The Dan Tel Aviv has a prestigious reputation. Raphi Bloom says that it is well-deserved.
By Raphi Bloom
The Dan was the first luxury hotel in Tel Aviv and is still the first choice of visiting statesmen and stars. Located on the beachfront, the Dan has a central and prime position overlooking the Med.
You sense its class from the moment you enter the lobby. The hotel exudes calm and sophistication, with a relaxing décor that is stylish yet modern. One floor down you will find the D Lobby, which is furnished with comfortable chairs and where free wireless internet is available.
Service is impeccable and attentive. Staff are immaculately presented and are quick to respond to requests. This
was particularly noticeable during breakfast, when the ratio of staff to guests was very high. And speaking of breakfasts, you will not be disappointed. The Dan takes the legendary Israeli hotel breakfast and expands on it, offering top quality cheeses, fish, and cooked dishes.
The Dan has 280 rooms and 49 suites, split between “city view” and “sea view” rooms. The “deluxe” rooms have been stylishly re-designed with a light, contemporary look. Most rooms are fitted with noise reduction windows so you will not be bothered by Tel Aviv’s non-stop lifestyle.
We stayed in a “deluxe suite” with a separate living room overlooking the sea. Special touches included his and her’s sinks and premium Dead Sea products, together with a Jacuzzi bath and a private sun terrace, also looking out on the sea. Room and maid services are what you would expect of a top hotel, with requests handled very efficiently.
We had access to the Dan Executive Lounge (not all rooms offer this facility) where we could stop by for a glass of wine or a snack. Also overlooking the sea, this afforded us the opportunity to unwind in comfort or have a pre dinner drink. Other facilities there include internet and printer access.
The lounge is used by many of the business travelers who stay at the Dan Tel Aviv, and sometimes you will see recognizable faces — we bumped into Dalia Itzik, a former Israeli government minister.
Of course Tel Aviv is most famous for its beaches, and leisure guests will often spend their days there. If want a break from sand and waves, the Dan’s pool area, situated on the 3rd floor of the hotel overlooking the beach, will provide you with an indoor and outdoor pool, changing rooms and access to the gym.
The Dan boasts the upscale Hayarkon 99 restaurant, described at the hotels “flagship restaurant.” With seating for 40 guests, Chef Ilan Lazmi provides exclusive dining with a unique menu. Other restaurants include the D Restaurant, offering kosher dairy food.
Tel Aviv boasts many hotels — from large chains to new boutique hotels. Many are of high quality. But I found the Dan Tel Aviv to be something special. It embodies elegance, sophistication, class and top service. The Dan knows what is doing and how to do it.
Raphi Bloom is co-publisher of Jewish.Travel. He was a guest of the Dan Hotels group.