Tel Aviv on the eastern Mediterranean coast is one of the world’s best beach destinations. The shimmering Israeli city means “Hill of Spring” in Hebrew. Aside from lip-smacking cuisine, it also boasts a melting-pot of a kaleidoscopic culture. Surprisingly, Tel Aviv is a perennial party playground with a nonstop nightlife. Also, its UNESCO heritage “White City” is a testament to a German-Jewish past. Moreover, Tel Aviv has live music and theater scenes, and myriad museums and galleries. In fact, you’ll never find any beach town like this vibrant, coastal city. Likewise, the best hotels in Tel Aviv are a dextrous blend of the past with the present. For instance, boutique hotels lie in iconic Bauhaus architecture buildings. On the other hand, grand, historic hotels feature remnants Ottoman Empire. Even backpacker hostels lie in landmark buildings. And of course, Tel Aviv’s beach hotels have a distinct charm of their own.
If you’re headed to this charming Mediterranean city, you’ll surely be spoilt for choice. So, here are the 11 best hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel, which include some excellent ones on the beach.
Where to Stay in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a relatively small city, and almost every neighborhood is a short taxi ride away. To begin with, the city’s star attraction is the beach strip. The white-sand beach is home to some of the biggest hotels in Tel Aviv, as well as many boutique hotels. The drop-dead gorgeous White City is the nucleus of Tel Aviv’s cuisine, culture, and nightlife. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than 4,000 Bauhaus structures. Jewish architects designed it back in the 1920s-30s, recreating European cafe culture.
On the other hand, Jaffa is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city. Think flea markets, galleries, and quaint bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for an authentic boutique hotel, then Jaffa is where you should be. The Bohemian Florentin is artistic to the hilt, what with whimsical and unique themed bars and cafes. Today, it’s a hipster haven and Tel Aviv’s most intriguing region. The idyllic Neve Tzedek is largely residential, while Port area Namal is perfect for families. What’s more, Tel Aviv also has a dedicated neighborhood for foodies. The Yemenite Quarter is full of tantalizing aromas floating around the place. It’s Israeli flavor with laidback charm and beach fun thrown into the mix.
Brown Beach House Boutique Hotel
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Located right on the Tayelet (Tel Aviv’s promenade), the Brown Beach House Boutique Hotel is a stylish choice in the heart of Tel Aviv. You can’t get any close to the beach, and a few steps bring you right to the Mediterranean seashore.
The hip hotel is reminiscent of a French Riviera and Miami-inspired beach resort. The bustling lobby with vibrant shades against dark backdrops makes an impression. The dark-velvet sofas and black curtains create a mystical effect. Bright accessories like indoor plants, colorful books, and metallic cushions bring it to life. The design is riveting across the hotel, like the huge pink flamingo on the outdoor terrace. The breezy space with palm trees is the hotel’s most distinguishing feature. A restaurant and lobby bar serves both a late breakfast and even snacks and cocktails. What’s more, there’s also a spa with an outdoor hot tub and a fitness center. Aside from free entry to some museums, you can also use the bicycles offered to explore the promenade.
Rooms choices abound here, whether you’re traveling solo or want to indulge in a bit of luxury. Aside from sea-view patios, rooms have cozy beds and Instagram-worthy design touches. In spite of being a budget hotel, it doesn’t skimp on amenities. These include minibars, bathrobes, and even beach bags, which you get to keep!
Hotel Montefiore
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If you’re looking for a place with a rich history, look no further than Hotel Montefiore. Tel Aviv’s first boutique hotel, it still has the last word when it comes to chic, urban luxury. The hotel lies in the Lev Halr neighborhood, which means “heart of the city.” Additionally, it’s just south of White City.
The stylish digs lie in a restored 1922 structure, which brings Parisian chic to the Middle East. The peach-hued, pre-Bauhaus facade might as well be part of White City. The ground floor’s buzzing lobby bar is popular with Tel Aviv’s “it” crowd. It serves delicious French-Vietnamese fare and a rich breakfast. Dark wood furnishings and potted palm trees complete the beautiful setting. Hallways have contemporary documentary-style photographs. In fact, every inch of Montefiore radiates an inimitable finesse. Despite being a historic hotel, it still has perks like in-room treatments.
Each of the 12 chic rooms features a sultry grey, white, and black color palette. Besides, comfy goose-down beds and glossy black-marble bathrooms are a common feature. Moreover, eight of them feature balconies with considerate touches like foam earplugs. Furthermore, each room features a floor-to-ceiling library stacked with hundreds of books!
Fabric Hotel
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Lying in a former sewing factory, the aptly-named Fabric Hotel is stylish to boot. The hipster haven lies on the vibrant Nahalat Benyamin street with cool hangouts and markets. Located between Neve Tzedek and Taleyet, it couldn’t be better for exploring the Top 12 Things To Do In Tel Aviv.
