Tel Aviv’s Boutique Hotels

Recently celebrating its 100^th anniversary, Tel Aviv has grown by leaps and bounds as a popular tourist destination.  No longer just a launch pad for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or an adventure in the Negev desert, Tel Aviv’s history, culture and nightlife together create a kind of hybrid travel experience and anyone who hasn’t been should take a closer look.

“The heart” of Tel Aviv is one of the oldest areas of the city dating back to the end of the Ottoman Empire and it beats with excitement.  The center, especially along Rothschild Boulevard, is filled with some of the best dining, shopping and nightlife, but be sure not to miss it during the day. With a great Mediterranean climate year round, you’ll find people chatting on park benches, families taking walks or bike rides on the tree-lined streets and couples getting close in cafes. This is where the Tel Aviv community can be found.

The opening of several boutique hotels in the center of town is exciting news for a city that was never singled out for its hotels.  This hospitality trend, which had its roots in the 1980’s and has grown in popularity in cities like New York, London and San Francisco, is a welcomed alternative to staying in one of the big chains.  Typically categorized by their room count (usually fewer than 100) and intimate communal areas, boutique hotels seem to have found a niche in Tel Aviv.  For a sizeable city, Tel Aviv still has a small town feel and staying in a boutique hotel is the perfect way to appreciate the closeness of Israeli culture.

The following properties have evolved on the idea of community by creating friendly environments with helpful staff and social areas that allow guests to interact.

The Diaghilev

The Diaghilev Live Art Boutique Hotel, named after Serge Diaghilev, the impresario behind the famous Ballets Russes, is all about the surprising combination of traditional and avant-garde.  This is apparent in its 54 uniquely designed suites.  The property is located just off Rothschild Boulevard, within walking distance to the beach, and is part of The White City, a collection of over 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus style and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. This modern architectural movement, with its emphasis on functionality, had its origins in German yand came to Tel Aviv in the 1930’s with the emigration of German Jewish architects.  It was seen as the perfect style for the new garden city being built and Tel Aviv has the largest number of building in this style of any city in the world. This is something that makes it unique and what better way to experience it than by staying here!

 

Townhouse Tel Aviv

Townhouse Tel Aviv is situated in a beautiful landmark building from 1932, on the corner of Rothschild Boulevard, next to the Tel Aviv stock exchange.  With 19 rooms designed by Kastiel, a prominent Israeli design firm, the Townhouse reflects the character of the White City spirit. Most rooms have balconies with great views of the neighborhood and all have herringbone hard wood floors, handmade rugs, espresso machines and baths furnished with amenities using minerals from the Dead Sea.  The hotel is a haven in this city, offering a delicious breakfast in-house at “Bakery 29.” Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are also served throughout the day in the Living Room which is filled with books and comfy chairs.  If you’re looking for an easy way to get familiar with the city, they offer a complimentary bike service.  So, why not hop a bike to the beach?

Berdichévsky Hotel

Hotel B, a brand new addition to the Tel Aviv boutique hotel scene with 24 rooms and spa, has made pure indulgence their focus.  The Spa offers massage packages, a dry sauna and Jacuzzi as well as special rates for couples.  Services at the Hotel B, combined with the cozy atmosphere, give it the feeling of a luxury resort in an intimate setting.  The Berdichévsky also has its own bar and café, great for morning java or sipping a glass of wine before hitting the town. Their public spaces also promote socializing amongst other guests; who knows maybe you’ll find a sightseeing companion at breakfast one morning.

 

*Are boutique hotels really not your thing?

Would you rather spend a little more and stay in a 5 star hotel overlooking the Mediterranean?

El Al Israel Airlines is currently offering an exceptional package combining a three night hotel stay in Tel Aviv with round trip economy airfare for $1,599. You can choose between either the Hilton Tel Aviv or the Carlton Tel Aviv, both overlooking theMediterraneanand both with private pool and spa.