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!
