This is an article I simply must write, despite a little devilish instinct that whispers to me: "keep the secret, if everyone will find out you’ll never again find a vacancy, blah, blah, blah". But as a travel writer of any valour, I have to share the best find I came upon in Tel Aviv, one which keeps getting better and more deliciously comfortable each time I visited it, these past two years.
First, it’s located on the best spot, right by the Mediterranean Sea, shiny and white, unassuming yet filled with unusual touches of incredible beauty, luxury and comfort.
The 30 suites are huge, and the beds are like marshmallow clouds you wish you could carry with you everywhere, like a turtle. I found it hard to sleep elsewhere for quite a while after my visits.
The hotel is full of surprises: incredible original artwork everywhere, exquisite décor and everything sparkles, spotlessly clean,
reflecting back the light which streams in from the blue Israeli sky., Every doorpost has beautiful glass Mezuzahs, each a gorgeous work of art. I can’t say enough about the bathrooms with their high quality appliances and showers.
The Regency Best Western offers free high speed Wi-Fi, a brand new gym centre, fully equipped for the most demanding work out guest. Strangely, I found out that people keep returning again and again, they love this place so much. This boutique hotel keeps constantly upgrading itself, and the staff is so delightful and helpful, you can’t help but feel as if you are with family, even if you happen to travel alone.
On my second stay I bumped into two couples I met there a few months previously, and we were all singing the praises of this gem of a hotel.
Each suite is different, adding to this feeling of being in a home rather than the standard, thoughtlessly even décor of most other hotels.
Daniel, one of the sweetest men on duty, deserves a special mention. He made sure to check up on any need our party might have had, and before we even had a chance to utter a wish, like a genie, he made it happen.
In truth, there was nothing missing from making this hotel perfect…the location is central, within steps to the beach and taxis abound to take you anywhere. If you wish, you can to stroll around Tel Aviv or drive over to Jaffa, visit the Carmel shuk (one of my all time favourite places in Israel, a huge, colourful open market, with fresh produce and lots of local colour). The best in entertainment is within walking distance or a short ride away: Tel-Aviv’s famous Habimah theatre, The Kameri theatre, museums galore and Heichal Hatarbut, the famous philharmonic concert hall, home to some of the world’s greatest musicians, beloved by people the world over, host to a constant parade of world famous celebrities. The Opera house is a short distance away, also on Hayarkon Street, by Allenby, Old Tel Aviv’s main street.
The hotel is parallel to Ben Yehuda Street, where all the supermarkets can be found, and the food can be brought back to be eaten in the comfort of your suite.
I for one am smitten and this hotel took a place of honour on my list of hotels I love, and plan to revisit. I can hardly wait for the surprises which will await me on my next visit – and believe me, I am certain I won’t be waiting long.