Luxury Family Stay at the Hilton Tel Aviv

November 16, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

Exquisitely situated 150 feet from the Mediterranean at 205 Hayarkon St. Independence Park, the Hilton Tel Aviv is in a prime spot to take advantage of everything Tel Aviv has to offer including beaches, museums, restaurants, cafes, and designer clothing boutiques. Guests can enjoy a short drive to the ancient port city of Jaffa with its ruins and reconstructions and the Carmel Shuk – the well-known cultural treat of an open-air market.

What Makes it Family Worthy?

The Hilton Tel Aviv caters to everyone from tourists to travelers and families, even offering babysitting services. However, what is most impressive is how they go out of their way to welcome guests who have special needs.
Families will feel welcome at this establishment, especially since the hotel is centrally located, right next to the iconic Tel Aviv beachfront and not far from the eateries in the old port of Tel Aviv.

Our Welcome

We called ahead for a feather-free quiet room, which was ready upon our arrival. We were warmly welcomed and upgraded to a larger room as Hilton Gold members, which we appreciated.

Hotel Decor

The architecture and design made use of the natural light. Together with the modern interior, the decor gave this “grand dame of Tel Aviv” a luxurious feel. In all the areas of the hotel, the clean lines, and vibrant colors contributed to the well-earned five-star feeling.

The public areas were decorated in stone and marble of light tans and dark browns with splashes of color, giving the spaces an opulent, luxurious feel.

Our Room

We stayed in room 745. The room was well lit and beautifully decorated in hues of whites, creams, browns, and yellows. We saw the colorful art on the walls and square brown carpeting. The lighting in the room included several side lamps, adjustable reading lamps on the headboard, and a section of lighting above the bed.

The door had three locks for excellent security. For further security, as we always do, we checked the emergency exit map on the back of the door.

We had ample storage space in the closet and broad chest of drawers as well as a safe. The safe ,neatly tucked in the desk drawer ,was large and could easily store a laptop.

To the left of the entrance hall, we found the mini bar. Below the mini bar was a refrigerator with sodas, snacks, and alcohol.

Our room had a modern king-sized bed. Near the bed was the sitting area with a chair and sofa, which we liked as it contributed to the relaxed atmosphere. We loved the in-room glass desk with an ergonomic chair and access to lots of outlets.

We enjoyed a lovely view of the old port of Tel Aviv from the balcony. In keeping with this hotel’s attention to detail and special needs, we did see a disclaimer on the balcony requesting parents watch their children at all times.

From the complimentary bottled water in the bar area to the fresh roses in the bathroom, this hotel set a very high bar when it comes to service!

Our Bathroom

The bathroom had beautifully crafted light tan stone tiles and lovely mosaics to complement its Jacuzzi tub. Dark browns complimenting the white floors continued the decor throughout the bathroom.

We saw a shower head attachment and grab bar in the tub and separate shower, which we appreciated. With a hairdryer, magnifying mirror, bathroom scale and toiletries provided, there was no lack of anything and this room was a pleasure to stay in.

Executive Lounge

The executive lounge at this property was moderately sized and overlooked the old port of Jaffa. The lounge was open most of the day, offering ample breakfast choices and happy hour appetizers as well as snacks during the day.

Our Breakfast

We enjoyed breakfast at the Cafe Med. This airy dining room served this sumptuous buffet with magnificent views of the hotel pool and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Cafe featured multiple stations .We saw loaves of bread, pastries, hot and cold cereals, a build-your-own salad bar complete with seeds and nuts and a choice of dressings; and a dairy station with flavored butter, yogurts, international cheeses and local yellow and white cheeses which were a favorite!

The fish station had mackerel and herring in smoked, pickled and brined form, as well as salmon and even sardines.

At the cooked food station one could find Shakshuka, a traditional dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. At the same location, guests could get prepared eggs, steamed and roasted vegetables, quiches, latkes which are the Jewish equivalent of hash browns, pancakes and an order-a-waffle stand with all the toppings that typically go with fresh waffles!

There was a dessert station with an assortment of cakes, fresh fruit and even fresh honey dripping from the comb, which our son with autism thought to be very cool! Also, there was a large selection of liquid beverages both hot and cold.

Completing the ample selection there was a station with various liquid beverages to choose from; both hot and cold.

Shabbat Dinner

It was an honor to spend the weekend at the Hilton Tel Aviv and experience a traditional Shabbat dinner. This meal was an enjoyable cultural experience. During the event, we watched guests observing the first lighting of the candles. We also heard praying and singing from the in-house synagogue. Then we moved on to the lavish meal prepared before sundown in keeping with the kosher laws of Judaism.

The Friday night feast was served buffet style, but extra care was taken to make the dining area feel ultra special. The meal of the week was the American equivalent of a traditional Sunday lunch where the best of the best was served.

The hot meals included poultry and beef in a variety of sauces as well as vegetarian and vegan options. There were vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes and side dishes. Not to be outdone, the cold meats and their accompaniments, as well as all the salad options, were beautifully presented and tasty. The desserts ranged from individual parfaits, tartlets, fruit bars and cobblers to fresh fruit salad and whole fruit. We were grateful to have had this opportunity.

Not to be outdone, the cold meats and their accompaniments, as well as all the salad options, were beautifully presented and tasty. The desserts ranged from individual parfaits, tartlets, fruit bars and cobblers to fresh fruit salad and whole fruit. We were grateful to have had this opportunity to share with our sons and help them understand Jewish customs.

Amenities

There was a fully equipped gym available to guests who want to work out while they vacation. Also, this establishment boasted a saltwater pool along with a regular pool, one of their unique amenities. Visitors shouldn’t miss the spa where they can have treatments that suit their budget.

Cost

Room prices start at $400 a night and include free WiFi in the room and public areas. Hilton Honors points can be used to stay at this hotel. Both self and valet parking on-site are $15 a day.

Autism Travel Tips:

For those who are light sensitive, the rooms have a double curtain for keeping out the light.
For those who are temperature sensitive, the Hilton Hotel is one of the very few hotels that have both A/C and heating options available at the same time
The room did come with a balcony, so it is pertinent to ask the hotel if they can lock it or bring a portable alarm.
Parents should consider paacking a bathmat and nightlight.
Service animals are allowed at this hotel, but pets are not.