Goodbye, 2017

Wow. 2017. It's been a busy year for the Israeli tourism industry, and the momentum is expected to rise, with a 24% increase in tourism projected for next year. Hotels, of course, are at the forefront of this growth, and veteran and new hotel companies alike are fighting to get a hold in the business. Over the past year, we've talked about new developments in popular tourist destinations, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and Herzliya. 2018 will prove to be even more exciting, with international chains working on bolstering their presence here, including W Hotels (will it finally open?), Setai, Six Senses, Ibis, Tryp, Kempinski, and other well-known names. That ever-cool lifestyle brand has taken off, with Brown Hotels announcing ambitious expansion plans, particularly in Jerusalem, Dan Hotels launching its new concept, Link Hotel & Hub, and Fattal's Nyx expanding to a second hotel in Herzliya. Prima Hotels has gone the boutique route, too, with the opening of Hotel 75 in Tel Aviv (not to be confused with Atlas Hotel's Hotel 65). Plus, Prima's new Link Petach Tikva (not to be confused with Dan's Link Tel Aviv- what is it with the repetitive names?) is testing the mixed-use development with an emphasis on business travelers. For leisure-seekers, there's even talk of Club Med returning in a 600-room Sea of Galilee iteration. And of course, rumors persist about a W Jerusalem near Mahane Yehuda and a St. Regis in the construction site adjacent to the Leonardo Plaza Hotel. Of course, Israel is also known for its record-high prices for hotels, especially in relation to the often mediocre quality provided. But we've actually noticed an increase in renovations and investments in existing properties. For example, Isrotel's famed Agamim Hotel has closed down for a full renovation, and Jerusalem's David Citadel is finishing up its new guestrooms. We've also seen a new emphasis on customer service and feedback, especially in responses to guest reviews on TripAdvisor. Maybe that surly Israeli service is finally coming to an end!

So, in our hopes for 2018- we look for better prices, better service, and more hotels!

It's a Yes for No-vember

It's been a strange month for hotels in Israel. Of course, as we always point out, any news of a new hotel is good news, but we must admit that the flurry of activity has left us in a bit of a daze. Maybe Israeli hoteliers are just getting bored of the same old stuff. Maybe they're looking to take some wild leaps. Or maybe, they've all just gone a little crazy. Well, not all of them. Let's start with one of our favorites, Leon Avigad and the people behind Brown Hotels. Brown has been aggressive in their expansion plans, particularly in Jerusalem. In addition to the recently-opened Villa Brown, two more downtown hotels are underway (according to the Jerusalem Post), and they've recently taken over the charming Arcadia Ba'Moshava hotel, now renamed Villa BaMoshava. Brown is known for its trendy, youthful hotels, and we're curious to see how the elegant (if traditional and somewhat dated) property fits in with its hipper siblings. But the true craziness is unleashed in Tel Aviv, in the Dave West Tel Aviv. Cheekily named "Dave" and referred to as Brown Hotel's "rebel child", the hotel is a "celebration of the 70's and features an "eclectic assortment of flea market finds and funky antiques". Amenities are limited, as there's no elevator and no onsite restaurant. The design certainly makes up for it, though, with exposed concrete, bright red walls, and taxidermy, among other curious choices. Deluxe rooms, labeled the sexiest in town, are painted black, with red curtains, black and white tiles, and fully exposed soaking tubs. They're also the largest rooms, with the smallest rooms starting at a minuscule 12 meters and going up to 15. In other strange, strange news, Fattal is opening up a 400-room hotel in Eilat. Aside from the fact that it's the first new hotel construction in Eilat in several years, this hotel is shocking for what it's not: luxury. Located near the marina and the new Ice Mall, the Astral Lite hotel is intended to attract budget travelers and even backpackers traveling on low-cost airlines to the sunny city. The hotel is said to offer different levels of service depending on the needs of travelers. Of course, to compensate, Fattal also announced that it is opening a 182-room hotel adjacent to Herod's Palace, with a 1,200 meter conference center that can be converted to a casino should casinos become legal in the southern city. Interesting times, indeed.

