Updates on hotels

Suppose, suppose, suppose that one was looking for a luxurious retreat with all the bells and whistles. Like a well appointed guestroom with a dedicated seating area, comfortable bed, large flatscreen television, and a nice terrace with a few chairs. Maybe with a view, too- of the sea. Oh, and an outdoor rock shower would be appreciated. And a regular shower just in case it's chilly. And, maybe- just maybe, a private pool, too? Plus, you know, a Japanese garden would really be nice. Sounds impossible, right? Beresheet comes the closest, but even it does't quite tick all of the boxes. Kibbutz Nahsholim, on the beautiful Dor Beach north of Caesaria, is known for its drab and dated accommodations. But, they recently unveiled a selection of boutique rooms that manage to fulfill all of the requirements. And man, is it gorgeous. Some of the nicest designs we've seen in a long time! Our only hesitation is the fact that the sea view rooms (and guests) share the limited facilities (like the dining hall) with the rest of the kibbutz guests, which likely means that some aspects will be decidedly less luxurious. Fortunately the prices seem to reflect that: A seaview room for next week is merely $230 USD a night. Not bad at all! In other news, we've been checking up on the Tel Aviv hotel scene. Here's what's new (or not): 1. We can't find any information on Kempinski and specifically when it is opening! Anyone know what's going on here? 2. Remember the Orchid Pasha Jaffa Hotel that is not the W Hotel? Well, it seems to have gotten a name, and we're not fans: Kishleh Hotel Jaffa. No, not kishka but close: Kishleh! Oy. Hope they can find a different name before they open. 3. We went looking into the Bat Yam hotel stories, as some new hotels are expected to be opening. Ground has broken on the Sea Hotel Bat Yam, a 500 million shekel, 26 story, 436 room hotel. Adjacent to this hotel are two more in planning stages, one expected to rise some forty stories high. The total from all three is expected to bring an additional 1200 rooms to the area. And, lastly, Orchid Hotel Group is doing some more expansion. In addition to its Jaffa property, Orchid is renovating the old Zion Square Hotel in Jerusalem to create a luxurious boutique hotel. It is anticipating a September opening. This property joins an 120 room country club hotel located between Tel Aviv and Herzliya that is in development, and a third property on the shores of the Kinneret.