Friday, March 31, 2017

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.