Tamares Hotels

So we were just browsing on the Isrotel website, and then the Dan website, and then Crowne Plaza, (like we do everyday...) and checked the progress of the CP Ashdod. (Who knows- apparently they had a soft opening in 2010 and are scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2011). That reminded us, of course, of the Costa Ashdod Hotel. We skipped over to the Costa site (no updates), and then decided to see if there was anything on Tamares' site. We noticed two changes to the site. Firstly, Tamares has added "Guest Reviews" to the site. Each hotel has just one guest review, and they are all five stars. Not at all suspicious, right? In order to fully appreciate these "reviews", we have copied some of them here. "Please pass this message to the General Manager of The Daniel (Ofer Aagmi) and to the President of Tamares Hotel Group (Raphy Weiner) as you all deserve full recognition for the top quality work you are doing." Or this one: "My husband and I stayed at the Shizen hotel last weekend and it was undoubtedly one of the most indulgent weekends we’ve ever had...The perfect location of the bed facing the huge window overlooking the sea was simply a therapy that can’t be described in words. We (My husband and I) both agreed that this weekend sets a new high standard for our next vacation anywhere in the world." Come on! If you want to make it seem realistic, at least put in some normal sounding reviews! And maybe a complaint!?

The second change was a new hotel, called the West Ashdod.
"The new suites hotel - West Ashdod is about to open its gates in the beginning of 2012. The hotel will feature 113 spectacular recreation suites, rooftop pool which overlooking the north beach of Ashdod, spa, fitness center, beauty salon, a club for residents and their children, an elegant lobby, a synagogue, and more."
The attached picture, however, is identical to the picture of the Costa Hotel. So, it looks like the Costa Ashdod is now the West.
A side point: Maybe Tamares are trying to start a new chain of hotels, West Hotels? We hope so!

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rehovot

It's pretty sad to see a hotel located in the middle of nowhere. Well, not nowhere exactly, but nowhere that a regular tourist would ever go. As the Leonardo's website admits; "Known as the City of Science and Culture, Rehovot is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to make it the perfect choice for anyone who needs to reach either city. From the international airport Ben Gurion (TLV), the Rehovot hotel is only half an hour drive away. The cities Ashdod, Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Ramle, Yavne and Gedera are also nearby." Know any other hotels that are advertised as being close to eight cities?
Nonetheless, for scientists, lecturers, and people interested in the Minkov Citrus Orchard Museum, this hotel has a great location. The "five- star" (along with every other hotel in the country apparently) hotel is rightfully geared towards business travelers and offers 120 rooms. The hotel advertises free wifi, but it does say that Superior guestrooms offer wifi for a fee. All rooms feature a quote "monsoon shower", not a rainfall but a monsoon. Interesting...
The hotel's best feature is the price. Checking in on a random day in February, we found rates for just $126 per night, including breakfast. For that price it's worth going to Rehovot! The hotel is expected to open in December.

Isrotel Kiryat Anavim

This hotel is under construction in Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim in the Judean Hills. This hotel, according to Isrotel, "will be the last word in hotel design". There is very little information on the resort, but we do know that it will have a spa, and will appeal to "tourists and Israelis alike". And yes, you guessed it: This hotel will be a member of the Isrotel Exclusive Collection. The hotel is located about 25 minutes outside of Jerusalem, near Maale Hachamisha. Our verdict? A luxury resort, just outside of Jerusalem? Sounds great. Rates will probably be comparable with luxury Jerusalem hotels, like Mamilla and the Inbal. There is no opening date, but judging by the picture, it looks well underway.

Isrotel Princess Resort

Remember the old, dated Princess Hotel in Eilat? The one that, twenty years ago, was the hotel to stay at in Eilat? Today, it's mostly inhabited by tour groups, and is widely acknowledged to be very run down and needing a renovation. With the exception of a few renovated themed suites, the majority of the hotel is very 80's decor. For some reason, Isrotel has decided to take this hotel under their wings as well (maybe they decided that there weren't enough Isrotels in Eilat...). All those hoping that Isrotel will bring a much needed renovation are to be dissapointed. Judging by the Isrotel brochure, there are no plans to renovate. Rates, judging by a random date in November, are quite high. The Hilton Queen of Sheba, which we consider to be the top hotel, wanted $245 a night. The Princess, which is considerably less nice, is asking $280 per night. The Crowne Plaza, which is about on par with the Princess, is asking $298 per night. Bottom Line: Isrotel is not drastically overcharging for this property, but some renovations, on the rooms at the very least, would greatly improve the hotel.

