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Sleeping around in Tel Aviv
Accommodation options in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a popular holiday destination as well as thriving business, diplomatic and media hub. Accordingly, it offers a full range of accommodation with numerous hotels and hostels to fit any budget. The two main factors to take into account when choosing an accommodation in Tel Aviv is the state of your bank account and what your purpose of visit is. While Tel Aviv is easily traveled by car, cab, bike or foot it is best to try and find the accommodation that best fits your needs. If you are here to sun and fun, the beachside hotels with their great views and luxurious swimming pools are the best for you. If you are coming on business there are some hotels which allow you easy access to Tel Aviv’s business centers. Low budget travelers can choose between different style hostels, some much nicer than others. Prices are constantly changing and are higher during the summer months as well as Easter and Jewish holidays. I will give general price ranges for a single, per night. I recommend that reservations for hotels be made in advance, especially for those coming during high season, as Israeli hotels are notorious for overbooking. Breakfast is usually included in the room price, but check with the hotel. The following listing will be by price range from expensive to cheap.
Oh blessed luxury...
Tel Aviv has many five star luxury hotels. Most of these are set on Hayarkon st. which runs along the Tel Aviv shoreline. These hotels offer all you would expect in their standard: swimming pools, restaurants, shops, gyms and convention centers. Most of these hotels belong to international chains such as the Hilton and Sheraton companies. Prices for a single usually start at 130$ per night and can range up to 7500$ per night for the Presidential suite.
The Hilton Tel-Aviv
In the center of Tel Aviv’s north-south axis, with the beach on one side and surrounded by a park, lies the Hilton. This five star plus is a tempting option for those who can afford it. Good views and balconies, a large outdoor pool and easy access to the beach make it a good choice for a sunny vacation. Parking. $500+ rooms.
The Dan Tel-Aviv
Near the Hilton, on Hayarkon st. is the Dan (not to be confused with its sister hotel the Dan Panorama which is in the south of the city). This colorful building is another of Tel Aviv top hotels. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beachfront views, a minutes walk from the beach and central Tel Aviv shopping and restaurants. Parking available. Near major car rental companies. $250+ rooms.
Sheraton Moriah Hotel
Another of the five star hotels on Tel Aviv’s beachfront stretch. Outdoor pool, gym, parking, beach access (Frishman beach- see beaches) and all other amenities. Same neighborhood as the Dan and Hilton. Near car rental agencies. $355+ rooms.
Crown Plaza
On the beach next the Sheraton Moriah with direct access to the beach. Outdoor pool covered and heated in winter. Sea view rooms. Restaurants and the works. 245 rooms.
Southern Comfort...
Further south there are a few more luxury hotels which are nearer to Jaffa, and set 100 meters from the beach. These hotels give easier access to Tel Aviv southern areas, yet are set in a less tourist oriented area (for better and worse).
David Intercontinental Hotel
Along Herbert Samuel st. in the south side of the city is the David Intercontinental Hotel. This five star deluxe hotel is nestled between Neve Tzedek, Charles Clor park and the beach. The hotel offers great views towards Jaffa as well as the Mediterranean. Full amenities, pool, gym, business center etc... The hotel is Madonna’s choice when she stays in Tel Aviv. The hotel often hosts conventions so best to book in advance. The only downside in this hotel is that it obscures the sunset from my window, but you can’t win them all... $550+ rooms.
Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
Adjacent to the David Intercontinental is the Dan Panorama. This is another option in the five star category. If you cross the road the beaches and soft sands of the Mediterranean will engulf you. The seafront promenade (Tayelet-see beaches) passes right in front and ancient Jaffa is within walking distance. With Neve Tzedek just behind this is a good location to base your Tel Aviv vacation from. 500 rooms.
Another hotel worth mentioning is :
Sheraton City Tower located in a modern skyscraper near the Bursa business area. This is a modern hotel with an elegant lobby and is equipped with all amenities. The hotel features rooms known as Smart Rooms equipped with full modern communication and internet services. Its location makes it popular with business-people. The hotel offers a shopping arcade and a shuttle bus to the beach. Good views but not an inspiring neighborhood. Has a pool and gym.
Boutique Hotels
For those who have a tighter budget or those who prefer a small-medium sized hotel to a large one, there are many boutique hotels scattered around Tel Aviv. These hotels are usually 3-4 star standard. Some have a pool, others do not. Many of these hotels are situated on the Yarkon st., mostly on the eastern side (you need to cross the road to get to the beach). Prices range around 60-90$ per night. Some of the hotels in this class offer holiday apartments and special rates for extended stays. Some of these are quite good and offer you more for less money.
