Close to three years after this writer’s first visit to the Carlton Tel Aviv, a summer 2025 return to this luxury hotel has proven just as invigorating. From its rooftop pool to breakfast overlooking the sea to wellness experiences, the Carlton never disappoints.

The five-star hotel, directly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Marina on Israel’s Tel Aviv beachfront, is also just steps from the city’s urban center and its vibrant day and night life, which guests can explore by foot, bus, or taxi; they can even be whisked through town via the Carlton’s new luxury electric car service (with a driver) for an additional fee.

The 269-room hotel, which was renovated in 2019 and had select areas redesigned this year by architect Oshir Asaban, is the only member in Israel of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. All of the Carlton’s rooms all have private balconies overlooking the Mediterranean and/or the Tel Aviv city skyline.

If one element continues to remain a constant at the hotel, it would be its attention to detail, from check in to departure. Upon arrival, all guests are greeted with a refreshing cold beverage. The little details are carefully taken care of throughout one’s stay at the hotel — from the fresh fruit artfully stacked outside each elevator bank to other fruit and desserts carefully placed in guest rooms, which all include a large flat-screen smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a sitting area, mini bar, coffee- and tea-making equipment, a large desk, bathroom with a scented toiletry set, and plush “his” or “her” guest robes! The hotel staff is also extremely helpful, from the lobby concierge who can book pedicure appointments and easily recommend a casual restaurant in the neighborhood to the attentive security and bellhop staff.

One of the newly redesigned rooms by architect Oshir Asaban; further renovations are being planned.

Another consistent highlight of the hotel, which will cause even late-risers to hop out of bed in the morning, is the incredibly bountiful daily breakfast at Carlton on the Beach, located in its own stand-alone floor-to-ceiling windowed building overlooking the sea. And don’t worry if you do sleep in — the bountiful buffet is served until 11 a.m. The selections, framed by a honeycomb display, are endless: a made-to-order omelet station; juice bar; smoked and marinated fish; rolls, croissants, pastries, and pizzas; cereals, granola, and yogurts; fresh salads, cheeses, and fruits; and desserts like halva and knaffeh, a Middle Eastern delicacy in which layers of crispy shredded dough and cheese are coated in syrup and topped with pistachios. A vat of parmesan cheese was on display for guests craving even more cheese to top any dish. Daily hot dishes like waffles, quiches, and shakshuka and roasted, stuffed, and stir-fried vegetables are sure to fill you up until lunch and beyond. Gluten- and sugar-free items are also available.

Photo by Harel Gilboa.

The breakfast buffet at the Carlton offers full sea and surfer views along with a delicious array of breads, pastries, cheeses, juices, vegetables, fish, salads, omelets, waffles, and more

Many other dining and beverage options abound, such as the Contento summer bar, where you can enjoy cocktails on a deck adjacent to the breakfast area; the FLAME Art of the Grill restaurant, also overlooking the sea; the Lobby Lounge; and the new Marina Dallal, a fish and seafood restaurant facing the marina. All restaurants except for Marina Dallal are kosher certified. Guests also have the comfort of ordering from a separate meat or dairy room service menu, and can enjoy dining or a glass of wine on their private balcony.

Photo by Itiel Zion.

Guests at the Carlton’s FLAME Art of the Grill Restaurant will enjoy a steakhouse experience, including an open kitchen, along with a full view of the Mediterranean.

During the warmer months, head up to the private rooftop outdoor pool, with a fully stocked bar, on the 15th floor. On a hot summer day, you may be surprised by a server giving out popsicles to every pool-goer. Climb one more level to access a cozy jacuzzi offering incredible city views. Would you like to go boating on the Mediterranean Sea? Just inform the concierge who will be happy to book you a private luxury yacht with up to eight guests on board.

In town for a meeting or business trip, or want to celebrate a bar mitzvah or birthday party? The Carlton offers many options for both occasions, including the 14th floor Royal Executive Lounge, a business center with floor-to-ceiling sea views for executive room-status guests. The lounge provides computer stations as well as newspapers and magazines; secretarial services; coffee, tea, and other drinks; and a light, all-day buffet. The hotel offers seminar/conference rooms with projectors and flip charts, as well as banquet halls that can accommodate from 10 to 300 guests.

Photo by Virginie Khalifa.                                                          

 Among the many amenities offered by the Carlton Tel Aviv is this private yacht experience.

Whether you are on business or vacation, 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/en

The hotel recommends early booking for special Sukkot and Christmas rates. For reservations, contact request@carlton.co.il or +972-3-520-1818.

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

Cover thumbnail photo taken by Aya Ben Ezri; all photos courtesy Carlton Tel Aviv