Hotel Review: David Intercontinental

Many a night I lie awake in my bed, wishing I could magically transport the shower from room 2114 to my apartment.

By YONAH SOLOMONS
hotel intercont ta298 88 (photo credit: www.ichotelsgroup.com)
hotel intercont ta298 88
(photo credit: www.ichotelsgroup.com)
The writer was a guest of the hotel. Entering the hotel I was immediately enchanted by the high ceilings and opulent decor of the main lobby of the David Intercontinental. Running along the entire length of the lobby, a shopping arcade features upmarket boutique clothing stores, art galleries and souvenir shops. After check-in I was escorted to my room on the 21st floor. The room had a seaview-facing with a 180 degree view of the Mediteranean Sea. The room has all standard features including a mini bar, lock-up safe and television with a variety of pay-per-view items, including full length movies and internet connection. The afternoon was spent de-stressing by the pool side which overlooks the main promenade and then preparations were begun in earnest for Shabbat. I highly recommend the bathroom. Many a night I lie awake in my bed, wishing I could magically transport the shower and specifically the water pressure from room 2114 to my apartment in Jerusalem. One of the highlights of my Shabbat was the buffet-style meal served at dinner, breakfast and lunch. Cold cuts, fishes, salads, soups, a carvery, roast vegetables and a large selection of deserts were excellently prepared and slowly savored in an afront to my usual fast-food fare hastily eaten at my desk in the office. Another pleasant suprise was the addition of "traditional Shabbat" foods like chicken soup, lochshen, kugel, kneidlach, kishke and cholent. The hotel offers all the services popular with shomer Shabbat guests including Shabbat elevators and keys, and also boasts a good kashrut license. However, my single critisism is with regard to the lack of sensitivity found in the staff towards their more religious guests, often writing down drink orders and crossing names off lists in front of those sporting kippot and Shabbat clothing. Along the same lines, there was a little incident involving a staff member changing the light settings in my room forcing me to touch park in the dark bathroom, as well as sleep with the bedrooms main lights on! Nevertheless, checking out of the hotel on Saturday night with my complimentary pair of slippers, I reflected on a magical weekend, filled with 5-star facilities and service, exquisite cuisine and best of all a superb view. With the beginning of a new work week and my return to the office, the dream is now over, but the memory remains. Hotel features, amenities and services The 25-floor David Intercontinental Hotel is situated close to the major attractions offered by metropolitan Tel Aviv including the famed Carmel Market, Old Yaffo, business district and the beachfront and promenade. It boasts an impressive 555 guest rooms (170 non-smoking rooms), and 39 suites. The top five floors are dedicated exclusively to members of the Intercontinental Hotel chain "International Club," allowing access to the club lounge with complimentary snack buffet and internet access. On-site amenities include a 25-meter pool, health club, salon, room service, baby sitting, dry cleaning/laundry service and a fully equiped business centre. The hotel has ample conference and simha facilities as well as three restaurants and a cocktail lounge. David Intercontinental, Tel Aviv 12 KAUFMAN ST TEL AVIV, 61501 Tel: 972-3-7951111 Fax: 972-3-7951112 Email: telaviv@interconti.com Check-In Time: 2:00 PM Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM