Heart of the city discovered at Tel Aviv’s InterContinental David

I would highly recommend the InterContinental David Tel Aviv Hotel to anyone looking for a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.

By SHAWN RODGERS
Updated: JUNE 26, 2016 10:55
THE LUXURIOUS Royal Suite features striking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa (photo credit: Courtesy)
THE LUXURIOUS Royal Suite features striking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Choosing the right place to escape the hustle and bustle is like picking a suit or a tie – it all comes down to personal preference and style. The InterContinental David Tel Aviv Hotel is a place of serenity and calm, a quiet getaway from the rest of Tel Aviv, despite being located squarely in its center. The first thing you notice about the hotel is the superb location. It’s right on the ocean, and the views are pretty astonishing.
From the moment we walked in, every single staff member was friendly, and incredibly helpful! Check in was seamless and easy. The clerk at the front desk was prompt and polite.
The hotel lobby is elegant, with comfortable lounging furniture and gorgeous crystal chandeliers. Both the Aubergine gourmet restaurant and trendy Inca Casa del Habano Cigar bar are located next to the lobby. It is a great place to chill at night and people watch if you’re into that.
Since our room was not yet ready, we were invited to go up to the club lounge on the 24th floor. With panoramic sea views stretching from Jaffa to north Tel Aviv, this lounge is designed to facilitate the businessman’s time away from the office by making available well-appointed computer stations with Internet access.
The lounge also encourages its guests to unwind with a delicious selection of complimentary food and beverages, including wine or beer, sodas, fresh fruit, cheeses, various dips, salads, etc., from early in the morning until around 10:30 p.m.
Over the past few months, the InterContinental David Tel Aviv Hotel, together with Ara Design International, has embarked on an extensive NIS 15.5 million renovation project to provide a level of luxury that incorporates the local culture and aesthetic.
The main focus of the renovations involved the 135 club rooms, 15 suites and the public areas of the third floor.
In all, there are about 555 rooms in the hotel (39 of which are suites), including the brand new Tel Aviv Suite and two elegantly appointed Royal Suites.
For guests who want to experience the ultimate level of luxury, the grand 126 square meter Tel Aviv Suite (NIS 13,500 per night) features striking views of the Mediterranean and the city of Tel Aviv/ Jaffa. The area features bespoke furnishings and accessories, a selective collection books and art, and a full-service kitchenette with a separate service entrance. A luxurious marble en suite bathroom is replete with a dry sauna, Jacuzzi tub and a jet walk-in rain shower. Rates include access to the exclusive Club InterContinental with private check-in and all day refreshments, 24-hour butler service and complimentary airport pick-up service.
Two Royal Suites (NIS 8,500 per night) feature guest bathrooms, living and dining areas, and connecting deluxe rooms as well. These are just a notch lower than the Tel Aviv Suite.
We had the pleasure of experiencing one of the Royal Suites. When we first entered the suite, I was honestly blown away with how spacious (88 sq.m.), immaculate, and tastefully luxurious it was, without being overly opulent. I’m not usually a fan of modernist furniture style, but the room decor was clean without being cold. Large windows surrounded the suite, revealing spectacular views of the sea and beachfront promenade. It was well equipped with central air conditioning, a king-size bed, bathrobes and slippers, plenty of fluffy white towels and soaps. There was also a separate living room/dining area equipped with a large couch, flatscreen TV, mini-bar, a kettle with tea and coffee and even an expresso machine. The suite was entirely electronically controlled. But not to worry, one of the dedicated staff members showed us how to shut the blinds, shades and curtains with ease.
As for the bathroom, I was delighted to discover luxury Sabon amenities (including Dead Sea products) for hair and skin. The toilet is in a separate compartment inside the bathroom, as is the shower. Double sinks were also a nice feature. In addition, there is a two-person soaker tub (in the same enclosure, but separate from the shower). The bathroom mirror even has a built-in TV, so you can keep up with the latest news while brushing your teeth.
After settling in to our lovely room, we donned the provided bathrobes and slippers to head down to the hotel’s spa.
Located at one of the bottom levels of the hotel, the spa offers a wide range of holistic practices, rejuvenation and beauty treatment experiences for body and spirit, integrating Western and Eastern practices with natural healing techniques and very creative combination of treatments, with pleasant and well-trained personnel who paid amazing attention to detail. Some of the various treatments offered to hotel guests and outside visitors alike include deep-tissue, Swedish and Thai massages, as well as facials, aromatherapy and hot stone treatments. My girlfriend, who chose the velvety exfoliation message, was very impressed not only with the massage but how attentive and tuned in the therapist was to her body.
After a wonderfully relaxing afternoon, we were treated to a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant Aubergine. The service was first class, as we were immediately greeted by chef Alon Hirtenstein, who with much enthusiasm talked us through the wine list and menu. After a slew of delicious appetizers, Hirtenstein recommended his two personal favorites, which consisted of the oven-baked Norwegian salmon fillet and the baby lamb chops. Both were done to perfection, tender and full of flavor, with the side dishes providing excellent accompaniment.
We stumbled back to our room, happy and content.
Breakfast in the buffet lounge the next morning was varied and tasty and came in such copious amounts that my girlfriend and I couldn’t come near to finishing everything – and we’re both hearty eaters. There are separate areas for omelets and eggs, salads, smoked fish, shakshuka, cheese, freshly made waffles, and a separate coffee station where attendants make up cappuccinos and espressos to order. All food in the hotel is kosher.
I would highly recommend the InterContinental David Tel Aviv Hotel to anyone looking for a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.
The writer was a guest of the InterContinental David Tel Aviv Hotel. For more information about the hotel, visit www.intercontinental.com/telaviv or call (03) 795-1111.