Nope, I don't Sea One anymore

We agree, Sea One is a stupid name for a hotel. And, what would that even be in Hebrew? Yam Echad? Luckily, the naming team at Isrotel has come up with a different name. The luxury Tel Aviv hotel will be known as the Royal Beach Tel Aviv. Yes, the hotel will be a part of the Exclusive Collection, along with the other Royal Beach. Royal Beach Tel Aviv will have 23 floors, with 241 rooms and suites. The hotel is designed by the well know German designer Harald Klein, who has done several hotels in Germany, including the Sofitel Berlin's suites.

Interestingly, the hotel's rooms are divided into several groupings.
Three of the floors are designated for business levels. On the eighteenth floor will be the two story business lounge, boasting "showers, toilets (including handicap-toilet), TV room, 2 meeting rooms, bar, service area that includes newspapers, journals and office services, in addition to a quiet work area and dining areas." It's slightly curious as to why a hotel business lounge would include showers... Isn't that what a hotel room is for?

Two floors of the hotel are designated as the VIP levels, with a presidential suite and four additional suites on each level.
The Wellness Guestrooms, on two levels above and below the Spa, "allow such guests interested in the Spa services to stay by its facilities, and to walk around with their white Spa bathrobes, and use the Spa services without having to ‘mingle’ with other hotel guests." Seriously? We never knew mingling was so terrible.

As the only hotel being designed after the creation of Isrotel Exclusive Collection, we can't help but wonder- is this the design for all future hotels? Different, exclusive floors for different guests? Wonder where they'd put normal people like us...

West Tel Aviv

This new hotel, from the Tamares Group (Daniel hotels and Shizen Spa) was completely under the radar until today. The hotel is located on the so called "exclusive" Tzuk Beach in north Tel Aviv. All of the sixty- five rooms are one bedroom suites "of the highest quality", with two flat screen TV's, kitchenettes, private balconies, and warm wood tones. One of the nicest features of the hotel is the modern fitness hall, which looks very unlike the typical Israeli gym. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and dairy restaurant, as well as complimentary bikes.
IsraelGuest is seeing a rise in the suite-hotel trend, with the Island Suites in Netanya, the Ramada in Netanya, Costa in Ashdod, and now the West. The West, however, seems like the only boutique hotel, with just 65 rooms. The rooms seem much more compact than those at the Ramada and the Island, though. The rest of the building (and the adjacent building) is probably apartments. Rates seem on the higher side, ranging from $300 to over $600 a night in high season.
With a location just outside Tel Aviv, and close but not in Herzliya Pituach, it's unclear which city the hotel competes with more. Either way, watch out Kfar Maccabiah!

Ramada Netanya

The Ramada Netanya is now open. It seems to have been open for a few weeks already, truly fulfilling the "Summer 2012" deadline. The hotel's architect renditions looked really beautiful. Unfortunately, the actual photos seem consistent with an average Israeli hotel (couldn't they at least make the beds before the photo shoot?). To truly appreciate the discrepancy, check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9PW6IUWjK0 and compare with the Ramada's website: ramadanetanya.com. A one bedroom suite is available next week for $228 - $332, midweek. There is a minimum stay of three nights required. Kudos to the Ramada for fair prices!
Credit also goes to Ramada hotels for featuring this hotel on their main website, (unlike Howard Johnson and Best Western... see below!). And here's a first: The hotel advertises "a full American breakfast", as opposed to Israeli- style breakfasts. There are no reviews yet, but we hope to check out the hotel ourselves soon.

Herods Jerusalem

Well, it seems like just yesterday that we were hoping for a Herods Jerusalem. And it seems like our prayers were answered. The 14 floor, 350 room Herods Jerusalem will be built right next to another Fattal hotel, the Leonardo Plaza Jerusalem. One of the focal points of the hotel will be the Vitalis Spa, which is expected to be one of the largest spas in Israel, located on the top 5 floors of the hotel. Also planned are a rooftop swimming pool and a large conference center. The hotel's construction is estimated to cost around $120 million.

Design of the "six star" hotel centers around a Jerusalem theme, "with the city's smells, with the city's clothing and with the city's atmosphere, but not so much a religious hotel." The city's smells? Forget exclusive perfumes that elegant hotels use to perfume their lobbies- Herods will be perfumed with sweat, urine, and Morrocan cooking odors!

Interestingly, Yoav Igra, who is the joint owner and architect of the Herods Eilat, noted that this will not be a religious hotel. This is likely as not to compete with the Leonardo, which is known for a highly religious crowd.

Also, it seems like the Herods chain are going for a city theme- Tel Aviv like Old Tel Aviv, Jerusalem like Jerusalem, Eilat like Eilat (more or less). This is a really cute idea, that will distinguish the brand from other luxury brands.

