Orchid Pasha Tel Aviv- Jaffa Hotel & W Tel Aviv Jaffa

For those of you who missed out on our posting about the Orchid Pasha Tel Aviv, we mentioned that the developers of the "six- star" property were "currently looking into entering into a franchise agreement with a major international luxury hotel chain, one that has not been active in Israel as yet.” Then, just last week we started hearing about the W Tel Aviv, Jaffa. After a bit of preliminary research, we determined that The Orchid Pasha and the W Tel Aviv, Jaffa were one and the same. Both were to be built in Jaffa and incorporate a historic building and have about 150 rooms. They're also both expected to open in late 2015. Here's what we initially wrote on IsraelGuest: We had been hoping for a Four Seasons, but it turns out that this hotel will be none other than the W Tel Aviv Jaffa Hotel and Residences. While we're not sure that W Hotels is a "six star" brand, we definitely think that this is a good choice for Tel Aviv. W is the hip, casual brand from Starwood, known for its modern design and youthful vibes. A W Tel Aviv was inevitable, really. But we're surprised and delighted that it will be housed in a historic building circa 1879, because it means the decor will be especially interesting. We're also eager to see if this hotel will help transform Jaffa, which is a bit sleepy compared to bustling Tel Aviv. The hotel will be designed by noted British architect John Pawson. The historic building will contain 125 rooms, and there will also be a new six story building on the site housing 38 residences. Other amenities include a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. The hotel is expected to open in late 2015. Interestingly,RFR Holding, the developer, also owns the W South Beach in Miami. Construction pictures are on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WTelAvivResidences/photos_stream. But, you know, we are hotel nerds here at IsraelGuest, and we had a quick happy thought. What if there were not one, but TWO luxury hotels coming to Jaffa!? Something about the location of the W didn't seem right to us, either. We took a quick look on Google Maps, and sure enough - These are two different hotels! The Orchid Pasha is located just opposite the clock tower and on the water, while the W has a more central location. Now, if only Four Seasons would be interested...