It’s no secret that Tel Aviv is one of the most vibrant and amazing cities you have to visit – and immediately fall in love with like we did. Not just because it combines the best of both worlds: it’s a dynamic urban center that is located on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also because of the food, the friendly open-minded people and the whole vibe of the city. Next to the famous Bauhaus architecture and UNESCO world heritage of Tel Aviv, the interior design and art scene has also evolved into a remarkable state. Of course, the city hosts some of the cutest boutique hotels, from which we picked two to take a closer look at.
MINIMALISM AT THE SEA – BROWN BEACH HOUSE TEL AVIV
When the Brown Beach House opened, it claimed to be the first boutique hotel on Tel Aviv’s sea front among all the skyscrapers like the Carlton, Sheraton and Hilton. Compared to them, Brown Beach House is like the urban-cool kid at Trumpeldor Beach.
When you enter one of the 40 rooms, it’s a design enthusiasts dream in black, yellow and white come true. The carpets are monochrome zig-zags, the sofas bright yellow, surrounded by wooden black and marble tables. And you’ll find cute details like the golden pineapple side lamp which, next to plants and cane chairs, provides a Miami Tropicana vibe all over the place.
Decent and monochrome interior at its best. By arriving at the hotel through the black entrance you first aren’t sure if you’re not really entering a night club. That’s because Brown Beach House is also home of the “Flamingo Bar” where you will be lead to by the pink neon flamingo hanging from the ceiling. And if you want to eat traditional Israeli food, get a table at the kosher restaurant.
If you aren’t the lucky ones who get to stay at the penthouse of Brown Beach House and enjoy the private hot tub on the terrace: There is a petite high-end spa offering massages and other beauty treatments.
Brown Beach House, HaYarkon St 64, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
More information: www.brownhotels.com/beach
VIBRANCY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY – POLI HOUSE TEL AVIV
When you are a big fan of the above mentioned Bauhaus architecture gems, you’ll be at the right spot when you see “Poli House”. This boutique hotel is located in a landmark at a central corner of the White City: the Polishuk or ‘Poli’ House – named for Yehuda Polishuk, the owner who commissioned it from Swiss emigre architect Schlomo Liasowski, who designed it in 1933.
And the most interesting thing about this boutique hotel is, how they built the bridge between this architectural heritage and quirky, colorful interior design by American designer Karim Rashid. Rashid is known for its surprising doodles and vibrant designs.
The American designer teamed up with Israeli architect Nitza Szmuk to redesign this place. One of the surprising results from their work? Murals down the staircase and the check-in desk is in an anteroom on the roof, just next to the rooftop pool – instead of downstairs at the ground floor entrance.
And another great thing about this hotel is its location. This stylish boutique is located in Florentin district which offers a great access to local attractions, including Carmel Market and other markets which were just starting underneath our hotel room window. And also the famous Rothschild Blvd – with its restaurants, bars and vivid nightlife – is just to be found around the corner.
Playfulness must have been all over their minds when they created the quirky interior at Poli House: LED writings, a gigantic, canary-yellow, bespoke bar at the entrance next to pink egg shape chairs. ‘I purposefully tried to break the tired typology of hotel room design,’ says designer Karim Rashid about its creation.
Poli House, Nahalat Binyamin St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
More information: thepolihouse.com/en
EXTRA TIPP: THE VIEW FROM THE TERRACE AT BROWN TLV
And if you have some extra time, visit the other location of Brown Hotels in Tel Aviv. This hotel might be a little bit more sophisticated and genuine than the newer offspring at the beach, but the view from their rooftop is one of the best you can get in the city. So go upstairs, have a drink at the bar and enjoy the skyline of Tel Aviv.
Brown TLV, Kalischer Street 25, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6516505, Israel
Photo credit: Xhibition Tel Aviv, Brown Hotels, Jessie Schoeller, Gloria von Bronewski
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