Tried & Tested

Hotel check: West All Suite hotel

28 May 2012 by Jenny Southan

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The West hotel is a contemporary cylindrical-shaped block a short walk from the sea, but in an area of the city that is pretty remote. There is a fair amount of construction work going on around in what otherwise is a fairly desolate area, but no doubt in the future it will be just an extension of Tel Aviv’s beachfront. Having opened just last year, it looks new, and the modern lobby is filled with light through glass walls on either side. There is a swimming pool open in the summer and, in terms of accommodation, guests have their pick of two types of one-bedroom suite, all equipped with kitchenettes and living areas. It is a member of Tamares Hotels, which has three other properties in Israel.

WHERE IS IT? On Herzel Rozenblum just by Tzuk Beach (a pretty remote area), about 10km from the centre of Tel Aviv and about 30 minutes to the airport, traffic-permitting. I had a problem getting back to the hotel one evening, when my taxi driver misunderstood where it was and drove me all the way to the neighbouring town of Herzaliya, 8km north of where the property is actually located.

ROOM FACILITIES Suites all come with balconies and open-plan living areas with sofa beds and kitchenettes (equipped with a microwave, stove, fridge, freezer, kettle, minibar, utensils and dining table), plus a separate bedroom and en suite bathroom. Standard amenities include wifi (ILS 79/£13 for 24 hours), air conditioning, a stereo, two flatscreen TVs, and bathrooms with combined tubs and showers.

Higher category Deluxe suites occupy the upper floors (from level four). The colour scheme is neutral and fresh, with lots of white, grey and black, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light. A bookcase, coffee table with magazines and a large print on the wall make the suites feel more homely.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS There is one eatery on-site, the West Café, which is an open-plan venue just off the lobby. I only tried it in the morning for breakfast and was not overly impressed – there was a modest buffet with a varied selection of local and international items, and waiter service for coffee, but when I was delivered a dish of pastries I found one had had a bite taken out of it. When I told the waiter, he didn’t seem too phased, just took it off and threw it in the bin. It was also lacking in ambiance so I wouldn’t recommend it for an evening meal.  

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is a 24-hour business centre on the first floor with wifi, computer stations, international newspapers, coffee and snacks. There are no meeting rooms.

LEISURE FACILITIES The swimming pool was closed when I visited out of season (it is open April-October), but there is a spacious ground-floor gym with plenty of natural light and a steam room and sauna. However, these are peculiarly placed on a corridor so people walking by can see you, meaning they don’t feel very private or relaxing. The beach makes a lovely place to run in the morning, swim or sunbathe.

VERDICT A contemporary property with great sea views and direct access to the beach, but its windswept location miles from the centre of Tel Aviv makes it feel rather off the beaten track. However, it does offer the advantage of a well-equipped suite at a good price. Service is average.

FACT FILE

HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 65 one-bedroom suites across two categories – Suite and Deluxe Suite.  

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The spacious room with separate living, dining and cooking area, the floor-to-ceiling windows and free wifi.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in June started from US$225 for a suite.

CONTACT West All Suite hotel, Herzel Rozenblum 12, Tzuk Beach; tel +972 3770 6666; english.tamareshotels.co.il

Jenny Southan

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