Six Senses Shaharut, Milos Dead Sea, NYX Herzliya, and More

Busy, busy, busy. With the last of the holidays behind us and the wintery weather just beginning to set in, Israel's lovely hotel chains are looking towards the future in a big way. First, Dan Hotels, after a very long time of languishing on its laurels, has decided to open not only a new hotel, but a new concept. And if you guessed casual-lifestyle-millenial-business, you'd be just about right. Dan's Facebook page describes the upcoming Link Hotel and Hub (so you know it's about business) as a new and exciting concept in Tel Aviv. The 94-room hotel will be housed in a converted office building just off of Shaul Hamelech Boulevard in the busy center. Of course, as an article in Globes observes (and thanks to tipster Ruthie for pointing it out), Link seems to be taking a direct aim at Fattal's newest brand, NYX. NYX already has one uber-hip property in Tel Aviv and will soon be expanding to second hotel in Herzliya, due to open in January. The new hotel will have 163 rooms and suites, public spaces adorned with street art, a pool, spa, conference facilities, rooftop bar, and social media connections (whatever that means). Meanwhile, over at Orchid Hotels, the brand is sticking to what it knows, following up on its Herbert Samuel Jerusalem with a second boutique in Tel Aviv, housed in the famed Opera Tower. This 50-room hotel promises breathtaking views and a design that is "modern", "contemporary", and "state of the art". But they're missing the lifestyle bandwagon. Maybe that will be promoted more in Orchid's other project, transforming the dilapidated Tzel Harim in the Dead Sea into the Milos Dead Sea, which will couple "an authentic Greek ambience" with the "relaxing serenity of the Dead Sea". We smell kitschy. But have no fear, because if it's a world-class luxury spa getaway you're looking for, just hold on a few years until the Six Senses Shaharut opens. Six Senses, an international brand known for its spa-inspired resorts in exclusive locations, has announced the Negev Desert as its next chosen locale. Housed in low-rise villas designed to meld into the landscape, the hotel is spread across 47 acres and will contain just s65 rooms, along with a spa, pool, and cool amenities like a camel farm and an Earth Lab, dedicated to sustainability. Many of the rooms will have private pools, including some of the lowest- category junior suites, which start at a spacious 495 square feet. It is far, though, clocking a 3.5 hour drive from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, although the drive is supposedly part of the experience. Watch out, Beresheet. You're not the only desert game in town! Anyway, we're ready to clock out. We could use some Shaharut. 

Excitement and Disappointment

It's one of those months. The kind that brings both good news and bad news. Of course, before you get super-worried or super-happy, depending on what kind of person you are, please realize that we are talking about hotels here. Nothing truly life-changing. Breathe. Ahh. And, we're specifically focusing on the hottest city in the Jewish Middle East, the jewel of the Mediterranean-in-Israel, the hyphenated metropolis, Tel Aviv-Jaffa. We're sad because we've been looking forward to the W Jaffa for a very long time, and we had just resigned ourselves to a late opening (no, it didn't quite make the promised May 2017 opening) when the hotel announced a March 2018 opening, which is much, much later than we had anticipated. As a slight appeasement, they did post some more renderings, and the interiors are predictably beachy, airy, and white. Very white. But with the colorful flea market just steps away, and breathtaking views of the sea, perhaps clean, crisp shades are the way to go. Speaking of views, the W's next-door neighbor and future competitor, the Setai Tel Aviv, is progressing quickly and heading towards an October 2017 opening. We're already seeing pictures of finished guestrooms and the outdoor pool, with sweeping sea views, and we're loving what we see. Signage is up, too, and the 120-room property looks just about ready to go, although we are still waiting for rates. Oh, and also from the Orchid Group is a new 50-room boutique hotel in the landmark Opera Tower, to be called the Herbert Samuel Tel Aviv. This hotel will be a sister property to the larger Herbert Samuel Jerusalem. And lastly, we've all but ignored the gala opening of the Isrotel Orient Jerusalem, which we finally toured several weeks ago and found to be gorgeous from top to bottom, with spacious, bright public spaces, a caring, friendly team, and small decorative touches that make all the difference. We are certain that this hotel is poised to become one of Jerusalem's best, if not Isrotel's flagship. Should you want to give it a try, we found rates for $336 for tonight, not including breakfast. A room in the exclusive Heritage Wing will set you back $768, without breakfast. But at least you'll get a nice swim in the rooftop pool (although we can't promise a chaise lounge, as preliminary reviews have noted a severe lack of seating). We'll be willing to take that risk, if anyone's interested in sponsoring. 

Publica Isrotel Autograph Collection, Herzliya

This has got to be some of the quirkiest news out of hotel town recently. Isrotel's ambitious expansion efforts throughout the country are well-known, with the chain recently opening a new hotel in Jerusalem, scooping up Mitzpe Hayamim Spa, and trying its hand at a lifestyle concept hotel in Herzliya. Well, it looks like that last venture needed some help, as veteran hotelier Marriott has been brought in to operate the hotel as part of its Autograph Collection. The newly branded Publica Isrotel, Autograph Collection is surely bizarre, and we're very curious as to how this merger will work in reality. It's not completely smooth sailing, as the Marriott website is offering rooms for tonight for $138 in a double room for two, while in Isrotel world, that same room can be had for $145 per person (!). Isrotel also offers a screen for "Room Add-ons", including breakfast for $85 (whoa, that seems steep- and is that for one, or two?). If the Marriott prices are correct, this hotel is a far cry from those $500+ rooms in other hotels in Herzliya, and will surely attract the young, high-tech crowd. The hotel offers a small conference room, a fitness center, a rooftop swimming pool and lounge, and a variety of spaces for socializing and meeting. Design is, predictably, youthful, with fun pops of color and vintage-inspired furnishings and details like rotary phones just perfect for Instagramming. Notably, the hotel's unique concept extends to a Social Club, offering a range of free and paid activities for guests including fitness classes (beach running, anyone?), and live music and concerts. According to Marriott, the vision is to give guests "the chance to meet local visitors, mainly professionals from Herzliya's Hi-Tech Zone. The concept of sharing is essential to Publica and visitors can feel it in various places, Greco restaurant, shared work space, outdoor terrace, art gallery and of course in the Social Club". The hotel is hoping to be a hub of business activity, and perhaps the partnership with Marriott is designed to get those corporate rates coming. Or maybe Marriott is secretly planning to buy out Isrotel. Hey, they did it with Starwood! And AC Hotels. And Ritz Carlton. And Delta. And Bulgari. Need we say more?

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, there seems to be a relatively new trend developing. Many large residential projects, especially in the city center, have elected to convert under-used areas into boutique hotels. 7 Rav Kook's StayKook Suites is one such example, while neighboring Bayit Banevi'im has its Litov Hotel. A bit further down the street is Haneviim Boutique, with its very own boutique hotel on the ground level. And now, Hanevi'im Court, one of the largest projects in the area, has a boutique hotel to match, with a whopping 70 rooms. Not only that, unlike the other projects which tend to be individually owned and operated, this hotel is part of the Leonardo chain. Set to open before the year's end, this property will be known as the Leonardo Boutique. In addition, while the other hotels offer mainly rooms and not much else, this hotel will be fully equipped, with an impressive lobby, cafe, meeting rooms, and spa treatments. The hotel will also have a restaurant, "serving fabulous meals courtesy of the chef" (their words, not ours). The design is interesting, too. The lobby features a stark metal floating staircase not unlike that of Pierre Lissoni's landmark Mamilla Hotel, and the restaurant is daring too, with emerald green a primary color in the space. Unfortunately, the guestrooms look pretty bland, with beige walls, black headboards, and a yellow chair for a pop of color. No word on rates, yet, which you know is the most important part.

Summer Hotel Lovin'

It's officially summer, and that means that it's time to head up North for some relaxing. Or maybe it's the beach you prefer. Being a reader of IsraelGuest, you must be a discerning traveler, so you'd probably like to go for a brand-new hotel. If it's not the Setai we told you about last time, we've got two more options: the U Boutique Kinneret Hotel and the West Lagoon Netanya, both recent openers ready to host your summer getaway.

First, the U Boutique is located just north of downtown Tiberias, directly across the street from sister property Leonardo Tiberias and adjacent to the popular Decks restaurant. The 60-room hotel is just steps from the water and offers a private beach for hotel guests. The hotel also boasts a lovely outdoor pool set amidst towering palm trees and green lawns, and a spa. As this is a rare new construction for the Fattal chain, the hotel's design is particularly forward-thinking, especially in the bright and airy guestrooms with oversized windows looking over the sea. While the patterned black and white wallpaper in the bedrooms, bright blue reception, and cheery yellow couches in the lobby might be taste-specific, the overall vibe is beachy, casual, and fun. More importantly, we found rates for $252 for a superior room, although we'd definitely try to snag a balcony room if possible.

