Desert Luxury, Retro Style & Restorations Enliven Israel’s Hotel Scene

Jerusalem’s first new international hotel in over a decade, a luxury desert retreat and a Tel Aviv boutique property paying homage to the 1970s are among the eclectic new and renovated choices on Israel’s hotel scene.

Here are some of the new options.

Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria
The first international hotel to open in Jerusalem in more than a dozen years, the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem overlooking the Old City is slated to debut in spring 2013. The estimated $100 million property, which is walking distance to the famed Jaffa Gate, will have 223 hotel rooms and 30 private residences, a 7,500-square-foot conference hall, three restaurants, a health club and a swimming pool.

The property was once the historic Palace Hotel, which was built in the 1920s. The original façade, which combines Greco-Roman, Gothic and Ottoman architecture, has been preserved, as has the hotel’s grand staircase. Additional floors will be added to the current structure for a total of nine floors.

Beresheet Hotel
Overlooking the Mitzpe Ramon crater in southern Israel’s Negev Desert, this property opened in April 2011.  It’s an ideal choice for the high-end traveler looking for a luxury desert retreat, according to Tali Elidan, marketing manager for Isrotel Hotels, which operates the hotel.

The property features 111 single and double-story chalets spread out and blended into the desert landscape of wide-open spaces and native vegetation. Forty-two of the two-story suites have private swimming pools, with balconies on the second floor. No automobile traffic is permitted on the hotel grounds, with electric vehicles used to travel between the chalets and main building.

Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, gourmet restaurant, indoor swimming pool surrounded by glass walls, outdoor waterfall pool, tennis courts and poolside restaurant. A 3,800 square foot hall is available for meetings.

Brown TLV
 This new boutique hotel is near Tel Aviv’s artsy neighborhood Neve Tzedek. The 30-room property offers travelers an alternative to the big chains, according to hotel manager Danny Tamari.

 “We are a true, brand-new boutique hotel with a design reflecting the glamour years of the 1970s,” he said.

The location is in the heart of Tel Aviv, near restaurants, bars, galleries, markets and the beach. Guests are treated to such amenities as 400-thread Egyptian cotton sheets and Dead Sea bath products plus superior concierge service. All guests receive a bottle of red wine from a boutique winery and pralines made by a local Israeli chocolatier.

Guests can use bicycles free of charge, and snack on complimentary coffee, cakes and cookies 24 hours a day. Relaxation comes in the form of treatments at the full-service spa or enjoying in-season fruit cocktails at the roof-top bar boasting panoramic views of the city.  

Dan Carmel
This 227-room hotel atop Mount Carmel in Haifa recently reopened following a major renovation. The property originally opened in 1963 as Haifa’s first luxury hotel, according to a spokesman.

Guests can enjoy a spa with sauna, fitness room and swimming pool. An exclusive tour of the extended Baha’i Gardens and free guided bus tours every Saturday to historic sites and attractions are available to guests. Danyland is a free activity club for children during the summer months, weekends and Jewish holidays. Dining options include three restaurants and a lobby lounge and piano bar.

Two executive floors offer early check-in and late check-out and access to the top-floor business lounge where complimentary drinks and snacks and a full range of business services are available. Meeting space accommodates groups of up to 1000.

Efendi Hotel
With only 12 rooms, Efendi Hotel offers clients a personalized guest experience at this renovated property overlooking the Mediterranean in the Old City of Akko.

Designed by local restaurateur and chef Uri Jeremias, the property was created from two 200-year-old houses that were preserved and restored in minute detail, said Sigalit Oron, sales and marketing manager.

Many of the rooms feature painted or ancient wooden ceilings. The renovation took eight years and was overseen by the Israel Antiquities Authority to ensure proper preservation, Oron said.

Guests can enjoy the treatment room and double spa, which is a preserved 400-year-old Turkish bath. The intimate wine bar has been built in a restored wine cellar dating from the Crusader era. Seafood dining at Uri Buri, located nearby in a 400-year-old Ottoman House, is also available to guests.