Nestled along Israel’s sun-kissed Mediterranean shores, Tel Aviv is a captivating blend of history, fun, culture, and modernity, and is a source of endless wonder for the discerning traveller.
The city’s thriving arts scene is a testament to its creative spirit, with many museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing a rich array of local and international talent.
Tel Aviv is also lined with many ultra-hip and eclectic accommodations, which range from elegantly restored Bauhaus boutiques to strikingly modern high-rises. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Tel Aviv (in no particular order)…
1. Brown BoBo, a member of Brown Hotels – an Instagrammable, vibrant and very stylish hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Brown Bobo lies in the centre of the culinary and nightlife scene of Tel Aviv, and its eclectic design concept will capture your heart and leave you with an urban explorative vigour.
Bold and bright, the interior aesthetic makes use of smooth furnishings crafted by local artisans, and the stunning arrangement of plants and artwork adds a soothing touch.
My favourite spot was for sure the 14th floor rooftop, where the Meli Melo restaurant is located. Up here, your evenings will be accompanied by graceful music, delicious food, and scintillating city panoramas.
2. Selina Tel Aviv Beach – a vibrant, fun and cool hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
The charm and timeless elegance of the Selinabrand has entered the heart of Tel Aviv with an innovative boutique concept, bathed in bountiful natural light.
This is the perfect spot to mix up your holiday between upbeat entertainment and blissful seclusion, with lively parties taking place on the epic rooftop yet plenty of cosy furniture dotted around the communal spaces.
The guestrooms embrace a sense of bohemian chic, with patterned tapestries, quirky décor, and soft wooden hues creating a soothing tone. I loved the communal atmosphere here, and I was not only able to kickstart the day with a group yoga session but sign up for many excursions in and around the city.
3. Brown Beach House Tel-Aviv, a member of Brown Hotels – a cool, quirky and trendy boutique hotel surrounded by restaurants, bars and clubs
This beautiful beach housemarks the arrival of the leading boutique hotel brand ‘Brown Hotels’ to Tel Aviv’s sparkling shores.
Whether you’re on a business trip, a city break, or a romantic retreat, the hotel provides the opportunity to explore the city differently, and striking artwork, graceful floral arrangements, and uncompromising comfort reign supreme.
I loved the style of my guestroom, with its kaleidoscopic floor design, quirky furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows affording spectacular coastal views.
The on-site spa, graced by an intimate garden flair, specializes in couple treatments and offers a relaxation area where you can indulge in light refreshments.
4. Play Midtown Hotel Tel Aviv – a new, upscale and unique hotel where guests can experience Michelin-star Israeli cuisine
Located in the beating heart of the new Midtown complex above a lively piazza, Play Midtowninvites you to discover the city from a local lens.
Its unique and innovative urban style, teeming with endless original ideas, brings boundless fun to families, city breakers, and business travellers looking for a quirky, uplifting atmosphere.
I thought the interiors of the communal spaces, dressed in a dark and elegant colour scheme, exuded a sense of mystery.
The playful spirit of the hotel is embodied perfectly at the Playground, the cutting-edge restaurant which offers an array of exciting cuisines under the direction of an award-winning chef.
5. Ink Hotel – a chic, trendy and urban boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Tel Aviv
Combining the architectural heritage of Tel Aviv with innovative sustainability protocols, Ink Hotel was woven in a craft of thought by Israel’s leading minds in the hospitality and lifestyle industry.
The result is a modern, urban experience that caters to both business and leisure travellers, with pampered comfort at the core.
The 52 rooms and suites have been carefully designed to maximize the spectacular views of the cityscape, and the on-site restaurant is one of the trendiest spots in town.
The eclectic Asian fusion cuisine coalesces the mouth-watering ingredients from the Far East with local Mediterranean influences, and the experience is complete with a tempting cocktail menu.
To book, check prices or availability for Ink Hotel
6. Debrah Brown, a member of Brown Hotels – an upscale, spacious and newly renovated hotel in close proximity to local popular attractions
Clad head to toe in refined elegance, Debrah Brown is crowned as the Brown Collection’s official luxury hotel, and offers a unique travel experience bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
As soon as you enter, you’ll find the Dvora restaurant, which is designed in a New York pop-up style and graced by a chic ambiance.
During the day, you can venture up to the sun balcony where a selection of plunge pools, cosy sofas, and soul-soothing city views await.
There’s a somewhat imperial appearance in the communal areas, set by large ceiling-hanging chandeliers, plush velvet seats, and intricate marble floors.
7. Jo Shtibel Tel-Aviv – a fancy, sleek and eco-friendly hotel that blends European tradition with the modern day lifestyle
This prestigious, diverse business hotel boasts a luxurious lobby, a bar and restaurant, meticulously designed guestrooms, an event space, and a breath-taking rooftop with a beautiful pool.
