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.