We arrived at the Dan Tel aviv directly from Jerusalem. We had requested the King David concierge to arrange a car transfer but he simply called a taxi, and rate was higher than expected (350 shekels asked by the driver instead of 300 indicated by the Concierge).
The good
- Compared to the King David service at the Dan Tel Aviv was a pleasant surprise. No attitude and no bored waiter, all staff was welcoming and trying their best to grant us a nice stay - Breakfast buffet was great. Same group as the King David so I guess same purchasing team but strangely enough (in a very positive way) the breakfast buffet at the Dan was much better and more appealing (in terms of presentation / taste & quality / diversity) - Location in the centre of the beach promenade is perfect - Pool terrace is nice
The bad
- the room (we stayed in an executive sea view) is dated, actually the whole hotel is very 60s. The bathroom is very tiny, with shower / bathtub combo. - we asked to see other room/suite types. We were shown executive suites at roughly $1300. First one was renovated, but the second was not, and both layouts were very different. Should you choose this category, ask for details in order to be sure you're making the right choice. We were also shown a terrace suite on 3rd floor with a view over the beach from the side of the hotel. Price tag was $1850 which is too high considering the value. The only suites with terrace I would choose are the ones at 5th floor in the beach wing (closest to the beach). - the gym is too small with only 3 different types of cardio training equipment and limited free weights area. - there is no direct access to the beach. In the old days it seems there was one (special level with 'beach exit' is indicated in the lifts). But today they just ask you to use the main lobby on Hayarkon street, turn left and go down the side street to reach the beach - lounge could be a great feature but the choice is too limited - Spa is ok but don't expect anything luxury - No laundry on Saturdays. I understand the religious aspects but I expect a 5-star property to offer constant large range of services whatever the day of the week.
Overall
Shall I go back to Tel Aviv at summer time I would probably still choose the Dan just because there is not enough competition to force old hotels into evolutions (may be the Carlton but location is less good, same for InterContinental David). During the rest of the year I would choose a place in the city centre near Rothschild boulevard, plenty of boutique hotels seem to cater the needs of modern luxury travellers in a much better way.
I hear that Adam Tihany is currently doing a complete refurbishment of King David.
I heard the same. I am not his biggest fan though, to be honest. I find his designs and especially choice of materials don't age particularly well and need tons of maintenance. Very 'high gloss' and maybe this is one of the reasons Brightstart and FS chose him for DJB restaurants and DIFC. BAMO did a much better job at DJB.
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Originally Posted by Pierre&Cédric
During the rest of the year I would choose a place in the city centre near Rothschild boulevard, plenty of boutique hotels seem to cater the needs of modern luxury travellers in a much better way.
Is The Norman the only hotel that fits this bill? I want to be in the centre of TLV action, not at the beach or Jaffa. Seems like a plethora of boutique options in TLV.
Is The Norman the only hotel that fits this bill? I want to be in the centre of TLV action, not at the beach or Jaffa. Seems like a plethora of boutique options in TLV.
I should have mentioned The Setai opened in Jaffa. I toured it a couple of weeks ago while staying at The Hilton. It is a very beautiful very old sandstone building that is completely renovated. You will need to request a premium room to get a view. The problem for me is while it is across the street from the beach there is really no swimming in that area. Also, the restaurant is only open for breakfast and Friday dinner. I guess it will eventually open for everything but that seems a bit crazy to me. They tell you Jaffa has so many restaurants within walking distance that you will not miss the hotel restaurant.
One other comment regarding the Hilton, the executive lounge on the top floor has some of the best food and best selection... better than many restaurants.
I should have mentioned The Setai opened in Jaffa. I toured it a couple of weeks ago while staying at The Hilton. It is a very beautiful very old sandstone building that is completely renovated. You will need to request a premium room to get a view. The problem for me is while it is across the street from the beach there is really no swimming in that area. Also, the restaurant is only open for breakfast and Friday dinner. I guess it will eventually open for everything but that seems a bit crazy to me. They tell you Jaffa has so many restaurants within walking distance that you will not miss the hotel restaurant.
One other comment regarding the Hilton, the executive lounge on the top floor has some of the best food and best selection... better than many restaurants.
The Setai is fine - rooms are average, service ok, but one would also look at the Jaffa just up the street. It is the case that there are a bunch of good restos in close proximity.
Jan 26, 2015, 1:46 pm