The many open spaces combine the rhythms of the streetscape with a homely and pleasant calm, topped with an undertone of ‘urban cool’.
Set in the pulsating heart of the Montefiore neighbourhood, within walking distance of Yehudit Boulevard, guests here can embrace beautiful aromas and exquisite street art with a single step out of the property.
I really loved the eco-friendly features here, and the hotel plays its part in giving back to the local community through many innovative undertakings.
The hotel pays tribute to the city’s Bauhaus past, and unites modern comforts with vintage elements to create a quirky, character-filled space.
I thought the hallways were spectacular, as they are festooned with thought-provoking photographs of yesteryear, and a sense of 1930s nostalgia is evoked by the street signs and the period lamps.
The contemporary chic recreation lobby is a graceful space which becomes a romantic enclave at dusk, and the Bauhaus-style Hadarim restaurant offers some world-class dining with elegant waterfront views.
9. Port Tower by Isrotel Design – a unique, modern and new hotel designed for those travelling on business
I loved my stay at this innovative, brand-new business hotel. The essence of ‘work hard, play hard’ rings true at Port Tower, which nestles in the north of the famous Tel Aviv Port.
The property’s unique design blends beautiful traditional architecture with a local neighbourhood character, topped with a whole host of modern spaces. Fabulous views of the Mediterranean sea and the city skyline surround the property, while the interiors of the guestrooms reflect a sense of chic glamour.
With a state-of-the-art gym, a heated indoor pool, and an Italian bistro on-site, at Port Tower you can truly pamper the senses.
10. Sea Tower by Isrotel Design – a stylish, urban and modern accommodation providing guests with Insta-worthy views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
This urban hotel is set within Tel Aviv’s commercial and tourism area, and is thus catered for business travellers, and for those in search of a conveniently central location.
Situated a mere 50 yards from the city’s vibrant seafront, each guestroom offers the perfect Mediterranean backdrop, which becomes particularly iridescent as the sun sets over the horizon.
I spent an afternoon hanging out on the rooftop pool admiring the breath-taking panoramas, and up here you’ll find many cosy sun loungers providing an optimum tanning spot.
If you opt for a suite, you’ll have the added benefit of a private fully stocked kitchenette, offering extra seclusion.
11. Leonardo Gordon Beach – a fun, colorful and quirky-chic hotel offering guests a beachfront location with beautiful views
From the minute I entered Leonardo, I immediately felt a fun-loving, carefree vibe. This dreamy accommodation overlooks the beach and the promenade, and has been carefully planned to offer the most exquisite vantage point.
The lobby is equipped with plush seating areas, and the inspiring pink corridors are graced by delicate music and majestic works of art.
I absolutely loved the rooftop here, where you can replenish the soul in a lush pool while admiring a golden sunset. Up here, the vibrant bar area provides cocktails, snacks, and other treats, which can be enjoyed on one of the cosy sunbeds.
12. Fabric Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel – a funky, cool and themed hotel ideally situated near the famous Carmel Market and Neve Tzedek neighbourhood
Fabric Hotelappears as though it has been taken straight from Brooklyn and placed along one of Tel Aviv’s most eclectic streets.
Cool and hipster, the name is an ode to the building’s past serving as a sewing factory, and its red brick façade is incredibly captivating upon arrival. I absolutely loved the mural-line bar and café, which came with lots of Eighties memorabilia and opened onto a charming courtyard.
The 43 rooms are quirky, cool, and industrial, and contain vertical wall panels with colourful media art and funky light fixtures. The ground floor Bushwick Bar is a graceful spot to savour either a coffee or a cocktail.
13. The Vera – a sleek, rustic and industrial-style accommodation ideal for design loving Millennials and Gen Zs
This industrial-chic boutique hotel is the perfect sanctuary for design enthusiasts, and is designed head-to-toe by contemporary local artists.
Once a 1950s office building, a retro character is echoed in the concrete-covered exterior, but softened by the charming hazelwood terraces.
There’s a squiggly brass trumpet installation in the reception area, as well as an artsy staircase, original photographs, and many coffee-table books inducing a state of relaxation.
I loved the bunker-style look of the guestrooms, where touches such as oak wood furnishings and industrial ‘soap bubble’ lamps added a graceful flair. Each unit provides an ever-changing bowl of local fruit and a small pot of aloe vera.
To book, check prices or availability for The Vera
14. Shenkin Hotel – a funky, creative and design accommodation where guests can enjoy a central location
In the beating heart of the White City, The Shenkinawaits guests with an innovative design concept, and is surrounded by dozens of bustling bars, local restaurants, and intriguing boutiques.
