Isrotel and Dan Hotels Announce Ambitious Expansion Plans

After a December 2015 Marketest survey found that Isrotel guests are more satisfied with their stays than guests of any other major chain in Israel, it looks like Isrotel is ready to share the magic. We've already reported that Isrotel is building a third hotel near the Tel Aviv Port. But in the past few months, the company has entered an agreement to buy the ultra-luxe Mitzpe Hayamim Spa hotel in Rosh Pina, a former Relais & Chateaux property. The 97-room hotel is set on over 35 acres of land and boasts a natural grove, a dairy and an organic farm on the property. No doubt, this hotel will become another one of Isrotel's spa resorts, alongside Carmel Forest and Cramim in the Jerusalem Hills. But that's not all. Isrotel also announced plans to construct a 120-room property in a preserved building on Jerusalem Boulevard in Old Jaffa. Part of the Exclusive Collection, this hotel will feature a swimming pool, spa, and chef restaurant. But no, that's not all, either. Just over a month ago, Isrotel announced the development of the Publica Hotel in Herzliya Pituach. This 160-room, four-star property will feature an ultra modern design and is geared towards business travelers. It will no doubt give the Marriott Herzliya some stiff competition!

Meanwhile, Dan Hotels, not to be outdone (although its guests are less satisfied), announced last week that construction has commenced on the chain's first international hotel, in Bangalore, India. First announced in 2008, plans were put on hold for several years, and the hotel plans on finally opening next year. The five-star, 220-room hotel is set in a high rise tower in the Whitefield business area of Bangalore. Several Israeli tech companies are housed in the nearby area, and Dan Hotels hopes that travelers will seek familiar brands in their trips abroad. Renderings by PIA Interior Co of Bangkok look beautiful, with warm, Indian motifs and intricate patterns and textures enhancing the carpets, bedspreads, and decorative elements of the guestrooms. Next time we're in India, we'll be checking this place out for sure.

(Thanks to tipsters Ruthie and Tifi for their help with this post).

Setai Tel Aviv, Herbert Samuel Jerusalem, & Ibis Styles Jerusalem

Exploring the country is always a good way to find out about hotels. It could be a small construction project that we previously overlooked, or a large one with some surprising updates. For example, there we were, driving around Old Jaffa, when we came across the Orchid Pasha Kishleh Jaffa Hotel (which, as you'll recall, was hunting for a better name). A large sign proudly heralded the result of this name competition, with The Setai Jaffa. Now, in truth, to us the Setai evokes an ultra-modern, sleek Japanese zen style South Beach hotel. A restored Ottoman palace in Jaffa with Middle Eastern inspired interiors? Less so. There's still no official opening date, but the hotel seems to be progressing nicely. A supposed 7-star property, the 115-room hotel will also have a spa, chef restaurant, Turkish bath, and rooftop infinity pool. In addition, Orchid Hotels, the group behind the Setai, like the name so much that they've borrowed it for a second hotel on the shores of Lake Kinneret, with 110 suites with private pools. The hotel will also include "Israel's largest spa complex". Meanwhile, over in Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel still hasn't opened. But we peeked into the lobby the other day and found that all the chandeliers and furnishings are in place (although still wrapped in plastic). Can't wait for the wraps to come off of this one! Interestingly, the hotel is advertising its location adjacent to Nachlaot, which it labels the "Soho of Jerusalem". We wouldn't have thought. And finally, also in Jerusalem, a former apartment building on the Ben Yehuda pedestrian street is being converted to a second Ibis Styles Jerusalem. This is part of Accor's effort to add a considerable amount of rooms to the capital and follows the opening of the Ibis Styles in Sheikh Jarrah. Ibis Styles hotels are known for their fun, quirky designs and affordable accommodation. We're looking forward to seeing some of those wood Old City wall headboards, like in the other Ibis Styles. No word yet on opening dates, but it looks like there's quite a ways to go yet.

