Leonardo Plaza Ashdod

Well, it's that time of year again. In conjunction with Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews around the world (in which Jews ask for forgiveness from the Lord), we've come to ask forgiveness from our readers. You see, sometimes it's tough to be us. Here at IsraelGuest, our job is to stalk the internet and keep our eyes and ears firmly open for any news about hotels. There are websites that we repeatedly troll, and there are insiders that we depend on to do our job well. But sometimes, unfortunately, things fall through the cracks. Big things. Like the second hotel in Ashdod, the Leonardo Plaza. We've written about the ill-fated Crowne Plaza Ashdod extensively here on IG as we followed its vague "opening soon" announcements that seemed pushed off into posterity, but never did we imagine that the hotel was quietly opening under another name. Welcome to the Leonardo Plaza Ashdod. This beautiful, architecturally interesting property offers 183 rooms and suites, a chef restaurant, spa, kids club, three conference rooms and a ballroom with space for up to 600, a fitness center and a gorgeous outdoor pool. Rooms are fairly corporate (someone please kill that ubiquitous pullout couch with the stripes), but we're digging the artwork and the views of the sea and the surrounding area (especially of the wacky sculpture outside). Public spaces are also enhanced by the interesting wallpaper designs and objects d'art. Suffice it to say, whoever designed this hotel was not afraid of a little color. Reviews are fairly positive, with one extolling the unheard of concept of a "free upgrade!" Other travelers love the food, great service, and the free WiFi, too, although the location is a bit far out from Ashdod's attractions (whatever they may be). We found rooms for $170 without breakfast, which seems a touch pricey for the area. (Compare to the equally nice if not nicer West Ashdod, which is offering a one-bedroom suite with breakfast for $195).