Feeling Netanya more than Tiberias? We don't blame you. This seaside city has been burgeoning in the past few years, with a great variety of new hotels to choose from. West Lagoon, the newest, and largest property to open recently, with 273 rooms, also has appealing amenities, including an outdoor half-Olympic size pool, a children's pool, a tanning and relaxation balcony, and a two-story spa with seven treatment rooms, a gym, steam room, sauna, and Turkish hammam. Other features include a conference center, business lounge, and fine-dining restaurant. All rooms feature balconies with sweeping sea views, and the smallest of rooms are still a generous 28 meters, with a full working desk and sitting area, although the way to go is the Presidential Suite, an 86 meter residence with a living room, kitchenette, dining area, and separate bedroom. Rates are an affordable $299 for a deluxe premium room. We're ready for some fun in the sun!

Announcing the Setai Sea of Galilee

Now open, the 110-room resort on the eastern shores of the Kinneret Sea flies the first international flag of the renowned Setai Hotel in Miami (and the short-lived outpost in New York City), soon to be joined by the Setai in Jaffa. The Setai resort boasts the largest spa complex in Israel, with indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, and a traditional Turkish-style hammam. Many of the rooms and suites feature sweeping sea views with the city of Tiberias and the Golan Heights in the distance. Standard rooms, called Deluxe, offer a seating area with a sofa bed and 49 inch televisions, while upgraded Kinneret Villa rooms feature a private hot tub and tanning beds on the balcony. Top-level rooms offer private plunge pools and larger seating areas inside the room. Other amenities include a lobby cafe and bar, full dining room, poolside snack bar, 24-hour room service, and a children's club. Free WiFi and complimentary bicycle rentals are also included. The glossy photos on the website look absolutely stunning, with a gorgeous seafront pool and elegant porte cochere, although the guestrooms are a little sterile for our tastes. But the rates are stunningly high to match, with a standard room going for $362 a night in the pre-opening season. We're having some trouble imagining how high the rates will climb once things are in full swing. Needless to say, this will be the "it" hotel in the Kinneret area. Meanwhile, we'll wait for the rates to hopefully go down.

Springtime Hotel News

Ahh, yes. The spring is here. And along with nice weather and some seasonal allergies, there's a whole host of hotels that are expected to be opening soon. For one, there's Villa Brown in Jerusalem, which was all set to open last week, according to the property's Facebook page, but seems to have fallen behind. That's okay. This 24-room hotel, with a bistro cafe, rooftop jacuzzi, afternoon tea in the garden, and of course, the former well turned into the Cave Bar seems worth waiting for.

Another hotel that did make it is the Prima Millenium in Ra'anana. The chain's first hotel in the city (actually, the first hotel in the city, period) is located atop an existing office and retail building and offers convenient access to the multiple high-tech firms located in Ra'anana, a short drive from Tel Aviv and Herzliya as well. Clearly geared towards business travelers, the hotel offers a restaurant and coffee bar, four conference rooms and board rooms, a fitness center, and of course, an executive lounge. The 140 guestrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although no suites are on offer. We'd go for the Premium Room with Balcony, the luxe option which features executive lounge access, top-floor views, and a 50 meter balcony overlooking the green fields and nearby Mediterranean Sea (at least according to the website). To us, the hotel's design is trendy, but in a low-budget, corporate kind of way, although we do like the vintage-inspired furnishings and wood paneling in the rooms. We're also digging red Nespresso machines and free Wifi. Rates are super-reasonable, too, with an Executive Room on half-board basis plus lounge access available for $275 per night. Should you prefer, the classic room can be had for just $170 per night.

Speaking of business hotels, a recent trip to Herzliya took us over to the Isrotel Publica concept, which looks pretty great. This fun, playful approach may well be Israel's first millennial hotel, following on the heels of the Moxy, CitizenM, AC, and several other international attempts at capturing the hearts of this Instagram-popping, experience-searching, travel-loving generation. It's not ready for prime-time, of course, but we're excited nonetheless. Spring is in the air!

The Chains are Coming! The Chains are Coming!

