a 4.5. Positives: the food quality is great. Nice staff. Good pool area. Nice vibe, good place to stay if you want to be in the Negev. Rooms are comfortable (not amazing). Negatives: It is almost as expensive as the Isrotel exclusive hotels but just not at the same level (to be fair they don't claim to be). I have been to Beresheet, Cramim, Mitzpe hayamim, Royal Beach; all are special hotels. If you can afford to stretch to those hotel instead, it is worth it. The downside to Kedma is a) it is built like a fort, the rooms have no views and you can't see the outside world from anywhere in the hotel. The "balconies" are two chairs that just about fit in an open light well. Which is a shame because the Negev is spectacular. b) When the hotel is full it is overcrowded. You have to book a table for dinner and they could only offer 630 or 830. The dining room is dark to try to create some ambience but it is so heaving with guests it feels more like an aiport food court. It's a nice place and we had a great time. For the prices you pay in peak times it just doesn't feel like value for money. If you are not Israeli make sure they dont charge you VAT when you check in. They made that mistake at check in and it was a hassle to fix it. There obviously isn't much in the desert. Ben Gurion's house is literally next to the hotel which is a must if you havent been. There's some great hiking (Ein Akev hike was great, 4 hrs fairly challenging). Also Negev has a lot of vineyards, there is a tasting place in Ben Gurion house, we also went to Ramat Negev about 30 mins away.

Very high standard hotel, perfect food, good rooms, in short, a hospitality experience The best high-class hotel I've stayed in so far and I go to a lot of hotels. Large, spacious rooms. Top-notch food. There is a very professional spa. There is a large, spacious hot tub. There is peace and quiet. In short, a highly recommended hotel experience.

Had a great couple of days at Kedma! If bereisheet is not in your budget but you want to be close to Mitzpe Ramon, this hotel is a great option. Fantastic breakfast. Connecting rooms were great for family. Staff was helpful. Pool area is beautiful. Free parking is a plus. Would love to go back soon!

First - the positives! 1. Studio room was quite big and made our stay enjoyable. 2. Beautiful decor. 3. Food was very good. Especially the makluba! 4. Nice store which had the bathing suit I needed! 5. Fun Gymbory for the kids. Clean, with fun games. 6. Spa was lovely and my pregnany massage was great quality.. Negatives: 1. No bathtub in the room.huge shower, but no bath. Traveling with two toddlers in a family room - it was odd. 2. Baby bed and sofa bed not ready when we got to the room. Nor were there enough towels. It was ready quite quickly but had I arrived with sleeping kids I would have been so mad. 3. Heated pool is just not heated enough to really enjoy it in Israel's mediocre winter. It's not 5 c out there, more like 15. Can't be that hard to warm the water more!! 4. There just has to be more food out options in Shabat, especially as the close area doesn't have any decent options. .

Hotel Kedma is a beautiful hotel, located near Ben Gurion house in Kibbutz Sde Boker. I love the decoration of the hotel, the room , the music, the food, and above all, the excellent service we got. Excellent service. Highly recommended . We will come again