Looking at the hotel is like standing on a street in Brooklyn, New York. A red-brick exterior welcomes you to a designer lobby with a glamorous-industrial theme. The ground-floor cafe/bar, which serves breakfast and cocktails, is an ode to Brooklyn. Named Bushwick, it’s chock-full of 80’s memorabilia and mismatched furniture. A quaint courtyard with alfresco seating completely belies its Israeli location. Even though it’s a “budget” hotel, it has perks like rental bicycles, beach kits, and concierge services. The highlight is the flower-filled rooftop terrace.
Bohemian-chic is the overarching theme in all rooms at this hotel. Honestly, blue-denim wall murals are the sole ‘fabric-themed’ facet in the rooms. Every room also has smart TVs with Netflix, a fridge, and even a Nespresso machine. The best part is that there are even rooms with bunk-beds. Also, each bunk has a privacy curtain, reading light, and even a TV!
Hotel Saul
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Feel like a local at the striking Hotel Saul, a lovely boutique hotel at the southern end of White City. The nostalgic yet modern haven lies on a quiet street within stone’s throw of all top sights in Tel Aviv.
The hotel had an earlier life as a 1940s office building. This is evident in the 70s-style furniture in the lobby lounge/cafe. In fact, this place is an on-the-go deli helmed by one of Israel’s hottest young chefs. What’s more, it offers a delicious breakfast for those staying at the hotel. With a host of contemporary bric-a-brac, the look of the hotel is funky. The vast fourth-floor space is excellent for striking conversations with fellow travelers. It’s also a great place to get work done during vacation. Every Monday and Wednesday, enjoy free snacks and drinks during happy hours. The game room is also an excellent ice-breaker. Last but not least, look out to Tel Aviv’s panoramic skyline from the rooftop terrace.
The 34 rooms ooze warmth with handwoven Turkish bedspreads. An eclectic addition is artwork and illustrations depicting historical Tel Aviv structures. Aside from vintage bathrooms, every room has an Apple TV with Netflix and Playstation games. Cozy up on your bed and watch movies while munching on room-service popcorn!
The Drisco Hotel Tel Aviv
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The Drisco Hotel and its surroundings transport you back in time. The hotel lies in the charming American Colony which is full of 1800s New England-style residences. Walk for 10 minutes along the cobblestoned streets, and you’ll be in the Tayelet (promenade). What’s more, Jaffa and Floretin are also 10 minutes in the other direction.
The mid-19th-century hotel boasts distinct styles from that era. These include Ottoman-inspired designs and original hand-painted murals. In fact, in an earlier life, it was called the Jerusalem Hotel which hosted the likes of Thomas Cook and Mark Twain. The Ottoman influence is evident in the arched windows and doors peppered throughout the hotel. Even though it’s a historic hotel, it goes out of the way to provide modern facilities. These include a small gym, a lovely backyard piazza, and its best facet, the rooftop terrace. What’s more, it even arranges for in-room treatments should you want one. Finally, an on-site bar and restaurant serve both breakfasts and dinners.
All rooms and suites at Drisco feature a slew of mod-cons and Carrara marble bathrooms. Moreover, there are even complimentary Israeli juices and chocolate bars in the rooms. Also, while some enjoy balconies, the third-floor Premium rooms even have city and sea views.
Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv
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The Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv has a hip and rather legendary credentials. In fact, its Jerusalem counterpart is famous in backpacker circles. Together, the brethren have established base as one of the best hotels in Israel.
The Tel Aviv outpost scores high on location. It lies in bustling Downtown and is a short walk Florentine and Tayelet. You can choose from a host of dorm rooms, which have huge windows and shared bathrooms.
The hostel is massive, and the common room/lounge has lots of hammocks, chairs, and even a stage. The walls and hallways feature murals of biblical figures, including the eponymous one. The evening bar is the perfect day to guzzle some drinks and unwind after a long day of exploring. Moreover, there’s even a kitchen to whip up quick and cheap meals. That said, you can enjoy a full Israeli breakfast which is included in the room rates! The TV room with games is perfect for catching up with fellow travelers. The icing on the cake is the amazing rooftop that has excellent views of the city. Aside from hostellers, it’s also popular with Tel Avivians. Above all, the hostel has an unending roster of events. These include dancing, quizzes, even live bands, and Shabbat dinners every weekend.
The Poli House
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If your style is quirky and bold, then you’ll take to the laidback luxury of The Poli House. The artsy hotel in the heart of the city’s fashionable Florentin is popular with trendy and creative young travelers. What’s more, it’s also one of the Top 11 Gay-Friendly Hotels In Tel Aviv, and so, is popular with LGBTQ travelers too.
