Herods Tel Aviv

The new Herods Tel Aviv, which recently opened in the former Sheraton Moriah Tel Aviv, is a good addition to the Tel Aviv hotel scene (not that it needs any additions right now). The meticulously designed hotel replicates Tel Aviv of the 1900's, complete with cobblestone "streets" and cafes, trees, doorman dressed like British guards, and a pool decorated like an old boat. Reviews on TripAdvisor seem quite good, calling the hotel "amazing" and praising the "very friendly service", shocking for Israel. Rates for this weekend are around $470 USD in a Deluxe Room, which is slightly high. The hotel is marketed as a business hotel. Perhaps Fattal is trying to create a new Herods chain, comprising of this hotel and the three in Eilat. We hope so!

Isrotel Beresheet Hotel

Well, the ultra lux Beresheet Hotel has been open for almost a month. Interestingly, we've seen no reviews on TripAdvisor and no advertising at all. We tried booking the hotel on the Isrotel Exclusive Collection site, but to no avail. We're getting the feeling that the hotel is only partially open. Hmm... The last time we visited the resort, over two months ago, the hotel looked nowhere near ready for opening.

Anyone know what's going on here?

On a side point, Isrotel Luxury Collection is now Isrotel Exclusive Collection- did someone from Starwood threaten a law suit, perhaps?

Ramada Hotel and Suites Netanya

Well, not long ago we were writing about the Island Suites. An IsraelGuest representative visited the hotel, and was impressed by the architecture, design, pool, views, and furnishings. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired, as did the food. The part that most intrigued our interest was his description of the construction next door. A beautiful building overlooking the beach, bearing a sign; "The Ramada Hotel and Suites Netanya". The Netanya Real Estate website proudly acclaims: "AT LAST ! A TRULY 5 STAR HOTEL IS ARRIVING IN NETANYA THIS YEAR !!! RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES IS COMING TO SOUTH BEACH !!"

"RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES NETANYA will be the first apartment hotel complex on the shores of Israel’s Mediterranean coast outside of Tel Aviv to be operated by an international brand name company.

We are thrilled to have brought this achievement to Netanya. This will be the first choice luxury hotel on the Mediterranean.It will appeal to five star guests, spa vacationers, business visits, and conventions.

The hotel boasts sea facing luxury suites, sun balconies, large stylish outdoor pool, fitness room, sauna and spa, reception area, synagogue, coffee shop, dairy restaurant, mini-store, six elevators, and much more."

Well. Sounds pretty nice, huh. Yet, we're scratching our heads about the Ramada.
A five star, luxury Ramada? The brand notorious for roadside hotels, the name that conjures up images of tatty carpeting and flowered bedspreads? Maybe it was a cheap brand name. Still, we would have gone for a Hilton. Or even a Hyatt. The Hyatt South Beach, Netanya. Much better than Ramada, don't you think? OK, we're being biased- a new hotel is a good hotel!

New Boutique Hotel in Talbieh

A historic residence in Talbieh, formerely the home of a library, is now nearing the end of a long renovation. Rumor has it that this large Arab- style mansion is now becoming an exclusive bed and breakfast. In the windows, large hotel-like curtains have been hung, and we peeked into two rooms on the ground floor, with little patios and gardens. Strangely, though, the intercom on the front gate reads: "Red", "Blue", and "Rottenberg". Seems a little strange, no? Maybe the property is divided into wings? Or maybe the rumor is incorrect?

The Island Hotel

Not long ago, we were busy lamenting over the hotels in Netanya. Fortunately, a new hotel has opened right on the water. The Island Suites Hotel (part of the Okeanos Group in Herzliya) offers one and two bedroom suites. The hotel is stylishly furnished, if a bit apartment like and bare. TripAdvisor reviews are mostly positive, with one reviewer even recommending this hotel over hotels in Herzliya. Our take?
The Island Hotel is a new, nice hotel. But, just as Netanya cannot rival Herzliya, so to the hotels in the latter should not be worried. Except maybe the Sharon. Even so, this hotel seems like a nice weekend getaway spot, or a good place for families looking for a more affordable escape.

Dan Panorama Jerusalem

IsraelGuest recently got a tour of the popular tour group hotel, Dan Panorama Jerusalem.
The hotel has unveiled a completely new and modern lobby. While the lobby is very attractive, the dark red, brown, and black color scheme make it feel like a bar and therefore unwelcoming. The Supreme rooms have new bed covers and decorative pillows, as well as flat screen TV's. Unfortunately, the furnishings and especially the carpeting are old and worn. The standard rooms are being renovated, and feature new carpeting and furnishings, albeit basic design. While the hotel is doing its best, some public areas, like the hallways and lower level, are begging for a redo.

Hooray for Jerusalem

Well, after months (and years) of complaining over the lack of nice hotels in Jerusalem, we have news.
In the basement of the city hall is a model of Jerusalem, featuring current and future buildings. Included in that plan:

1)The long awaited Four Seasons Jerusalem, resplendent with a grand porte cochere, elevated pool, and majestic Middle Eastern architecture. Keep dreaming- the likelihood of this being built soon is low.
2) Just across from the Four Seasons, the Colony Hotel. The Colony will be built by the same company as Brown TLV, Leopard Group. The hotel will be comprised of four existing buildings on the site.
3) By the entrance to the city- an enlarged conference center, urban park, and of course plans for new hotels.
4) Right in the heart of the city center, in the Russian Compound- plans for a new area of shops, boutiques, cafes, galleries, and more adjacent to the new Betzalel Art School. Also in the plans is a boutique hotel.
5)The Mount Zion Hotel, with an expansion almost doubling the size of the existing hotel, with an enlarged entrance and a second full circular entrance on the side of the hotel- perhaps for events?

Not on the model, but in reality-
1) The Waldorf Astoria is progressing nicely, with all the floors in the new building built. They are now working on the Jerusalem stone exterior, and will begin the interior soon. The original name for the hotel, The Palace Jerusalem, Waldorf Astoria Collection has seemingly been replaced with the generic Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem.
2) The legendary King David Hotel has completely gutted its top two floors- the executive levels, which were long in need for an upgrade.

Hooray for Jerusalem! (not that we're biased, or anything...)