Brown Jerusalem Hotel

If any of our dear readers had the opportunity to dine in Vaquerio in Jerusalem, you may have forgotten the food long before you forgot the gorgeous 19th century villa in which it was housed, with dramatically lit stone arches creating intimate dining spaces and a beautiful garden outside. While the restaurant is long gone, a much better replacement has come, in the form of of Brown Jerusalem Hotel. This new property, from Tel Aviv veteran hotelier Leon Avigad (of Brown Tel Aviv and Brown Beach House) and designed by Baer, Shifman-Nathan Architects, will be opening in late 2016 on Haneviim Street in downtown Jerusalem. An extra story will be added to the building, increasing the space but remaining in keeping with the original architecture. Like its Tel Avivian sisters, the hotel will surely become a place to see-and-be-seen for the Jerusalem set, with a variety of spaces for lounging and meeting. These include a rooftop deck with a Jacuzzi, a lobby level terrace with an outdoor fireplace, an underground bar, a richly decorated lobby living room beneath the massive stone arches, a cafe, and a tea room. Dramatic guestrooms feature exposed stone, antique furnishings, tufted headboards, and deep colors. Though with only 18 rooms, it seems that the Brown will focus more on being a hang-out spot than on being a hotel. Not that we care, really. As we've said before, any new hotel is a good hotel. Especially in this case. Now- just open on time? Please?

Aquaris Resort Eilat and The Poli Hotel

We've known about the Aquaris Resort in Eilat for several years. To be honest, we've been eagerly tracking this hotel since a visit to Eilat almost four years ago, when we saw signs posted for it. We haven't really followed up, so we still don't know if the hotel has progressed at all. But for some reason, the hotel keeps coming up on our radar. So we figured the least we could do is give it a shout-out, in the hope that something will come out of it, and soon! Here's what we know: Courtesy of Israel Yosseph, the hotel's graphic designer, we know that the Aquaris will be a boutique, all-suite hotel with a number of swimming pools and artificial waterfalls in the public spaces (emphasis on water features- get it?). Or, in fancy speak, "Inspired by the serenity of the sub-aquatic, Aquaris embodies the next generation of “experience based” all-suite hotels.  Combining classic lines with chic designer interiors, the exclusive ambiance pervades every aspect of Aquaris." Thanks to real estate marketing team Impact (which frankly, seems to be doing a terrible job), we find that the hotel aims to be "Miami style, five-star luxury." Feigin Architects, the only real source of information, shows a number of garden suites with private plunge pools and an indoor/outdoor atrium with a series of cascading waterfalls.

Meanwhile, we've been waiting for Sir Benjamin to appear on the scene in Tel Aviv. But it appears that that won't be happening, unfortunately. The hotel has been removed from Sir Hotel's website, and in its stead, we are proud to introduce The Poli Hotel. The Poli is located on Magen David and features 40-rooms in a restored Bauhaus building. Interiors are still by wild designer Karim Rashid, while amenities include a rooftop pool, sunbathing lounge, cocktail bar, restaurant and spa. The hotel's website promised an opening on January 1st, but being that the message is still up there, we're not sure it made the deadline. That being said, we're willing to wait a while for this one. Renderings look really, really cool, especially those of the rooftop pool (with waterfalls, too- see that, Aquaris?). Plus, according to Travel and Leisure, instead of a traditional lobby check in, "guests will be “beamed up” to the rooftop via elevator, in which LED screens project the day’s weather and entertainment lineups." Sounds good to us. Now open. Please?

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bat Yam Updates

It's been a busy month for hotels in Israel. First, we finally took a trip down to Bat Yam to take a look at the construction. We were pleasantly surprised by the Sun Hotel (and not the Sea Hotel), which is actually progressing along quickly and promises to open its doors within three years. Much of the concrete structure is already in place, and we can tell that this will shape up to be a fantastic addition to the Israeli hotel scene. Meanwhile, the developers have supposedly signed a management contract with a US hotel chain "on par with Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons". We've also been told that it is a world-renowned chain with 5,000 rooms around the world. Any guesses? The big reveal should be on February 1st, so it's not too long to wait. The best news out of all of this is that the property will probably not retain the moniker Sun Hotel for very long.

