The Sheraton Tel Aviv sits on the famed Hayarkon Street, just feet away from the beach and nearby to Tel Aviv’s business district (as well as several major embassies). An easy drive from Ben Gurion Airport, the Sheraton Tel Aviv is a fantastic place to begin any trip around Israel. Being a beach-front property, there are many perks, not the least: a sea view from every room!
Location
As one of the few Marriott hotels in Israel, it’s no surprise this property attracts business travelers by the thousands. So much so the Sheraton was voted Israel’s leading business hotel (according to World Travel Awards).
Unlike many of its Sheraton counterparts around the world, this particular Sheraton has made a noticeable effort to be a step above the rest. Is it a sense of sibling rivalry? Who knows! Whatever the reason… Between the refurbished rooms, the amazing views, the exclusive lounge, and the attentive service levels, this hotel really feels less like a Sheraton and more like one of Starwood’s higher-end brands (say, for example, a Westin).
From a leisure traveler’s perspective, the hotel does not disappoint either. It is vegan and gluten-free friendly, offers a breakfast buffet that rivals those of the best five-star hotels in the country, and is the only hotel in Israel to with the Green Key award, affirming its commitment to environmentally-sustainable hotel business practices.
Rooms
And while some rooms have unobstructed, panoramic sea views, every room and suite in the hotel has at least a partial sea view; that’s nothing to scoff at! Those partial sea view rooms may be even more desirable for some, as they also offer a glimpse into the (seemingly never-ending) hustle that is downtown Tel Aviv. A really beautiful site to see, both during the day and at night.
We were booked into one of their newly refurbished Mediterranean Suites. I’ll get to the room description in a minute, but wow… Just wow. Talk about a view! Many hotels offer great sea views from a bedroom or living room balcony (as this one did). But very few properties can offer a bathroom with a view that rivals those that we had. The suite had a “standard” bathroom inside the room, without a window, with a shower, toilet and double-sink vanity. Just past the closet, however, you then find the bathroom, a separate room for a soaking tub. The best part? The view.
The bathtub sits perfectly in front of a tall window with a beautiful, sweeping view over the Mediterranean; now I know where the suite got its name! The suite itself was simple and bright. Upon entrance was a small coffee table with four chairs and a small bar-like surface with a coffee maker and a few bottles of water. Past that was the formal sitting/living room, which featured a simple three-seater coach and a sleek, black coffee table. The television was hung on the wall in front of the couch, as there was no formal TV stand or dresser in the living room. There was a beautiful balcony. Not quite large enough for chairs, but perfect just to stand out and take in the amazing city and sea views – that, and the relaxation-inducing sounds of the waves crashing onto the sandy shores.
Service & Facilities
The lounge here at the Sheraton Tel Aviv is what sets it apart from other Sheratons worldwide. First is the true feel of exclusivity. The club lounge here is restricted to guests 18 years and over, which meant we couldn’t even bring our son in. I wasn’t upset at all though; I understood the rule, obeyed it, and everyone in their benefit. If you’re there as a family, take turns between who watches the kids as the other goes up to enjoy the offerings in the lounge. The second great feature is what they have available. Unlike many executive lounges in hotels around the world, the Sheraton has alcohol available at all hours of operation – free of charge – as well as snacks. During the morning hours, there is a full buffet breakfast; in the middle of the day, you have cheeses, crackers, one-bite deserts, and chips; then in the evening, you have hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, followed by cheeses and crackers for a late-night snack.
Much like the guest rooms, the lounge also boasts unparalleled sea and city views from just about every seat. It may not be the largest hotel lounge in the world – not even the largest Sheraton club lounge – but the offerings, service, and views make it truly top-notch.
Food & Drink
Tel Aviv is known for it’s fantastic nightlife and ever-gentrifying neighborhoods and eateries. Any trip to this bustling coastal city should include at least a few meals out and about in the city. However, for those staying at the Sheraton Tel Aviv – or even those not staying at the hotel and just looking for a great dining experience – their Olive and Leaf restaurant is a fantastic choice. However, one thing to keep in mind: Due to their observance of Jewish (Kosher) dietary laws, they are not open during the Jewish Sabbath (Friday night through Saturday night).
For most of the year, the restaurant’s focal point is the meat-heavy menu, which could leave even the biggest skeptic salivating for more. The head chef, who is of Moroccan descent, takes pride in fusing contemporary, international dishes with flavors from around the Middle East. We should note he does it very well. If you’re undecided on what to order, we recommend the lamb chops! So popular that even after a new menu was revealed, the lamb chops remained a staple dish. In the summer, however, the menu takes a back seat to the ambiance. You’re still able to order anything you’d like, but now instead of limiting yourself to restaurant seating, you have access to the outdoor terrace with a bar, lounge area, and some of the best sea views on the property. What more can you ask for than to enjoy a rich fish dish just feet away from the Mediterranean?
Conclusion
Unsurprisingly, this property continues to be among the most popular in Tel Aviv for leisure and business travelers. Its quality of service is apparent in each and every staff interaction, the views from the room are to die for, its meeting facilities are some of the largest in the city, and the location is unbeatable. You’ll feel taken care of from start to finish, and your every request is almost sure to be fulfilled. They are both family-friendly and environmentally conscious; both are focused on the business traveler and desire to make every family vacation special. Whether you are in Tel Aviv for a day or a week, be sure to include this beach-front Sheraton as part of your travel plans.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