It's an exciting time for all of us, folks. Jerusalem has traditionally been a city devoid of the international chains. Sure, there's a Crowne Plaza. That's one. There's an Ibis (in East Jerusalem). Two. And a Ramada, that no one really talks about. Three. Theoretically, Leonardo is also a chain that operates in Europe, so we'll add another two to that list. Overall, there are five internationally branded hotels in the country's most visited city. Out of nearly 100 hotels. But no more. We have news of not just one, but two brand-new hotels. And brand is the keyword here. As we announced months ago, Accor has been aggressive about expanding in the city, and their second property, Ibis Jerusalem City Center, is getting ready to open in June. This 124-room budget hotel, may very well be the first kosher member of the chain. With a prime location just off of Jaffa Road and near Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall. Some rooms even boast views of "historic Jerusalem" or the Old City. The hotel offers a traditional Israeli breakfast buffet in the mornings and a complimentary happy hour in the evening, too. A Mediterranean-style dining room and bar are available, too. We really like the streamlined, modern feel of the guestrooms, with light woods, crisp bedding, funky wallpaper, and warm carpeting. We found rates starting at $150, which is much more expensive than we had hoped, especially for the opening week. In addition, Jerusalem's old Tirat Bat Sheva Hotel, which has been getting a face-lift for over a year, is getting ready to open as the country's first Tryp Hotel. Tryp, an originally European brand that is now owned by US based Wyndham Hotels, is known for high-design, hip hotels, within walking distance to city centers.Chain-wide amenities include a lobby Plaza Center, a hub for food, drinks, and hanging out, a fitness center, complimentary Wifi, and a signature breakfast buffet. Generally, four room types are offered, including premium rooms with better views, bathrobes, and slippers, family rooms, with a king sized bed for the parents and bunk beds for the kids, and fitness rooms, with your choice of a treadmill, elliptical, or exercise bike, along with workout gear, a yoga mat, and extra towels. Interiors, by Dana Oberson, are sure to be beautiful, although the renderings we have of guestrooms do look a little dark. We're just waiting on the rates to pass judgement. 

Besamim Hotel

It's occurred to us recently just how much IsraelGuest depends on research and discovery. Unlike many similar blogs that benefit from insider tips and loyal readers who drop hints and relevant information, we're a pretty slim team. On the plus side, this means that we have much more opportunity for exciting surprises. Like today's discovery of the Besamim Hotel alongside Nahal Poleg in Netanya. Designed by Ran & Morris, a prominent Israeli interior design firm, the hotel claims to be the first of its kind in Israel. Oy. We've heard that one before. This time, we think the claim is that the hotel is adjacent to a nature reserve and only 200 meters from the sea. Or maybe it's the luxurious suites located in small, two-story structures set amidst gardens and private pools and with striking sea views. We are really digging the designs for the special suites, which are spread across two levels and feature a living room, dining area, veranda, and bedroom on one level with a second bedroom and bath located upstairs. The standard rooms "suites" look nice too, with a small living area just past the bed and leading out to the balcony. Another first? Both types of suites feature special netilat yadayim sinks in the guestroom, ritual sinks for hand-washing. Is this a new trend in hotel design? The latest must-have feature? If so, better let the W know- and quick. They're not going to want to be behind the trends. Renderings show a major emphasis on nature, including rough stone walls in the bathroom, wood shiplap on the exterior, and breezy open air passageways. The three sea-facing swimming pools look pretty nice, too. The only thing we're missing is an opening date. All we've got is: under construction. But that's okay. For the first of its kind in Israel, we can wait. 

W Jaffa

Well, just last month we were excitedly discussing what's in store in the coming year for Israeli hotels. And, we're pleased to annouce that one of our most highly-anticipated projects. the W Jaffa, has an official opening date. And it's quite, quite soon. Like May 2017 (*exhales*)! The website offers no other interesting information, sporting only stock photos and some inspirational quotes, like "Past, present and future collide in the modern venues and accommodations of our vibrant building that once housed a convent and a hospital". Now who wouldn't want to check in? With interiors designed by minimalist master John Pawson, the W features 126 guestrooms set in a collection of 19th century historic buildings alongside a modern glass structure, home to 38 exclusive residences. Especially worth noting is the stunning outdoor pool located in the courtyard and flanked by the historic building, along with the former chapel with stained glass windows that will be turned into a bar and lounge. Moreover, the dining room will have an original vaulted ceiling, and the hotel also offers a full spa complex, fitness center, events hall, and an already-hot beach club with a private shuttle from the hotel. Seeing as the W is branding itself as the first full-service. high-style hotel in the city, we have no doubt that this will be the place to stay in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. We can't help but anticipate sky high rates, though.