Summer Hotels Update

It’s been a busy summer for hotels in Israel. We’ve taken a visit to the W Jaffa to see the work that is slowly, slowly progressing. But it’s there. And what’s more, we’ve began hearing about a W Jerusalem, too! (Watch out, Mamilla…another design hotel is on its way!) Speaking of a little competition, the Isrotel Jerusalem is busily constructing while across the street, The Four Seasons has supposedly broken ground (although it appears that it will only be seven stories, after neighborhood groups scrapped the plans for a fourteens story tower). And what’s this about a Marriott in Jerusalem, near Shuk Mahane Yehuda? Could we venture to guess that the old Isrotel Tower will soon become a Marriott? Either way, as we like to say, the more hotels, the better. Meanwhile, hotels in Tel Aviv must be feeling the pressure because Jetsetter has named the Norman in Tel Aviv the best boutique hotel in the world. (Thanks to dedicated tipster Ruthie for pointing this out to us)! That’s right, in the world. Now, we know that the Norman is popular with the jet set (including Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglass and CEOs of major corporations), but this is quite impressive for little ole Israel. And Atlas Hotels, our favorite boutique hotel company, has opened its Yam Hotel and its Market House Hotel in Tel Aviv/Jaffa while their new property on Mesilat Yesharim Street in Jerusalem seems to be coming along nicely. Plus, we’ve been monitoring construction on a building in Tel Aviv adjacent to the Nahalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall and we’re willing to bet that it’s going to be a boutique hotel. And if it’s going to be a boutique, it’ll either be independent or part of Atlas. Either one is fine with us. Just hope for a hotel!

Elma Arts

Ladies and Gentleman, Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel has opened to the public and is looking absolutely stunning (despite the unfortunate mouthful of a name). We’re loving the wonderfully restored Yaakov Rechter building with polished stone floors, eclectic furnishings in bright colors, casual chic design, a truly unique collection of arts and sculpture, and of course, breathtaking views of the surrounding farmlands and sea in the distance. We can just see ourselves sitting out by the outdoor pool, breathing the mountain air and enjoying the scenery. Reviews are as to be expected for a new hotel in Israel, full of complaints about the rocky service, “filthy” rooms and “poor management” while others realizing that this hotel “is a candidate to become of the top hotels in the country.” There also seem to be complaints that the hotel is still not quite ready for its close-up, with painters still working on some walls and a noticeable lack of electrical outlets in the hotel. We also appreciated the management response to a rare positive review on TripAdvisor, “Dear sir, we are glad to read that your experience at Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel was successfully different [SIC] than anyone else.” Want to try your luck? We found rates for $301 in September for a Classic Room with a Terrace.

Haifa Bay View

The former Nof Hotel in Haifa has now become the Haifa Bay View Hotel (not to be confused with Atlas’ Bay Club Haifa, which is incidentally the top hotel in the city after a mere year of existence). With nice views of the sea from atop Mount Carmel, the recently renovated Bay View hotel looks quite nice, a solid three star option. We appreciate the pops of color from the decorative pillows and side tables in the otherwise plain guestrooms, and we love the lobby and public areas, which are inviting and welcoming with a fun, unpretentious vibe thanks to the wood flooring, an assortment of retro style furnishings in bright colors, large windows, and subdued lighting. Amenities are a little lacking, with a fitness center and Chinese restaurant but no pool or spa, although at this price ($130 a night, including breakfast or $110 without), this is a great option for exploring the city. The hotel seems to be related to Crowne Plaza in some way, although it’s not part of IHG rewards and it’s not on their website (nor on any English website, for that matter. Maybe that’s still to come). Reviews are actually quite positive, although travelers have been griping about the “cheap” breakfast buffet which could use some more diverse offerings.