Kempinski Tel Aviv Hotel

While taking a tour of Tel Aviv yesterday, we noticed a skeleton right on the beach that piqued our curiosity. We are proud to unveil:
Henry Taic plans to build the first Kempinski Hotel in Israel as part of the David Promenade Residences under construction on Tel Aviv's seafront.

Taic's company, Nahal Group, signed an agreement with Kempinski Hotels AG last week to establish a luxury hotel on half the eight-dunam (two-acre) lot owned by Nahal on Herbert Samuel Street in Tel Aviv near the US Embassy. The Kempinski Tel Aviv Hotel will have 220 rooms, including 50 suites, on 23 floors. It is due to open in 2013.

The Kempinski Tel Aviv Hotel will be attached by glass cube to the 25-storey David Promenade Residences, which will have 60-70 luxury apartments ranging in size from 100 square meters to 1,000-square meter duplexes. Residents will have use of the hotel's facilities.

Nahal owns the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, the Le Meridien Dead Sea Hotel, and Grand Court Hotel Jerusalem

Kempinski Hotels was founded in 1897. The luxury European chain how has 60 hotels worldwide, with 43 more planned for Europe and Asia.

If this hotel is up to Kempinski standards, it will far surpass Tel Aviv's rather drab selection of luxury hotels.

First published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 18, 2010

Herzliya Hotels

Currently, the top hotels in Herzliya are the Dan Accadia and the Daniel. Are these two hotels poised to compete with the Ritz Carlton? The Dan Accadia's guest rooms in the main building have just been renovated, and the lobby and public spaces have been spruced up. It enjoys a good location right on the beach and exclusive chalet rooms with patios or balconies. But the exterior is aging, and the pool area is not so nice. For a one night stay on October 12-13th, the rate for a standard room is $450 USD, and a garden Chalet room is $650. The Daniel's exterior is also lacking, with a very rundown look. Inside, though, the rooms are large and pretty, the beach side pool is stunning, and the Shizen spa and its separate guest rooms are a definite plus. The rate for the same dates is $309.95 USD for a superior room. The Ritz Carlton's location is atop the Marina Mall, right on the marina. This means that the beach will be a short drive away, not on site. The lack of grounds and a more urban feel will certainly distinguish it from the other hotels. The public spaces and guest rooms, as well as the service are expected to be luxurious, as assumed from a Ritz Carlton. The rates at the Ritz will most likely be in the $500- $700 range for these dates. So, the question remains- will loyal patrons of other hotels switch to the new kid on the block? Or will they continue to return to the classic beach side resorts?