FIVE NEW HOTELS THAT OPENED IN ISRAEL
Ranging in style from uber designer to minimalistic, these hotels stand ready for tourists to return to Israel.
The George, Tel Aviv; It has 130 rooms, 40 suites and junior apartments designed for extended stays. The property, opened in February, bills itself as a lifestyle hotel where guests can experience the “Seven Ex – seven urbans’ experiences of live, work, meet, celebrate, dine, stay and relax”.
Amenities: 24-hour front desk and concierge service, Pardes Restaurant (not kosher/open to the public), The Lot (breakfast-lunch-dinner for club members and hotel guests), Jazz Hall live music lounge, event space, workspace, outdoor swimming pool with deck bar, wellness floor (spa, treatment rooms, Pilates lessons), dry and wet sauna, fitness centre with personal training, free underground parking.
The Almond Hotel, Neve Ilan; Opened in February by C-Group Hotels, The Almond is a luxury adults-only boutique hotel situated in a pastoral area halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The style of the hotel is contemporary chic with emphasis on original Israeli art. Artist Tzachi Nevo, creator of the UMASQU brand of playful, colourful cutout figures and shapes, adds to the aesthetic in the reception area, on room walls and hotel signage. The rooftop pool is the place to relax with its view over mountains and the coastal plain. If you want to swim in privacy, there is the option of a room with an adjacent pool (a rare find in Israel). Amenities: The View Restaurant (continental, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher buffet breakfast offered), outdoor swimming pool, spa/wellness centre, sauna/hot tub, hammam, facilities for disabled guests, free parking.
Albi Florentine, Tel Aviv; The Albi fits perfectly into Florentine, the hipster neighborhood known for artistic vibes, cafés and bars. In keeping with the modern, young vibe, the hotel does not have a traditional reception desk and check-in is done digitally. After running around the urban jungle, guests can relax on the rooftop which has a Jacuzzi, sunbeds and lounge chairs in vibrant ochre colours. There is a beautiful wall mural too. The hotel, opened in March, is near Levinsky Market’s spice stores and ethnic eateries, and Alma Beach is 1.5 km away.
Rothschild 69, Tel Aviv; Classic luxury is how this hotel can be described. Housed in a historic International (Bauhaus) style formerly residential building that dates back to 1932, Rothschild 69 opened in November after having been beautifully preserved and brought back to life. The rooms have contemporary furnishings and an eclectic style with large windows and wide balconies. For those who want to indulge, a champagne/wine room service is available. For nearby shopping, there’s Sheinkin Street with its boutiques and cafés. Amenities: Fridge, dishwasher, microwave in certain rooms; garden; wine/champagne room service available; breakfast till midday; lounge with light menu; restaurant serving fish, seafood and vegetarian specialties; parking available at a sister hotel five minutes’ walk away.
David’s Harp Galilee Resort Hotel, Emek Hayarden; David’s Harp is next to the only floating dock operating on the Sea of Galilee where picturesque wooden boats take pilgrims out onto the lake. The location is in the heart of Christian sites and the Israel National Trail. The interiors are clean and minimalistic, using local basalt stones and natural textures with glass walls that bring nature inside. An infinity pool (heated in fall and spring) overlooks the blue waters of the Sea of Galilee. Amenities: Lobby restaurant, business lounge, event halls, meeting rooms with advanced audio and video infrastructure, amphitheatre for 650 guests overlooking the lake and surrounded by mountain scenery, spa, gym with running and cycling tracks, heated outdoor pool, parking.
ISRAEL ANNOUNCES IT’S NOW OPEN FOR TOURISM
All tourist areas are ‘completely safe’: In a significant development, Israel made an announcement this week, declaring itself “now open for tourism”. Over the past few months, the region’s conflict, with Israel at its epicentre, rendered the country virtually and technically off-limits for tourists.
As per the latest news reports, flights to Tel Aviv were suspended during this period, but airlines are now gradually resuming services. Also, it’s reported that Air India will recommence its nonstop flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv five times a week starting from May 16.
Reports further added that major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Galilee are now bustling with activity day and night and attracting thousands of tourists who come to express solidarity, pray, visit, and enjoy the attractions of the ‘land of milk and honey. Shani further added that this influx of tourists encourages and strengthens the Israeli public’s desire to resume touring and travelling.
This declaration of Israel being open for tourism marks a significant step towards the country’s recovery from recent adversities. It signals a renewed sense of optimism within the tourism industry. As travellers once again flock to Israel’s historic sites, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes, they contribute not only to the country’s economy, but also to the promotion of peace and understanding among nations.
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