The best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel display the city’s vibrant culture with elan
Historic buildings are reborn thanks to exceptional design and more falafel and humus than you can shake a stick at.
Similar to London, Tokyo, and Paris, Israel’s capital is renowned for being incredibly hip, offering visitors a plethora of cultural experiences. Adding to the increasingly spirited ambience of the city are the best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. Often passion projects that involve taking abandoned buildings and converting them into contemporary residences, these eclectic abodes retain the city’s heritage while at the same time do not hold back from experimentation when it comes to innovation, decor, and top-class facilities.
The best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel
1. Fabric Hotel
Fabric calls itself a “neighbourhood saloon” and manages spectacularly to seize the eccentricity of the same through its energetic hipster aura. Close to Carmel Market and Rothschild Boulevard, the 43-room accommodation, previously a sewing factory, is the poster child of Tel Aviv’s transformative nature, showcasing a design-conscious eclectic ethos.
A uniform red brick building from the outside, Fabric’s interiors are a cacophony of distinct themes and colour palettes. The rooms, in particular, are gorgeous cocoons where industrial fixtures marry modern furniture, resulting in a cosy albeit stylish setting. We found the wooden accent walls behind the beds to be a brilliant feature that gives the space an almost den-like look.
Worldly in its appeal, Fabric Hotel’s Brooklyn-inspired Bushwick Bar and Coffee House is another one of its unmissable charms and the place to relax after a day out in the city.
Learn more about Fabric Hotel
2. The Norman
Surrounded by the white Bauhaus buildings of Tel Aviv’s White City neighbourhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Norman epitomises the luxury boutique experience. Spread over two refurbished buildings, its design, conceptualised by interior designer David d’Almada, highlights the area’s 1920s Modernist architecture while elevating its presence through thoughtfully curated art and decor.
The Norman’s 50 rooms and suites complement its vintage vibe but also create an individual identity by amalgamating design aesthetics of the classic and the contemporary. Splashes of colourful furnishings, spacious arrangements, and a host of amenities like a Nespresso machine, Sony OLED TV, complimentary homemade treats, fresh flowers, double-glazed windows, and rain showers help make your stay all the more special.
Accentuating the hotel’s charm are its three eateries, Alena, The Library Bar, and Dinings. The latter is a Japanese tapas restaurant situated on the rooftop near the hotel’s oh-so-lovely infinity pool and sun deck.
Learn more about The Norman
3. Lily & Bloom
Staying in a quintessentially streamlined 1930s Bauhaus building when visiting Israel is an opportunity not to miss. At Lily & Bloom, you not only immerse yourself in the architectural legacy of the White City but get to do so while luxuriating in one of the best urban boutique hotels in Tel Aviv.
Situated close to the posh Rothschild Boulevard, Lily & Bloom allows guests to relish the classical element of its design through 37 well-appointed rooms. Consisting of eclectic photographs and designer furniture that don’t necessarily overpower the space, each bedroom comes brimming with modern-day comforts such as free WiFi, air conditioners, Nespresso machines, work desks, and en-suite baths.
For epicureans, besides the breakfast spread in the morning, there are snacks and cava in the evening. At the same time, while afternoons are ideal for a session at the rooftop solarium, evenings are when guests typically like to enjoy a drink or two at the in-house bar.
Find out more about Lily & Bloom
4. Hotel Saul
A central location on a quiet street, a sense of nostalgia exuding from every corner, and a passion for showcasing Tel Aviv in all its glory, that’s Hotel Saul in a nutshell. Designed by Israeli architect Dan Troim, the 34-room eco-accommodation is a 1940s former office building that encompasses the city’s modernity but doesn’t stray from the region’s authenticity.
As a result, a striking vibrancy runs through the veins of the hotel, visible through its embellishments that range from exposed brick walls, a combination of contemporary meets vintage furniture, and planned minimalism that surprisingly adds more value to the space.
The rooms at Hotel Saul range in size, catering to all, from solo travellers to small families, offering picture-perfect abodes that bask in the glory of retro elegance. However, the services, from in-room Netflix, Apple TV, and popcorn to Gili’s Coffee House in the lobby and sun deck, further help place the dog-friendly residence among the best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv.
Find out more about Hotel Saul
5. Sam and Blondi
Sam & Blondi is among the most charming boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, housed in a 1930s yellow-hued vintage building. The concept of the 45-room sojourn comes from a unique source, that of Ubi Sharabani’s eponymous story about two lovers exploring Tel Aviv, writing primarily for the establishment.
As part of the 7Minds hospitality group, Sam & Blondi promises excellent service, top facilities, and the very best in comfort. A stay in one of the rooms here is also an opportunity to engage with 1970s design ethos with unmatched creature comforts like standalone tubs, tanning beds in balconies, and dual sinks in the en-suites. Interestingly, while the two-toned walls keep the interiors subdued, designer flooring and decorative bathroom walls act as contrasting features giving the rooms a lively character.
Furthermore, the on-site spa, terrace with dipping pool, and casual eatery are convenient and perfect little escapes within the hotel space where you can rest the mind and rejuvenate the body.
Find out more about Sam and Blondi
6. Brown Beach House
Tel Aviv’s growing fame amongst international travellers is partly due to its Mediterranean-facing location and gorgeous beaches. Award-winning Brown Beach House places you smack-bang in the middle of the city’s seafront neighbourhood, ready to impress visitors with its alluring boho vibe.
A tropical-themed beacon highlighting the city’s growing boutique trend, Brown Beach House entered the market in 2015 with much fanfare, standing tall amongst a line of branded hotels. Not surprisingly, its 52 rooms, most with balconies, soon became the perfect cool and calming respite from the addictive liveliness of the city.
True to its name, the hotel celebrates its coastal location through David Azouz and Guy Velikson of VStudio and designer Aline Langlieb’s 1950s designer components and beach decor. Our favourite spots are the lobby with an eye-catching yellow couch, the wall full of books, and the in-house spa with the most luscious patio featuring a Jacuzzi.
Find out more about Brown Beach House
7. The Jaffa
A boutique property doesn’t necessarily have to be small, and The Jaffa is a remarkable example of the contrary. Once a French Hospital and a monastery, the 19th-century grand residence houses 120 rooms, placing guests close to the mesmerising waters of the Mediterranean and in the heart of the port city’s most attractive neighbourhood.
The highlight of a stay at The Jaffa is its awe-inspiring architecture, which includes gorgeous stained-glass windows, grand arches, and stone pillars, creating a regal palatial setting. However, we found the juxtaposition between the ancient architecture and modern interiors, designed by John Pawson, to be truly remarkable.
Minimalistic yet impactful, the contemporary furniture gives the common areas, from the lobby to the courtyard restaurant and the guest rooms, a sleek exclusive identity. The latter are restful abodes packed with luxurious features such as marble bathrooms, rain showers, private balconies, living areas, and ambient lighting.
Not to be forgotten, The Jaffa’s outdoor pool proves to be the perfect spot to laze around if you’re feeling too sluggish to walk down to the waterfront.
Find out more about The Jaffa
8. The Drisco Hotel
The Drisco’s legacy dates back to 1866 when brothers John and George Drisco first arrived in Jaffa and decided to open a hotel. Soon sold to Ernst Hardegg, the property, then named Jerusalem Hotel, became quite the revelation, attracting the rich and the famous from 1870 to 1940.
Arguably one of the earliest boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, thanks to its thematic disposition, the building then switched from being a military headquarters and the Ministry of Education to being left in oblivion. That is, until a decade-long renovation project culminated in 2018, resulting in its present-day iconic status.
The Drisco’s dynamic lineage means guests can now appreciate its splendour through attributes like a 1925s mural in its lobby, panoramic beach views from the terrace, and savour Israeli delicacies at the in-house George & John restaurant.
As for the rooms, comfort and modernity form the crux of the living quarters. However, it is eventually the Middle Eastern design elements, such as the light fixtures and headboards, that bring colour and elegance to these spaces.
Learn more about The Drisco Hotel
9. Alma Hotel & Lounge
Alma Hotel is a mecca for design enthusiasts, boasting a cross-section of artistic impressions throughout the property that leaves guests in a state of amazement. Inherently unique, the hotel is a treasure trove full of fascinating discoveries.
Designer Ari Shaltiel delights visitors with a mix of textures, from reclaimed wood and Turkish rugs to original mosaics and exclusive art interspersed across the 19th-century structure. The eclectic decor flows into the 15 guest rooms, where brightly shaded accent walls and curated furniture add to their bohemian distinctiveness.
Furthermore, Alma Hotel just happens to be home to one of the most revered restaurants in the city, having seating space in the residence’s secret garden and terrace.
Learn more about Alma Hotel & Lounge
10. Poli House
The 1934 building, now known as Poli House, started as an office space and then served momentarily as an Etzel printing press before becoming the famous Naaley Pil children’s shoe store. Refurbished after decades of abandonment, the Nitza Szmuk Architects project, designed by Karim Rashid, is presently among the trendiest hotels in Tel Aviv.
The hotel’s 40 rooms are a play between primarily black and white colours, resulting in an almost futuristic space featuring en-suites with walk-in rain showers, sound systems, working desks, and modern-day amenities. The theme continues throughout the rest of the building, with pops of rich yellows and pinks brightening up the otherwise pure white nooks and corners.
Moreover, the hotel’s rooftop heated lap pool and deck with cabanas are a sunseeker’s paradise during the day. At the same time, the presence of a bar transforms the same area into a hip nightspot come evening.
Learn more about Poli House
11. Melody Hotel
To become one of the best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, a hotel must stand above its competition. Melody Hotel does that by creating a culinary-centric atmosphere consisting of 24-7 complimentary Israeli wine and happy hour bites. Mind you, these insertions are just the cherry on top, as the hotel’s location by the city’s beachside is undoubtedly one of its most loved aspects.
For those looking to simply rest, the hotel’s 50 rooms come laden with modern comforts, plush furniture, and outstanding amenities. Those looking to enjoy the outdoors can head to the rooftop and take in glorious panoramas or relish the complimentary yoga session on Sundays. And if a desire to explore the city arises unexpectedly, Melody Hotel has you covered with bicycles you can borrow for the day.
Learn more about Melody Hotel
12. The Vera Hotel
For an authentic taste of Tel Aviv, book into The Vera Hotel. Passionate about sharing the talents of local artisans, you’ll find everything from Tel Avivian wine on the menus to handcrafted soap in the bathrooms.
Rooms here have a soft industrial vibe and come in a variety of sizes and formations. Be sure to check out the rooftop, which not only affords a wonderful view of the neighbourhood, but is also the spot for a range of wellness activities.
Find out more about The Vera Hotel
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