With foreign tourism at a standstill and Israel still in a state of war, it seems a highly unlikely time for new hotels to make an appearance.
Yet, surprisingly, quite a number have opened their doors in the last six months, ranging in style from uber designer to minimalistic.
As CEO of the Israel Hotels Association Sivan Detouker commented to ISRAEL21c: “The inauguration of new hotels amid the backdrop of conflict signifies the enduring faith in Israel, and the robustness of our industry. It shows an unwavering perseverance that vividly reflects the resilience embedded within Israeli society, showcasing our collective ability to triumph over challenges.”
We agree!
Here are some of the new hotels in various locations throughout Israel.
The George, Tel Aviv
With the internationally renowned Spaniard, Lazaro Rosa-Violan, behind the stunning interiors and 1,000 artworks curated by Tel Aviv’s Gordon Gallery, The George is a contemporary design statement. It has 130 rooms, 40 suites and junior apartments designed for extended stays.
The property, opened in February, bills itself as a lifestyle hotel where guests can experience the “SevenEx – seven urbans experiences of live, work, meet, celebrate, dine, stay and relax.”
This also extends to the Friends of George Member’s Club, which includes a curated program of culture, music and lectures. You can only become a member with recommendations from two current members and a monthly membership fee.
The George is situated a few minutes’ walk from Rothschild Boulevard, which puts trendy restaurants, galleries and Habima Square in close proximity.
Address: 5 Tal Street, Tel Aviv
Amenities: 24-hour front desk and concierge service, Pardes Restaurant (not kosher/open to the public), The Lot (breakfast-lunch-dinner for club members and hotel guests), Jazz Hall live music lounge, event space, workspace, outdoor swimming pool with deck bar, wellness floor (spa, treatment rooms, Pilates lessons), dry and wet sauna, fitness center with personal training, free underground parking
The Almond Hotel, Neve Ilan
Opened in February by C-Group Hotels, The Almond is a luxury adults-only boutique hotel situated in a pastoral area halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- The style of the hotel is contemporary chic with emphasis on original Israeli art. Artist Tzachi Nevo, creator of the UMASQU brand of playful, colorful cutout figures and shapes, adds to the aesthetic in the reception area, on room walls and hotel signage.
The rooftop pool is the place to relax with its view over mountains and the coastal plain. If you want to swim in privacy, there is the option of a room with an adjacent pool (a rare find in Israel).
Address: Ha-Shayara Street, Neve Ilan
Amenities: The View Restaurant (continental, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher buffet breakfast offered), outdoor swimming pool, spa/wellness center, sauna/hot tub, hammam, facilities for disabled guests, free parking
Albi Florentine, Tel Aviv
The Albi fits perfectly into Florentin, the hipster neighborhood known for artistic vibes, cafés and bars. In keeping with the modern, young vibe, the hotel does not have a traditional reception desk and check-in is done digitally.
After running around the urban jungle, guests can relax on the rooftop which has a Jacuzzi, sunbeds and lounge chairs in vibrant ochre colors. There is a beautiful wall mural too.
The hotel, opened in March, is near Levinsky Market’s spice stores and ethnic eateries, and Alma Beach is 1.5 kilometers away.
Address: 29 HaRav Yitzhak Yedidya Frenkel Street, Tel Aviv
Amenities: Family rooms, shared lounge, kitchenette/dining area, concierge service
Rothschild 69, Tel Aviv
Classic luxury is how this hotel can be described. Housed in a historic International (Bauhaus) style formerly residential building that dates back to 1932, Rothschild 69 opened in November after having been beautifully preserved and brought back to life.
The rooms have contemporary furnishings and an eclectic style with large windows and wide balconies. For those who want to indulge, a champagne/wine room service is available.
For nearby shopping, there’s Sheinkin Street with its boutiques and cafés.
Address: 69 Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv
Amenities: Fridge, dishwasher, microwave in certain rooms; garden; wine/champagne room service available; breakfast till midday; lounge with light menu; restaurant serving fish, seafood and vegetarian specialties; parking available at a sister hotel five minutes’ walk away
David’s Harp Galilee Resort Hotel, Emek Hayarden
At an investment of NIS 300 million, the 4-star David’s Harp hotel is scheduled to open shortly. It’s architecturally designed to appear as if it’s a harp growing out of the ground. The hotel has 276 rooms including 18 suites and two presidential suites.
David’s Harp is next to the only floating dock operating on the Sea of Galilee where picturesque wooden boats take pilgrims out onto the lake. The location is in the heart of Christian sites and the Israel National Trail.
The interiors are clean and minimalistic, using local basalt stones and natural textures with glass walls that bring nature inside. An infinity pool (heated in fall and spring) overlooks the blue waters of the Sea of Galilee.
Address: D.N. Emek Hayarden
Amenities: Lobby restaurant, business lounge, event halls, meeting rooms with advanced audio and video infrastructure, amphitheater for 650 guests overlooking the lake and surrounded by mountain scenery, spa, gym with running and cycling tracks, heated outdoor pool, parking
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