NorthStar19572676795
May 10, 2025
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.