Sheraton Tel Aviv vs. Intercontinental David
 

Any thoughts as to which hotel is better? We are going to be 6 people in two rooms (I am going to verify that they allow a child in each hotel room with 2 adults).

We are staying on points at both.

On the map, they both look to be similarly located.

We have the Sheraton booked now, but the Intercontinental seems to be a better deal with points/cash available.

How do they compare?

We are going in December, so I'm not sure pool is in the equation.

TIA

Some background.

First, they are a little more than mile apart, with the Sheraton being in the "center" of the boardwalk. The property is older, and I have stayed there before without being overly implressed.

The Intercontinental is newer, but further south in the direction of Yafo. There is a very little that is right there. I have also stayed at this property, and was more impressed with treatment, upgrade offer for points redemption and I seem to recall internet being free here, but very expensive at the Sheraton location.

Rooms are bigger at the IC.

Yeah, there's no wrong decision here, and the Sheraton is a bit closer to "downtown," but the hotels in Tel Aviv aren't quite what you might expect to see in other globally significant cities.

Quick anecdote: I checked a leather jacket at the Sheraton, and the concierge put a sticker on it for the claim check. On the leather. I was NOT happy.

I've stayed at both on business (a couple years apart). Both are very nice properties. The Intercontinental is newer and probably "nicer" as far as the rooms/service go (and has larger lobby/atrium/public space areas). My Sheraton room was comfortable, nice and well appointed with a good view, but not quite in the same class.

Personally I enjoyed the Sheraton more because of the area -- the beach area is livelier with more restaurants nearby (right nearby and up by the old port), and the Dizengoff Street area is nearby with plenty of shops and cafes etc. The Intercontinental is walkable to some nice strolling areas (beach, Neve Tzedek, Jaffa port), but it doesn't feel quite like it's "in" those areas as the Sheraton.

I think you've nailed it-- the Intercontinental feels very "disconnected" from the rest of Tel Aviv based on its location, whereas the Sheraton is much more central-- at least, to the areas I found myself frequenting.

IIRC, the Intercontinental is only about a 15 minutes walk from the Sheraton.

Sure, but when you're walking rather than renting a car, it makes a bit of difference. :)

The IC is definitely a better hotel. As for location, there are some solid nearby beaches. The Sheraton may be a bit of a better location, but the IC really isn't too far away.

well since the OP did say they are going in Dec that means no beach weather, so the Sher being closer to the beach isnt imo any benefit, I think the area around the IC offers alot more interesting walks and less tourists and being a short walk to Yafo is Great

Note that every room at the Sheraton has a private balcony, while none of the rooms at the IC have any balconies. I would prefer the balcony, especially with the great sea/city view that the Sheraton offers.

Forgive me, but this is not true.

Sixth Floor at the IC, often given out for point stays has nice size balconies.
You can see the pool from the hotel next door, as well as the ocean.

The IC is not too far from the Hatachana area, which is a nice walking area, and there's a nice park right across from the IC, which is good if there are children.
The Sheraton is closer to a bunch of nice clubs.

As a follow up, we ended up a the Sheraton. It was about what was expected from a Sheraton. Location was fine, we didn't use the beach as it was December and we were out touring. Not sure there was a big difference between locations (as to the other hotel chains mentioned before) as we were picked up by our awesome guide or we took a cab.

Using SPG points was nice :)