by Katherine Fleischman
The city of Tel Aviv boasts the best of all worlds, with it’s delicious foods like falafel and hummus, mixed with a rich, historical culture, and a laid-back beach atmosphere that makes it an ideal city in which to live.
One of my top priorities while visiting during the winter was to be centrally located, while also enjoying a constant view of the Mediterranean, which reminds me of my home in Miami.
The Carlton Tel Aviv just does that. Situated on the beach, it’s been awarded year after year as the top business luxury hotel in Tel Aviv, and is iconic for much more. The five-star hotel is also the perfect example of where “the city meets the sea”, since you are able to have breakfast in the popular beachside stand-alone breakfast restaurant “Carlton on the Beach” with endless views of the ocean, making you feel like you are on a dreamy, floating boat suspended in the water. The gourmet breakfast selection is endless, from an omelet station to an array of delectable baklava desserts. The prime location is also steps from the busy hub of Tel Aviv’s most popular business, shopping, culture, and entertainment options.
The suites are expansive, with unobstructed 360 degree views, so that ‘beach’ feeling never leaves you, even from your balcony, as you watch the boats cruise by or dock in the marina. The 15th floor rooftop pool is chic and the best location to catch the sunset. The hotel has a hip lobby bar to grab a drink and even offers guests a Royal Executive Lounge, with light bites, drinks, a private chill zone, and a business center. The hotel is also the only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in Israel, hosting many Prime Ministers and star studded celebrities.
We stayed in the newly renovated beautifully appointed one-bedroom suite which had a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from its private balcony. In fact 269-rooms (including 12 suites) feature private balconies looking out over the Mediterranean Sea or the Tel Aviv cityscape. Rooms include a large flat screen smart-TV, high speed Wi-Fi, a cozy sitting area, mini bar, coffee & tea making facilities, a large desk and luxurious bathroom with a special scented toiletry set.
There is so much to do in Israel in so little time, and Tourist Journey made the entire process a cinch! Their customizable booking experience via “Create My Journey” allows travelers to instantly organize a completely personalized itinerary across 20 countries, including tours and hotel accommodations, taking the guesswork out of the booking process and tailoring to personal lifestyle. I chose from the Tel Aviv tours HERE and visited Masada, The Dead Sea, and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. I even explored parts of Tel Aviv I had missed on my first two trips like the Carmel Market, urban street art and the historical and rich culture of Jaffa, with a really knowledgeable tour guide.
For the best dining experience, make your way to Alena Restaurant at the Norman Hotel. They have a fun library in the back, a stunning interior and heating lamps outside on the beautiful courtyard. The best dining selections included the yellowtail crudo, lasagna, tortellini, chicken, the burger and chocolate gelato for a sweet finish.
For the sunniest and most entertaining winter holiday season, Tel Aviv is the perfect spot to kick back and relax, for a true vacation without the frigid temperatures.
Photos courtesy of Katherine Fleischman.