Staying in a downtown boutique hotel allows you to get closer to the action and enjoy a taste of Israel’s vibrant city culture.
Boutique hotels are small stylish hotels, typically situated in fashionable urban locations. They generally have no more than 100 rooms and offer a unique design vibe with more character than larger hotels. Many are decorated according to a locally relevant theme or to match the history of the building in which they are located. They strive for uniqueness and reject the corporate atmosphere of larger hotel chains, which usually means that their staff offers more personal attention. The rooms are usually different from one another, and they usually have a stylish bar or lounge with a cool vibe.
Israel has recently joined the worldwide trend of opening small boutique hotels in central locations in its major cities.
Tel Aviv Vibe Hotels
The Atlas Hotels chain was the first to create themed hotels in Tel Aviv. Its Cinema Hotel off Dizengoff Square occupies a 1930s Bauhaus building that was once one of Tel Aviv’s first movie theaters. It is decorated with original theater memorabilia showcasing the stories of classic films, and it has83 stylish rooms and offers happy hour refreshments on its rooftop terrace.
Other luxury boutique hotels that have recently opened in Tel Aviv’s restored Bauhaus buildings include the funky Poli House and the chic Norman Hotel. The Brown Beach House has taken design elements from Miami Beach and the French Riviera and combined them to create a sunny resort feel. Most of its 55 spacious rooms and suites have sun terraces facing the Mediterranean Sea, and it also offers cozy Solo rooms for lone travelers.
Jerusalem’s Heart Hotels
A number of boutique hotels have recently opened in Jerusalem’s downtown district, around the central BenYehuda Street pedestrian mall. Don’t expect peace and quiet here! This is a lively area for souvenir shoppers by day, and for café and pub hoppers in the evenings, with groups of young visitors promenading up and down the central drag to meet and hang out.
The 21st Floor Hotel on Ben Yehuda Street offers an eagle’s eye view of the action. It has 14 custom-designed duplex suites with full kitchens, salons and dining areas, bedrooms and Jacuzzis, and they are also equipped with telescopes, so you can enjoy the panoramic views of Jerusalem’s skyline from their picture windows.
The Harmony Hotel near Zion Square is part of the Music Square complex, with its outdoor restaurants and music museum. It has 50 bedrooms and a club-style business lounge where complimentary happy hour drinks and refreshments are offered to guests every evening.
Historic themed boutique hotels include the Arthur Hotel, named after Lord Balfour and decorated in turn of the century style, with photos from Mandate Palestine, Turkish rugs and Armenian tiles.
The latest trend in ‘green’ hotels is happening in Jerusalem too, with three hotels designed with smart technology to reduce energy consumption and built with ecologically advanced heating systems. In Jerusalem there are three Smart hotels – the Hotel Montefiore, the Jerusalem In and the Eyal Hotel.
If you are looking for a different vibe for your next visit to Israel, talk to Zivit Blonder at Shatour Israel Experience about staying in a boutique hotel.
(Please note that the hotels mentioned in this article are examples only and not endorsed or recommended by Shatour)

Content provided by Women Belong member Zivit Shapiro Blonder