Family Stay at the Intercontinental David Tel Aviv

November 16, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

Ideally situated within walking distance of the Mediterranean beach at 12 Kaufman Street, Tel Aviv, the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv is hands down one of our favorite places to stay. It is close to museums and cafes, restaurants, galleries, open-air markets, bars and clubs, designer boutiques as well as the ancient port city of Jaffa and the ever so quaint Neve Tzedek which reminds people of Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

What Makes it Family Worthy?

This hotel attracts tourists and locals alike, for those coming to the city for business or a getaway. During the months of August and the week of Passover, the hotel caters especially to children with their very own Kids Club. The establishment also provides babysitting services.

Families will also enjoy the hotel’s proximity to shopping areas, attractions, the Carmel market, and the old city Jaffa. Finally, the hotel is literally across the street from the beach, which is always a plus for kids.

Our Welcome

We always call ahead to request a feather-free quiet room. Since this was not our first time staying at this hotel the room, we asked whether the room could be ready early in the morning. After our 30 hour flight, we greatly appreciated we could check-in early and take a much-needed nap.

Hotel Decor

Apart from the natural views, the hotel is very tastefully designed with modern tones and classic lines and beautiful wooden furnishings. The lobby is spacious and done in light colors of natural stone. Huge windows throughout the lobby let in natural light and offer a welcoming seating area for guests.

Our Room

Our room on the 18^th floor was luxurious and comfortable. The room featured subdued colors of creams, light browns, and reds with brown striped carpet flooring.The closet had great hanging space and deep drawers with a large safe that could fit a laptop. We especially liked the fact most things in the closet were at eye level.

We had a king sized bed in the room. Along with the many lamps around the room, we had tiny nightlights attached to each side of the headboard, which we thought was a nice touch. Across from the bed, we saw a 40 inch sized TV and a surcharge mini bar with a selection of cold beverages. However, the cooler fridge under the TV that held the mini bar was computerized to register anyone lifting items out of it. Once a guest raised the drink out of its place, the cost would be charged to their bill.

For travelers needing to work during their stay, the room had a large working desk with an ergonomic chair next to a relaxing sitting area. Though the room had adequate electric sockets, we felt more were needed for larger families.

Our Bathroom

The brightly lit bathroom featured creams and whites. The countertop was a copper color, and quite large. Over the countertop, we found a hairdryer and magnifying mirror.

The bathroom featured a combination shower/tub with a hand-held showerhead and a grab bar which made it safer to use. The tub/shower had a short side panel glass door that we found didn’t pose much of a risk to smaller kids. There was also a retractable clothes line useful to hang wet swimsuits.

The property provided a comprehensive amenities kit which included shampoo, conditioner, sewing kit, other toiletries and slippers, all great reminders of the service that this chain provided for its guests.

Our Breakfast

Served in Jaffa Court, our Breakfast Buffet was a feast for the eyes. It was ample, prepared with only the freshest ingredients and guests could choose from fruits and vegetables, muffins and cereals, white and yellow cheeses and spreads like tapenades that went well with a varied assortment of bread.

Guests could build their salad from the salad bar, let the chef help them make their own omelet, or enjoy traditional Shakshuka – eggs poached in a spicy tomato dish. There were even lasagnas for those who wanted something more filling for breakfast.

There were packaged puddings and jellies for children, chilled champagne for adults as well as cheesecakes, pancakes, and other sweet pastries.

Another excellent example of the attention to detail – we saw miso soup and congee catering to those who have a hankering for the Asian cuisine.

Executive Lounge

On the 24^th floor of this establishment was their luxurious Executive Lounge. It had a spectacular view over the Mediterranean Sea and the greater Tel Aviv coastal area. The executive lounge was open most of the day, and they had a lot to offer.

The breakfast menu was a smaller version of the hotel’s extensive Buffet Breakfast with white cheeses, shakshuka, freshly prepared vegetables beautifully presented in Armenian pottery dishes. They also have an extensive selection of coffees.

The lounge’s Happy Hour was also elaborate with multiple appetizers, hot dishes, and desserts, along with a fantastic selection of alcoholic drinks, sodas, and juices. Equipped with one of the best-trained staff in the city,t the service was impeccable.

Dining

We had breakfast in the Jaffa Court as mentioned above, which was a lovely experience. The hotel also offers two other family-friendly onsite eateries. Aubergine was the hotel’s signature restaurant, where they served kosher gourmet cuisine.

The Atrium Lobby Lounge was a small place overlooking the Mediterranean where guests could grab light meals while socializing.

Amenities

The 5-star rating for this hotel was quite well earned with its outdoor pool and bar, its fitness center on the 2^nd floor , and the wellness spa where guests could get a variety of treatments.

Cost

Pricing started at $270 a night and included free access to the gym.

Autism Travel Tips:

Be aware that as it is an older hotel, the heating or A/C is set according to the season. Travelers won’t be able to adjust the settings differently.
The outdoor pool does not have lifeguards on duty, so parents should be sure to watch their kids.
They do have quiet rooms. Ask for top floor, because the hotel is situated on a busy street.
Bring own bath mat/nightlight.
Elevators can get busy, so parents to noise sensitive kids should ask for a room away from elevators