The only problem is the Igra will be the architect of the Jerusalem hotel as well. Hopefully, the municipality will prevent him from building a monstrosity like the Eilat hotel.

Herods Tel Aviv

The new Herods Tel Aviv, which recently opened in the former Sheraton Moriah Tel Aviv, is a good addition to the Tel Aviv hotel scene (not that it needs any additions right now). The meticulously designed hotel replicates Tel Aviv of the 1900's, complete with cobblestone "streets" and cafes, trees, doorman dressed like British guards, and a pool decorated like an old boat. Reviews on TripAdvisor seem quite good, calling the hotel "amazing" and praising the "very friendly service", shocking for Israel. Rates for this weekend are around $470 USD in a Deluxe Room, which is slightly high. The hotel is marketed as a business hotel. Perhaps Fattal is trying to create a new Herods chain, comprising of this hotel and the three in Eilat. We hope so!

Isrotel Beresheet Hotel

Well, the ultra lux Beresheet Hotel has been open for almost a month. Interestingly, we've seen no reviews on TripAdvisor and no advertising at all. We tried booking the hotel on the Isrotel Exclusive Collection site, but to no avail. We're getting the feeling that the hotel is only partially open. Hmm... The last time we visited the resort, over two months ago, the hotel looked nowhere near ready for opening.

Anyone know what's going on here?

On a side point, Isrotel Luxury Collection is now Isrotel Exclusive Collection- did someone from Starwood threaten a law suit, perhaps?

Ramada Hotel and Suites Netanya

Well, not long ago we were writing about the Island Suites. An IsraelGuest representative visited the hotel, and was impressed by the architecture, design, pool, views, and furnishings. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired, as did the food. The part that most intrigued our interest was his description of the construction next door. A beautiful building overlooking the beach, bearing a sign; "The Ramada Hotel and Suites Netanya". The Netanya Real Estate website proudly acclaims: "AT LAST ! A TRULY 5 STAR HOTEL IS ARRIVING IN NETANYA THIS YEAR !!! RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES IS COMING TO SOUTH BEACH !!"

"RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES NETANYA will be the first apartment hotel complex on the shores of Israel’s Mediterranean coast outside of Tel Aviv to be operated by an international brand name company.

We are thrilled to have brought this achievement to Netanya. This will be the first choice luxury hotel on the Mediterranean.It will appeal to five star guests, spa vacationers, business visits, and conventions.

The hotel boasts sea facing luxury suites, sun balconies, large stylish outdoor pool, fitness room, sauna and spa, reception area, synagogue, coffee shop, dairy restaurant, mini-store, six elevators, and much more."

Well. Sounds pretty nice, huh. Yet, we're scratching our heads about the Ramada.
A five star, luxury Ramada? The brand notorious for roadside hotels, the name that conjures up images of tatty carpeting and flowered bedspreads? Maybe it was a cheap brand name. Still, we would have gone for a Hilton. Or even a Hyatt. The Hyatt South Beach, Netanya. Much better than Ramada, don't you think? OK, we're being biased- a new hotel is a good hotel!

New Boutique Hotel in Talbieh

A historic residence in Talbieh, formerely the home of a library, is now nearing the end of a long renovation. Rumor has it that this large Arab- style mansion is now becoming an exclusive bed and breakfast. In the windows, large hotel-like curtains have been hung, and we peeked into two rooms on the ground floor, with little patios and gardens. Strangely, though, the intercom on the front gate reads: "Red", "Blue", and "Rottenberg". Seems a little strange, no? Maybe the property is divided into wings? Or maybe the rumor is incorrect?

The Island Hotel

Not long ago, we were busy lamenting over the hotels in Netanya. Fortunately, a new hotel has opened right on the water. The Island Suites Hotel (part of the Okeanos Group in Herzliya) offers one and two bedroom suites. The hotel is stylishly furnished, if a bit apartment like and bare. TripAdvisor reviews are mostly positive, with one reviewer even recommending this hotel over hotels in Herzliya. Our take?
The Island Hotel is a new, nice hotel. But, just as Netanya cannot rival Herzliya, so to the hotels in the latter should not be worried. Except maybe the Sharon. Even so, this hotel seems like a nice weekend getaway spot, or a good place for families looking for a more affordable escape.