A curved white frontage is indicative of its Bauhaus heritage. Thus, several original features remain, like the facade and the lobby staircase. Eccentric additions like LED screen walls in hallways and vibrant lounge chairs in the white lobby lend a modern touch. Lounge on the sun deck or swim in the heated rooftop swimming pool. Furthermore, there’s also a small spa with a sauna and hot tub for relaxing. While the cafe next-door serves a hearty breakfast, the rooftop bar is a popular nightlife venue too. Aside from access to a small gym, the hotel also rents bicycles for you to go exploring on your own.
White-black backdrops, blue and green splashes, and striped floors make for artsy-minimalist rooms. Although they’re compact, large windows and glass-walled bathrooms maximize the space.
The Vera Hotel
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This list is a testament to the profusion of design-centric hotels in Tel Aviv, and The Vera Hotel sits at the top of that list. The industrial-chic boutique hotel in Downtown Tel Aviv is a mere 20-minute walk from the beach.
The retro design hotel had a former life as an office building from the 1950s. The eclectic lobby/bar pays homage to the city’s talent. Think original coffee-table and photography books, exciting art installations. As it happens, the staircase with a poem-etched banister is an art installation as well. Apart from bicycle rentals, the place also offers pilates, yoga classes, and spa treatments. Moreover, the lobby bar serves healthy, appetizing breakfast. Finally, the wooden rooftop deck is bursting with umbrellas, sun loungers, and local foliage.
Comfy beds, sleek mod-cons, and interesting light fixtures light up the stark-style rooms. Thoughtful touches include city guides, local fruit bowl, and a small aloe vera pot for you to use.
Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
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It’s impossible to curate a list of Tel Aviv’s beach hotels and not include the Dan Panorama. The seaside hotel lies a little south of the Beach and is perfect if you’re a first-time visitor to Tel Aviv.
Although it doesn’t have the features of newer properties, you won’t be disappointed. The entryway features high ceilings and large windows with panoramic seaside views. The staff is the highlight at this hotel, and are ready to take care of every whim and fancy. Lounge on the deck chairs by the oversized turquoise pool, which is a haven during hotter months. Work off those Mediterranean calories in the gym before heading for a relaxing soak in the spa and sauna. That said, the highlight of this hotel is its restaurants of all which are kosher. But, it’s breakfast where the hotel shines, which is hearty and delectable.
Most of the standard, entry-level rooms have balconies with sea views. To that end, ask for south-facing rooms to gaze at the Mediterranean sunsets. Modern bathrooms and a list of standard mod-cons complete the rest of the place.
Dave Gordon
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Another Bauhaus addition to this list is Dave Gordon, an excellent budget hotel a street away from the beach in Tel Aviv. It’s not only easy on the wallet, but it doesn’t sacrifice style and sensibility either.
The hotel sits in a 1970s Bauhaus structure while plying on a cool hipster aesthetic. Each showpiece, accessory, and furniture comes from the city’s flea markets. Think cartoon-themed barber chairs, vintage Pac-Man machines, and retro leather sofas. The amenities are equally whimsical. For instance, if you fancy getting a tattoo, you can get it done right at the hotel’s tattoo parlor! Cool outdoor areas like the rooftop terrace are ideal for swapping stories with fellow guests. Also, there are rental bicycles to explore the ‘hood on your own and a library for bibliophiles. The food scene here is as refreshing as it’s interesting. You can head to one of three local all-day restaurants for meals, trying something new every day.
Despite differing room sizes, all have plush furnishings, antique accessories, and immaculate bathrooms. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, we’d recommend upgrading to the Foxy Superior Rooms. They’re as hip as they sound.
White Villa
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The luxury boutique hotel of White Villa is another splendid addition to a tree-lined street in the White City of Tel Aviv. The hotel started out as a Bauhaus private residence in the mid-20th century. A spiraling marble staircase sits at the core of the structure. Since it’s a historic property, common areas are limited to a well-equipped gym, breakfast room, and a lounge. That said, the lounge makes for a great place to curl up with a book on the comfy sofas. A verdant front porch is a great place for sipping on a coffee or a cocktail. You can also dig into breakfast in the breakfast room. What’s more, the rooftop patio is a fantastic place to lounge.
18 rooms make living as intimate as it gets. A white palette expands the space in the light-filled rooms, which also have polished fireplaces. Moreover, some rooms even have patios and balconies.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Tel Aviv:
- Tel Aviv Local Food Experience: This unique food tour takes you on a yummy journey of Jewish food.
- Miznon King George: This simple fast food joint serves delicious gourmet fare. It’s famous for its excellent Middle-Eastern sandwiches and sides.
Recommended Activities In Tel Aviv:
- Tel Aviv Architecture Guided Walking Tour: Tel Aviv is famous for a long history and intricate architecture. Discover them all on this delightful walking tour.
- Bethlehem Half-Day Trip from Tel Aviv: Mesmerizing Bethlehem is the famous birthplace of Jesus. Explore its history on this Nativity Tour.
