Tel Aviv

I'll prepare you that there may not be many suggestions since this is a European travel site, but many people here have lived in and/or traveled to Israel so you may get lucky. Have you checked guidebooks/websites such as Lonely Planet, Frommer's, Fodor's? Also, check TripAdvisor for reviews and hotel photos. I went to Israel 20 years ago (Yikes!), and my tour group stayed in the fancy Western-styled (aka, $$$) hotels you're trying to avoid...so sorry, but I have no other suggestions for you. Good luck!

Take your question to the Israel forum over at Frommer's.

Most all of the hotels in Tel Aviv are on or very near the beach. So you'll be paying for that privilege.

A long time ago we stayed at the Devorah Hotel in Tel Aviv. Check it out on Trip Adviser. It was not on the beach so perhaps is affordable.

Having been to Tel Aviv, I can tell you the hotels are very expensive. I would suggest you check out the hostels in Tel Aviv. This link list the hostels in Tel Aviv: http://www.hostelz.com/hostels/Israel/Tel-Aviv-District/Tel-Aviv Here is a link where you can get answers to many questions about where to stay in Israel. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=18&keywordid=249 Enjoy your trip. Hope these links help.

The Israel forum on TripAdvisor is even busier than the one on Frommers. So I'd ask there, and be sure to specify what you mean by "reasonably priced," as everyone has a different definition. While you're at it, let people know if a hostel would work, what amenities you require (pool? elevator?), and what places you've rejected and why. Then you can get good answers.

I have to agree with Paul that the hotels are overpriced but I don't think Tel Aviv is boring. Do use the Israel Forum on Trip Advisor. The information is accurate (and there is always someone who is quick to react if s/he thinks the advice is poor) and response time is very quick. There have been several reports lately of lower priced options in Tel Aviv.

How in the blue blazes can Tel Aviv be boring????

Cities and places are only boring when the person who is visiting hasn't done any research to the place and thus has no idea what they are looking at. The city has no meaning to them. Sad to see how easily some are bored. I can't wait to visit Tel Aviv!

And I can't wait for you to get here, Jo! Actually, Tel Aviv is my least favorite place in Israel. But that is because there are so many MORE interesting places.

Isreal is a very very interesting place to visit. Actually, would not mind living there. I have visited Israel from one end to the other. The Golan Heights, Ein Bokek, Dead Sea, Tiberias, Kinneret, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Shiloh, Be'er sheva .. on and on.....very interesting. Well worth the visit. I always felt safe.