West Lagoon Resort Netanya

Well, if Bat Yam is having its hotel revival, Netanya's still got it beat. In the past few years, we've seen quite a crop of new hotels popping up in the sleepy seaside town. From the luxurious Island Suites to the Ramada to the Leonardo and the new Modani Resort, it's safe to say that Netanya has become a place to go for hotels. Now, West Hotels, a small chain managed by Tamares Hotels and Resorts with two properties in Tel Aviv and in Ashdod, is planning to open a third hotel in Netanya. The new hotel, called the West Lagoon Resort, is scheduled to open in 2016. According to the website, the hotel will include 273 guestrooms including 50 suites and 'unique concept rooms', a rooftop bar, hammam, spa, fitness center, swimming pool, meeting rooms, function space, and retail stores. Designed by New York based Gal Nauer Architects (which has also worked on the famed Plaza Hotel in New York), the hotel's design is modern yet faintly Middle Eastern, with a Moorish style geometric metal screen covering much of the exterior and warm, beach inspired decor. Rooms feature light hardwood floors, uniquely patterned walls, neutral colors, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. The lobby looks especially beautiful, with glass doors leading out to a large terrace spanning the length of the hotel. Also of note is the infinity edge outdoor swimming pool. We can just see ourselves relaxing by the pool, savoring the calm sea breeze. But we'll have to wait for the hotel to open first.