Other news: Lately, our internet searches have been peppered with advertisements for Hotel Rothschild 22, from Fattal Hotels. It looks like Fattal is trying to compete with the independent,boutique hotels in Tel Aviv with this offering, which is not branded under the flagship Leonardo name. It's located on the super-hot Rothschild Street, in the heart of Tel Aviv- but housed in a modern, glassy tower unlike the restored International style buildings which are home to most of the luxury boutique hotels in the area. With 156 rooms and suites, it's also considerably larger than its competition. Not to be undone, the hotel boasts that it "has gone that extra mile compared with other Tel Aviv hotels when it comes to facilities." Going the extra mile, according to the website, includes Nespresso machines, luxurious silk sheets, soft, fluffy towels, and L'occitane amenities. 

The hotel features a restaurant on the gallery floor with a trendy open kitchen, a business lounge, and a "fitness suite" (code for an extra-tiny gym, perhaps?). Oh, and rest assured that when it comes to meetings, "Hotel Rothschild 22 easily outshines other hotels in Tel Aviv when it comes to meetings and events facilities." Nothing like a little arrogance to get the competition upping its game, huh. We found rates for $175 this week, which isn't too bad.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, large banners have been placed on the Bank Hapoalim Building near Zion Square heralding the arrival of the Herbert Samuel Hotel. (Not sure if there's any relation to the uber- elegant Herbert Samuel restaurants in Tel Aviv and Herzliya). They don't seem to have a website, either, but here's what we've gleaned. The hotel's primary selling point, aside from its location, seems to be its indoor swimming pool (is that a gold-leaf ceiling we spy?) and 24 hour fitness center. The design is very elegant and classy, not modern at all which is a bit of a surprise considering the building's modern exterior. Think wood paneling, gold detailing, polished marble floors, and sparkling chandeliers. The 137 rooms remind us strongly of those at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem down the road. We wouldn't be surprised if the designers looked there for inspiration. The hotel also boasts a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of Jerusalem. We found rates for $320 in September, which seems awfully pricey. But maybe that's just us.

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. 

Bat Yam Hotels

We've talked before about the hotel revival going on in sleepy Bat Yam, a southern suburb of Tel Aviv. There are at least three hotel projects underway, and the city hopes to add 400 additional guest rooms to its existing four properties which offer a total of 275 rooms. Of the new hotels (with exciting names like the Sun Hotel, the Sea Hotel, and the Beach Hotel...), the most heavily publicized is the Sea Hotel. Designed by Feiglin Architects, the hotel is located along the Bat Yam shore and features a distinctive triangular form with stepped terraces overlooking the sea. According to Feiglin, this was in order to ensure that there are spectacular sea views from every vantage point in the hotel. The 26- story hotel will offer over 400 rooms and one bedroom suites, each with a private balcony. Of the guestrooms, about half will be sold as timeshare residences with the owners collecting fees from renting the rooms to hotel guests, while the other half will function exclusively as hotel guestrooms. Amenities include an L-shaped infinity edged outdoor pool that is partially covered by the building (a design statement Feiglin has used in other projects as well). Other amenities include a fitness center, spa, lounge, meeting rooms, multiple dining options, events space for up to 700 guests, and an adjacent shopping center. HBA, the London-based firm responsible for the interiors, has looked to the hotel's location on the sea shore and to Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea, as inspirations for the design. Expect lots of natural elements and neutral colors, with biblical style ornaments and artwork. Or, as the hotel's website puts it, "Sea motifs and biblical texts are expressed in crystals, bronze, unpolished diamonds and golden hues." In another interesting touch, the front desk will be consist of an aquarium "with a selection of fish species and fish creatures". Furnishings are by Italian furniture company Francesco Molon, whose style leans to the ornate, in our opinion. While the hotel is clearly working hard to become "one of Israel's most prestigious hotels," we really hope that they aren't trying to do too much.  Meanwhile, construction is full speed ahead, and a video from earlier this month shows the foundation being laid.