The hotel’s timeless chic style is embodied in the smallest detail, with the interior aesthetic designed to envelop guests in the sense of calm and serenity. The 30 luxurious guestrooms are dressed in a bright urban style, and each contains a unique piece of eye-catching art.
My favourite spot was the spacious roof terrace, which overlooks the city’s exquisite cosmopolitan landscape and offers sunbeds, seating areas, and a shimmering Jacuzzi.
To book, check prices or availability for Shenkin Hotel
15. Hotel 75 by Prima Hotels – a creative, rustic and hip accommodation moments away from the lively nightlife and entertainment
Situated in one of the most vibrant areas of the city, Hotel 75is graced by an urban atmosphere and an authentic Tel Aviv spirit.
This cool and trendy hotel caters to the budget-conscious traveller seeking a spot of luxury, and each room is inspired by the city’s eclectic scene.
The vintage furniture, graffiti ceiling, extravagant lighting fixtures, and colourful fittings add a quirky feel to the in-room experience, and there’s plenty of well-equipped communal spaces where you can hang out and soak up the charm.
Breakfast here is a buzzy affair, with delicious Israeli and international dishes providing the fuel for an action-packed day out in the metropolis.
16. Backstage Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel – a charming, stylish and fancy accommodation housed in the historic Ohel Theater building
This historic buildingonce housed the legendary Ohel theatre, and posters announcing its past shows still adorn the walls.
The interiors are totally inspired by a theatre’s classic behind-the-scenes set up, and from the upper floor corridors you can get a superb vantage point over the central atrium. The vibe of the hotel lives up to a typical theatre-style atmosphere, setting a charming mood for a unique vacation.
The rooms are equally enthralling, with exquisite pieces of art dotted around and traditional elements dressing the walls. Throughout the property, there’s ample space to kick back and relax on comfy sofas, as you soak up the vibrant charm.
17. Diaghilev LOFT live art hotel – a contemporary, eco-friendly and bright accommodation within walking distance of shopping boutiques and local cafes
Here we have one of my favourite downtown White City hotels. Named after the Russian patron Sergei Diaghilev, known for combining different artists to create sensory artistic spectacles, this eclectic hotelcontinues his legacy with its fresh concept-varied style.
On-site, the ever-changing art exhibitions, exclusive cultural events, and vibrant hang-out areas combine to create a unique and unforgettable hospitality experience.
The property is nestled on a small, picturesque street adjacent to the famous Rothschild Boulevard, an area brimming with bars, cafes, and boutiques. No two rooms are alike here, but all offer the added touch of designer toiletries, plush linens, and comfy seating areas.
18. Yam Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel – a themed, pet-friendly and colorful accommodation offering guests complimentary bicycles to explore around the area
At Yam hotel, a playful spirit surrounds you at all times. As I entered the youthful lobby, the screens were broadcasting adrenaline sports, and my room was designed with quirky nautical touches like bouncy sea balls.
There was a surfboard attached to the wall, and the balcony was caressed by the jaw-dropping sea breeze. Wonderful delicacies are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which you can enjoy in many of the charming communal spaces.
These include a spectacular rooftop, where soul-soothing views across the White City and the ocean azure create an iridescent backdrop to your afternoon chill-out sessions.
19. Artist Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel – a bright, chic and petite accommodation steps away from the beach
Set within walking distance of Bogarshow Beach, this eclectic hotelis entirely dedicated to Israeli art, and displays many eye-catching works from Doron Shebag’s collection.
I was left totally amazed by the level of craftmanship during my stay here. The interiors are balanced & bright and invite guests to admire exquisite pieces, from quirky wall hangings to the wall-sized portraits which adorn the guestrooms.
Each unit comes with tiled rain showers, quality care products, a Nespresso machine, and many more high-end amenities. The on-site Happy Day café offers wines and snacks from breakfast to dinner, and the roof garden serves as a cosy corner under the sun.
20. Pixel – an Autonomous Hotel by Loginn – a petite, hip and contemporary accommodation featuring a lavish spa area and beautiful rooftop terrace
With Dizengoff Circle on one side and Frishman beach on the other, you’re never far from the action at Pixel. Inside, the exciting urban design, communal atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor space converge to form the ultimate Tel Aviv experience.
Here, you’ll find a beautiful rooftop with an outdoor tanning area & pool, couples’ treatment rooms, and eloquently crafted guestrooms which boast state-of-the-art amenities.
I’d recommend opting for a room with a separate seating area, where you can revel in eye-catching views of the city while embracing a sense of blissful seclusion. The quirky wall embellishments and graceful décor add a real homely touch here!
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/
