Background
The Sheraton brand has been in Tel Aviv since 1961. The original hotel was about a mile north of the current one, which was built in 1977 and has had several renovations in the intervening years, with the most recent being completed this year.
Where is it?
On the beachfront overlooking Shlomo Lahat Promenade. Ben Gurion airport is around a 30-minute drive away (traffic permitting).
What’s it like?
From the outside the hotel is a fairly anonymous rectangular tower, but the lobby opens up to an atrium-like space with a branded café (&more by Sheraton) serving Illy coffee as well as alcohol. The interiors are by HBA design.
To the left is the concierge desk and reception, while to the right is the new Sheraton lobby with its long community table with multiple power points and lockable drawers so you can step away from the desk (keys available at reception). There are phone booths to take and make calls without disturbing others, comfy seating, and small meeting rooms for rent – three off reception, and two larger ones further back in the lobby. It’s a popular space, and well air-conditioned, which was welcome after a walk along the beachfront.
Rooms
There are 320 rooms and suites, all recently renovated, with blue rugs matching the sea views and wooden floors with beige and sandy-coloured furnishings. The aim is for a homely feel so work desks have been replaced with a circular table for eating and working. I was staying in one of the rooms with Club floor access which, although it is the same size as a standard room, saved money on both breakfasts and an evening meal. It also meant I could work there in the evening.
Entry level Deluxe sea view rooms are on floors 3-11 and are 25 sqm, with views of either the marina or Jaffa (depending on whether you are on the north side of the building or the south). Deluxe seafront rooms are the same size but face out to sea and so have the full view. Then, ascending in terms of price (and of floors), the Premium sea view rooms are on floors 12-15 and are the same size. Club floors are on 16-20, with access to the Club on the 18th floor. There are 42 suites – junior suites, Marina, Jaffa, Mediterranean and Ambassador, and a duplex Presidential suite on the 20th floor. All rooms have a balcony.
Inside there’s a laptop safe with a power point inside so it can be left charging and secure, a good-quality hair dryer, and a minibar as well as a coffee machine with Illy coffee. The rooms have a divided bin for recycling, there are large dispensers in the showers – so no miniatures, and there’s a master switch by the door so you can turn off all power when leaving the room, or, if you prefer, keep the air conditioning on so it is cool on your return. Each room has a large bottle of water, replenished daily. There is a sofa bed for a child, if needed, and some rooms have baths in addition to showers – most rooms are shower only.
The Club lounge on the 18th floor offers great views and is a lovely, calm space, with complimentary breakfast and an extensive buffet of healthy food in the evening along with free drinks.
Food and drink
Manara Restaurant on the ground floor offers Levantine-Israeli cuisine for lunch and in the evening, with a good choice of cocktails. On the lower level, Surfside Seaview Restaurant serves an outstanding buffet breakfast. On the second floor there is a poolside bar – Deck 115.
Meetings
There are 16 meeting rooms; 1,214 sqm of space in total. The Diamond Hall can seat up to 180 for a banquet. The third-floor business centre has four meeting rooms which can be combined.
Leisure
There is a gym on the second floor, and an open swimming pool and sun deck. This area will be refurbished over winter 2022.
Verdict
This is an excellent hotel with first-rate service, an enviable position and a thorough refurbishment which makes it one of the favourite spots in the city.
FACT BOX
- Best for Reliable service in a lovely, refurbished hotel
- Don’t miss Watching the sun setting on the Mediterranean in one of the bars with a drink in hand
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in December started from US$399 for a Queen room
- Contact 115 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63573; +972 (3) 521 1111; marriott.com
