A stone throw away from Metzitzim Beach and the beginning of the bustling Tel Aviv port.
By DAVID BRINNTHE LOBBY of the Tal By the Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv(photo credit: SIVAN ASKAYO)
They say location is everything.In that case, the Tal by the Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv doesn’t need to do a thing besides exist. But luckily for its guests, it does a whole lot more.Situated at the northern end of the somewhat downscale Hayarkon Street, just steps away from the famed Metzitzim Beach and the beginning of the bustling Tel Aviv port, the Tal Hotel in its earlier incarnation was one of those rundown eyesores that you would endeavor to avoid unless you were part of a budget-minded youth group or maybe looking for something morally ambiguous.Enter a decision by the Atlas Hotel Group, which at considerable cost, spent nearly three years gutting their oldest building and erecting an attractive, light, airy and modern edifice in its place. The extensive face and body lift has transformed the Tal into a welcoming upscale beacon that, since its reopening last month, has begun attracting an eager clientele.‘We’re the size of a regular hotel but with the feel of a boutique hotel,” said manager Eran Bar in the spacious dining room where a sumptuous breakfast spread had been laid out. With friendly staff, a relaxed beachtown ambience and a comforting design – both in the lobby and in the rooms with splashes of green and purple – Bar’s claim rings true.According to Atlas representatives, the 10-floor hotel was designed to connect a soft and fresh Mediterranean style with the sophisticated urban feel of Tel Aviv. There’s a deck right outside the entrance where guests can enjoy a drink while breathing in the salty air and taking in the Tel Aviv scenes unfolding in front of them. A half-dozen well-maintained bicycles are available free of charge for great cruising along the promenade or farther afoot, along the Hayarkon.Just as much fun is the rooftop terrace where sunbeds, ample seating areas, and an outdoor air bar embellish the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and the Mediterranean. Time your visit there with the 5 to 7 p.m.happy hour, featuring complimentary wine and beverages, hot soup and delicious cold wraps with smoked salmon and tuna.The homey rooms have all the accoutrements one is accustomed to, and some of them feature sea views. The rooms are not huge, but are more spacious than the shoe boxes that some Tel Aviv establishments pass off as full-sized rooms.The Tal also offers a range of seminar halls, a well-equipped gym, a sauna, a business center, lounge and spacious underground parking, something not to be taken for granted in congested Tel Aviv.The aforementioned breakfast is representative of the reason why Israeli breakfasts are world famous – fresh, homemade pastries, eggs made to order, great smoked fish and salads galore.The kosher dining room also offers an affordable half-board option, including a meat buffet dinner – which for large groups unable to reserve a room all together in one of the area restaurants, can be a major convenience.But couples or families might want to take advantage of the plethora of options right outside the door, because the main attraction is Tel Aviv. It just has some stiff competition from the Tal by the Beach.For rates and availability, go to https://m.atlas.co.il/tal-hoteltel- avivThe writer was a guest at the hotel
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