Are you seeking a luxury hotel that offers the amenities of a beachfront vacation combined with the attractions of a modern, bustling city? The Carlton Tel Aviv may be just the perfect choice.

The privately owned five-star luxury hotel not only directly overlooks the Mediterranean and the Marina on Israel’s Tel Aviv beachfront, it is also just steps from the city’s urban center, where you can shop in indoor and outdoor markets, dine out, visit museums or party the night away at an array of clubs, bars, and lounges.

Since its opening in 1981, the 269-room (including 12 suites) hotel, which was renovated in 2019, is equally poised to host both business and leisure guests. The only member in Israel of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the Carlton’s rooms all have private balconies overlooking the Mediterranean or the Tel Aviv city skyline.

If one element stands out about the hotel, it would be its attention to detail, from check in to departure. Upon arrival, all guests are greeted with a refreshing glass of lemonade garnished with mint leaves — a fantastic way to start one’s vacation! The little things continue to make an impression throughout one’s stay — from the fresh fruit artfully stacked outside each elevator bank to the guest rooms, all which include a large flat-screen smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a sitting area, mini-bar, coffee- and tea-making equipment, a large desk, and ample bathroom with a Carlton Tel Aviv scented toiletry set. Don’t forget to wrap yourself with a “his” or “her” plush Carlton guest robe for the full pampering experience! The hotel staff is also extremely helpful, from the lobby concierge who can easily recommend a casual restaurant in the neighborhood for dinner or a guided tour to the friendly security and bellhop staff, who will quickly arrange a cab for you — or just schmooze, if you are so inclined, about life in Israel.

This executive room offers a full view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Tel Aviv Marina. Photos courtesy Carlton Tel Aviv

Whether you are staying at the Carlton on vacation or for business, don’t miss the bountiful daily breakfast at Carlton on the Beach, located in its own stand-alone floor-to-ceiling windowed building overlooking the sea. You don’t even have to wake up early or rush through the meal to savor the experience; a leisurely breakfast is served until 11:00 a.m. The selections, framed by a honeycomb display, are endless: a made-to-order omelet bar; a juice bar; smoked and marinated fish; rolls, croissants, cereals, granola, yogurts, and fresh pastries; fresh fruits; and daily hot dishes like waffles, quiches, and roasted and stir-fried vegetables. No Israeli breakfast is complete without shakshuka, the spicy egg and tomato casserole that can be enjoyed any time of day. The Carlton’s shakshuka even comes in a delicious vegan version with corn standing in for eggs. Gluten- and sugar-free items are also available.

The breakfast buffet at the Carlton offers a delicious array of breads, pastries, cheeses, juices, vegetables, fish, fresh salads, omelets, waffles, and more. Photo by Harel Gilboa

Other dining and beverage options include Blue Sky, a private event space for fine dining and rooftop cocktails on the 15th floor rooftop; Lumina restaurant, where Shabbat dinner and lunch are served; the Lobby Restaurant and Beachfront Bar; and the Esperanto Bar — open May-October — on a wooden deck adjacent to the Carlton on the Beach restaurant offering summer fare, cocktails, and DJs on rotation.

The Carlton’s Lobby Bar is a great place to relax, people watch, or sip a drink.

During the warmer months, head up to the private rooftop outdoor pool, with a fully stocked bar, on the 15th floor. Climb one more level to access the cozy jacuzzi on the 15th floor, where you can literally soak in the city views.

The Carlton’s rooftop swimming pool lets guests unwind with 360-degree views.

In town for a meeting or business trip? The Carlton is a great place to get some work done, whether you sit on your private balcony with a laptop or visit the 14th floor Royal Executive Lounge, a business center with floor-to-ceiling sea views for executive room-status guests. It offers computers for those who have left their laptops at home as well as newspapers and magazines; secretarial services; coffee, tea, and other drinks; and a light, all-day buffet. The hotel itself offers 10 modern conference rooms and banquet halls that can accommodate from 10 to 300 attendees.

The Royal Executive Lounge offers a quiet place to work, snack, and gaze out at the Mediterranean Sea.

Whether you are a business or pleasure guest, take some time to visit the Gym, which offers nine large LCD screens with a live feed of the beach and sea outside, as well as the Spa, which pampers guests with a wet and dry sauna, jet shower, an array of massages and spa treatments, and a small healthy buffet offering snacks, herbal teas, and cold drinks. Trainers are available upon request.

If you go:

Carlton Tel Aviv

Eliezer Peri Street 10

Tel Aviv, Israel

www.carlton.co.il

Through stays ending Feb. 28, guests who book a minimum of three consecutive nights will be reimbursed for a taxi ride from Ben-Gurion Airport to the Carlton. Present the original receipt (up to 200 shekels) at check in; the taxi charge will be reduced from your final room account. Reservations must be booked directly at +972-3-520-1845 or request@carlton.co.il.

By Lori Silberman Brauner

Lori Silberman Brauner, a regular visitor to Israel, was a guest of the Carlton Tel Aviv in November.

Cover Thumbnail taken by Harel Gilboa