Basel Hotel
Located in the north of the Yarkon st. on the corner of Ben Gurion boulevard is the Basel hotel. Only 200 meters from the beach and near Tel Aviv’s central shopping and restaurant districts this hotel has much to offer. The Basel has an outdoor pool (open during the season) and a great location. PR: around 80$ per night.
De La Mer – Feng Shui Hotel
Further south on Hayarkon st. (near Allenby st.) is the Hotel De la Mer-Feng Shui. This small hotel has only 27 rooms, all designed according to the Feng Shui principles. It is located on the beach and quite central in Tel Aviv. The hotel is located inside a Bauhaus style building, and is a good choice for those who enjoy relaxing and taking it easy. PR: Around 75$ per night.
Cinema Hotel
On Dizengoff square (Kikar Dizengoff) in a newly refurbished Bauhaus style building is the Cinema Hotel. It is protected from the noise of Dizengoff st. by tall trees and overlooks the square. The hotel is located in a space that used to be a cinema and the décor is set along those lines (the lobby sells popcorn!!), The hotel has a rooftop bar, and offers nice accommodation for a reduced price. It is a ten minute walk from the beach but near all the central shopping and dinning areas. People say that the atmosphere is easy going, and while it doesn’t have a pool and other fancy facilities, it offers good value for money. The square below is an interesting place with markets on Fridays, and many restaurants and shops. PR: 50-70$ per night.
There are many hotels in this class, here are a few more that you can check out:
Sea.Net Hotel on Hayarkon corner of Nes Tzyona st. 100 meters from the beach. PR: Around 70$ per night.
Yamit Park Plaza on Hayarkon on the beachfront. 180 rooms, pool, gym. Good location. PR: Around 75$ per night.
Tal hotel on the northern end of Hayarkon st. 120 rooms. Near Metzitzim beach (see beaches). Friendly reception. PR: Around 80 $ per night.
Holiday Apartments
As many visitors choose to stay in Tel Aviv for a while or return frequently, many holiday apartment hotels have emerged in the past few years. These hotels offer good prices for longer stays, and allow you to save money by cooking your own food (most include a kitchenette). These can be nice and homey as well as good value. Could be the best choice for families who intend to stay for a week or more.
Kikar Dizengoff Apartment Hotel
On Dizengoff square this hotel offers both 3 star and 5 star standard holiday apartments. The location is very central with shopping and dinning all around. Prices are quite reasonable; it may be possible to negotiate special rates for longer stays. PR: Around 40 $ per night for 3 star standard and 70 $ per night for the five star.
Haavakook Apartment Hotel
On the street of the same name in northern Tel Aviv and near the beach. Offers small hotel type apartments and a pool and gym in the adjacent hotel. Good location, close to beach. PR: Around 50$ per night.
The Home Apartments
Hayarkon st. corner of Frishman st., great location (just across from the Dan hotel) 100 meters from the beach. Have different sizes of apartments. PR: From 45$ per night.
Andromeda Hill Apartments
This ambitious real estate project located in Jaffa offers holiday apartments. The location is exquisite, bordering old Jaffa and good views to the sea. PR: Around 40$ per night.
On a shoestring
For those of you traveling on a tight budget, no worries, Tel Aviv has hostels and cheap hotels in abundance. In this class it is more important to be picky, for while most places are clean and reasonable some others are quite dubious. Most hostels have dormitory and single/ double rooms. These are an excellent place to meet other travelers like yourselves, and most places have a bar or common room where people can meet and talk. Some rooms have private toilets and showers, others have communal showers.
My two personal favorites are:
The Gordon Inn on Gordon st. Just 2 minutes from the beach. 31 rooms Dor/S/D. Really good bar!! Nice and friendly staff. Great location on Gordon st. close to everything. PR: 30$ per night.
The Old Jaffa Hostel in Jaffa is one of the best hostels in Tel Aviv. Located near the flea market this are is highly colorful and picturesque. Romantic and charming old Jaffa is just across the street and the beach is just 5 minutes away. This is a relaxed family atmosphere hostel. The beautiful rooftop terrace offers splendid sea views and the spirit of old Jaffa. PR: Dormitory room bed 8$ per night. S/D around 30$ per night. Great place for families, couples or single tourists.
Also…
Hayarkon 48 Hostel is located (obviously) on 48 Hayarkon st. Good location on the south side of Hayarkon st. near the beach and the market. Both dorms and single/double rooms available. Good breakfast, pool table, rooftop bar (summer). Friendly staff. Good location for Tel Aviv contacts (work, parties, etc..). PR: Dorms 10$ per night (less for longer stays) S/D for 30-40$ per night.
Beware of…
Many hostels and cheap hotels on the south side of Hayarkon, Allenby and BenYehuda streets are quite dodgy. Many rent rooms by the hour… and not all of them offer a clean and wholesome stay. So… check it out in advance.

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