Dan Panorama Jerusalem

IsraelGuest recently got a tour of the popular tour group hotel, Dan Panorama Jerusalem.
The hotel has unveiled a completely new and modern lobby. While the lobby is very attractive, the dark red, brown, and black color scheme make it feel like a bar and therefore unwelcoming. The Supreme rooms have new bed covers and decorative pillows, as well as flat screen TV's. Unfortunately, the furnishings and especially the carpeting are old and worn. The standard rooms are being renovated, and feature new carpeting and furnishings, albeit basic design. While the hotel is doing its best, some public areas, like the hallways and lower level, are begging for a redo.

Hooray for Jerusalem

Well, after months (and years) of complaining over the lack of nice hotels in Jerusalem, we have news.
In the basement of the city hall is a model of Jerusalem, featuring current and future buildings. Included in that plan:

1)The long awaited Four Seasons Jerusalem, resplendent with a grand porte cochere, elevated pool, and majestic Middle Eastern architecture. Keep dreaming- the likelihood of this being built soon is low.
2) Just across from the Four Seasons, the Colony Hotel. The Colony will be built by the same company as Brown TLV, Leopard Group. The hotel will be comprised of four existing buildings on the site.
3) By the entrance to the city- an enlarged conference center, urban park, and of course plans for new hotels.
4) Right in the heart of the city center, in the Russian Compound- plans for a new area of shops, boutiques, cafes, galleries, and more adjacent to the new Betzalel Art School. Also in the plans is a boutique hotel.
5)The Mount Zion Hotel, with an expansion almost doubling the size of the existing hotel, with an enlarged entrance and a second full circular entrance on the side of the hotel- perhaps for events?

Not on the model, but in reality-
1) The Waldorf Astoria is progressing nicely, with all the floors in the new building built. They are now working on the Jerusalem stone exterior, and will begin the interior soon. The original name for the hotel, The Palace Jerusalem, Waldorf Astoria Collection has seemingly been replaced with the generic Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem.
2) The legendary King David Hotel has completely gutted its top two floors- the executive levels, which were long in need for an upgrade.

Hooray for Jerusalem! (not that we're biased, or anything...)

Isrotel Luxury Collection

Isrotel has now introduced a new brand of hotels, Isrotel Luxury Collection. The collection includes all of Isrotel's top properties: The Isrotel Royal Beach, Beresheet, Carmel Forest Spa Resort, and the all new Sea One Hotel. We predict that the chain will not grow very much and will be limited to about 7 exclusive hotels, perhaps some acquired from other chains. Last week in Eilat, we noticed that the Isrotel Royal Beach has received an ugly new logo, under which is written " The Royal Beach". No more Isrotel. All the hotels in the collection feature a simple nature related logo, and are not branded as Isrotels. While we like the idea of bringing more luxury hotels and essentially starting a new chain of hotels, we feel like the Luxury Collection is just an excuse to charge higher rates.
All we can say is that we hope the Isrotel Royal Beach, excuse us, The Royal Beach, will get some renovations to keep it in line with the others.
Oh, and how about a new hotel in Jerusalem, instead of yet another one in Tel Aviv?

The Second Ritz Carlton

It's our lucky day. Not long ago, we were brooding over the lack of good hotels, more specifically American chains, and now we received word that not one, but two Ritz's will be opening. The first, as we mentioned a few months ago, will be in upscale Herzliya. The second, in the heart of Tel Aviv:
"The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company plans to open a hotel on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard, becoming the latest in a number of hotel chains to show interest in the famous city-center street.
Ritz-Carlton signed a $50 million deal with Tidhar, and Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings to buy a block of buildings at 10 Rothschild Boulevard.
The buildings stand on five lots at the southern end of the boulevard, and are currently occupied by buildings slated for preservation. Ritz-Carlton will renovate these buildings and also build a 28-storey high rise for residential and hotel use." (Globes Israeli Online)
Just two little questions: 1) Is the Ritz Carlton going to be horribly confused with the Carlton Tel Aviv? 2) Why hasn't there been an official press release yet?
Anyway, Tel Aviv is certainly covered, with the Ritz and the Kempinski, but what about poor, neglected Jerusalem?

Zichron Yaakov

One of Israel's most beautiful towns, a hilltop location with cobblestone streets, gardens, historic buildings, a winery, and luxury homes overlooking the sea below. The only thing missing is some luxury hotels. One of the best options is Beit Maimon, a small boutique hotel with views of the sea, renovated rooms, and good food. But there are no new hotels. Recently, while driving past Zichron, we noticed a large hotel- like shell right on the hillside, quite close to the Havat Habaron hotel. There are two options: This could be an extension of the Havat hotel, which is now under new management and supposedly being renovated. The second option is that this is Leopard Hospitality's (the designers of Brown TLV) boutique hotel and spa, which is under construction. (http://www.leopard.co.il/). Hopefully, we'll find out soon.