Originally Posted by Jasper2009

You'll find some good advice regarding hotels in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ls-israel.html

There are some smaller boutique hotels in Tel Aviv which some FTers have found to be excellent, but most FTers would probably agree with me that non of the larger hotels in Tel Aviv are true luxury hotels.

The Dan Tel Aviv is closer to the (popular parts of the) beach and arguably has a better location for restaurants, shopping etc.

The Dan Panorama and Intercontinental are closer to Jaffa and while both are on the promenade, that part of the beach isn't as busy / doesn't have as many restaurants, however the ability to walk to Jaffa is an advantage.

I personally prefer the IC over the Dan when it comes to rooms and service. FWIW: The service on the Club floor generally is better than at the hotel in general.

For recommendations on tours / tour guides, I recommend checking out the Middle East destination forum. I also seem to remember some discussion about the airport VIP service there; in either case I'd say it's a waste of money for arrivals (distances are short and lines at passport control are reasonable), but potentially very useful for departures if they can get you access to a separate (faster) security line.

2 and 2 days doesn't sound unreasonable, but it really depends on your interests. If you're intersted in religion/culture/history, I'd probably do 2.5 days in Jerusalem.