Why book?
For a lavish, reliable, and service-forward experience that cannot be found elsewhere in Tel Aviv. The David Kempinski’s impeccably detailed design—from rooms, to common areas, to the private Horizon Lounge upstairs—will make even the most seasoned traveler feel like they’ve never had a stay like this before. The infinite view from the high-floor oceanfront room was consistently breathtaking, service was high-end yet not suffocating, and the food and beverage offerings were top tier.
Set the scene
The hotel is nestled between the most happening beaches in Tel Aviv—Frishman Beach and Gordon Beach—while simultaneously being mere steps from the best shawarma you will ever eat near city center. Effortless young couples dressed in designer beachwear roam the lobby, while suited business executives pass by in the elevator on their way up to the Horizon Lounge—an exclusive space for guests to work, relax or eat while enjoying striking views of the Mediterranean coast. Though buttoned-up, the hotel also captures Tel Aviv’s famously lax energy—the cultural attitude of sababa (roughly translating to “It’s all good”) is tangible, and those dressed in Israeli-typical Birkenstocks and an oversized t-shirt as beachwear are still most welcomed. While Tel Aviv is indeed a beach city at its core, do not miss the hotel’s superb infinity pool: it offers a tranquil escape to read your favorite book while still overlooking palm trees and the crashing ocean waves.
The backstory
Kempinski is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, founded in 1897, and is globally known for its fantastic service and lavish accommodations. This property, aiming to meld that elegant European sensibility with local charm, opened in April of 2022.
The rooms
The hotel features 250 rooms, including the three-floor, two-bedroom David Penthouse with a private gym and infinity pool. I stayed in one of the Executive Suites with Horizon Lounge access—only select rooms in the hotel include this perk—which glistened with a classic modern five-star feel and personal touches throughout: Molton Brown toiletries, stunning marble accents, and a pullout wall with a TV (allowing for the choice between an open-layout space or classic separated bedroom). The Horizon Lounge was an unexpected yet absolute highlight of our stay, with its all-day offerings of unlimited drinks, a DIY gelato machine, baked goods, and a selection of impressive Israeli cuisine for both lunch and dinner.
Notably, even the hotel’s most affordable rooms have at least a partial-ocean view, which blends seamlessly with the also-beautiful city skyline. To travelers who are constantly debating whether the price difference is worth the full-blown sea view, though, the answer here is a resounding yes. In place of balconies in each room, the hotel opted to provide more square footage with floor-to-ceiling windows, which still open up with a stationary glass panel. I felt this was a well-thought-out alternative which still allowed for fresh air and uninterrupted sunset views.
Food and drink
Let’s just say that I’m still dreaming about the breakfast buffet. Each morning, we were greeted by a delightful array of fruit, pastries, proteins, and dips (think Israeli staples like baba ghanoush, hummus, and fresh honeycomb), with options to sit inside the light-flooded restaurant or outdoors on the deck to kick the day off with people-watching and an exquisite beach view. Lunch, dinner, room service, and poolside dining are also available throughout the hotel, but some experiences were closed while we were there—plans are in place to reopen all dining options soon for a full culinary experience. The hotel is also fully Kosher certified, so you won’t find menu items such as bacon, shellfish, or cheeseburgers.
The neighborhood/area
Tel Aviv is home to vibrant culture, food, and an inherent sense of joy that makes the city incredibly unique. A close proximity to holy sites for multiple religions is balanced by a particularly welcoming attitude—for example, Tel Aviv hosts one of the largest Pride parades in the world each year.
Throughout the day, beachgoers play volleyball and footvolley with groups of friends—as can be seen from the hotel’s incredible views—while locals and tourists alike can be found bar hopping, scootering along the Tel Aviv promenade, or talking with friends and family on the beach after dinner into the early morning. Generally speaking, Tel Aviv is an exceptionally active and bustling city.
Make sure to check out nearby Yashka and HaKosem, famous for shawarma and falafel respectively, both within walking distance to the hotel. While there are plenty of reservation-worthy restaurants within a quick drive, like any spots from well-known chef Eyal Shani, the best gems in Tel Aviv lie in the local casual spots, like Mifgash Rambam, located in the nearby Carmel Market (locally known as the shuk).
The service
I would describe the service as unstuffy yet white-gloved. Concierge was attentive, quick to help and offer recommendations, and easily reachable. The day we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with chocolates, fresh fruit, and a bottle of champagne, and everything was catered to my priorly noted food allergy. On our way out of the hotel later in our stay, I mentioned to a guest service representative that I was feeling under the weather—upon returning, there was a glass of fresh orange juice and a handwritten note that read, “We hope you will feel better soon! Stay hydrated and let us know if you need anything!” All I could say was wow.
Eco effort
Sustainability is a core pillar of the hotel. From locally-sourced materials and energy-saving features (e.g. automatic AC controls) to capitalizing on the incredible local produce, their eco effort is tangible and especially important in a country where the effects of water shortages, pollution, and climate change are prominent.
HaYarkon Street 51, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6343203
Israel
https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-david-kempinski-tel-aviv