The Best Hotels in Lev Ha’ir, Tel Aviv

Fastidiously restored in 2008, and billed as the city’s first boutique property, the Montefiore still holds its own more than a decade later. Originally built in the 1920s, the Bauhaus-tinged mansion oozes contemporary cool and vintage glamour to a soundtrack of smooth jazz and hipster gaiety. Its 12 rooms feature dark hardwood floors and libraries, contemporary Israeli artwork and lofty ceilings, while black marble bathrooms add edgy sophistication. The restaurant’s French-Vietnamese cuisine draws epicureans from across town, so it’s well worth reserving a table.

The Shenkin has a relaxed, almost mischievous, urban vibe epitomised by street- and pop-art prints alongside seemingly random phrases such as you are here affixed to walls in bold mismatched lettering. Rooms range from compact juniors to superiors and suites, most with barcode wallpaper and simple rugs. The decor is bold, the floor is parquet and if the sun-drenched roof terrace dotted with loungers gets too hot, there’s always a shady patio with wicker furniture and hanging-basket chairs.

The Vera’s metamorphosis from run-of-the-mill 1950s office block to uber-cool design-shrine is astonishing, and the result of intense dedication to Tel Avivian talent. Virtually everything, from organic skin-care products to chairs and consoles, are Israeli sourced or designed. The trumpet-like wall feature at reception, walls lined with mock drawers and words stencilled into bannisters set a playful tone. Rooms are rather more sober yet swanky, with creamy colour wash walls, hemp rugs and bubble lamps.

Named after Russian art critic, Sergei Diaghilev, this renovated Bauhaus building functions as a hotel, art gallery and co-working hub. Located on Maze Street just off Rothschild Boulevard, The Diaghilev is one for art lovers. It offers guests individually-designed suites decked out with creative elements, such as handmade rugs and paintings. Works by local artists adorn all areas of the hotel, acting as an open exhibition to guests and the public.

As one of more than a dozen properties in the Atlas Hotel chain, 65 Hotel stands out proudly in a striking cylindrical glass oasis on Rothschild Boulevard and infuses a contemporary-retro design. The hotel’s playful charm extends from its sleekly decorated bedrooms with broad views of the city to its lobby dining spot, Café 65, which serves creative Middle Eastern breakfast dishes. A happy hour, including a free drink and snacks, is served daily to hotel guests between 6pm and 8pm.

In a prime position on Yavne Street and just a hop, skip and a jump from the southern end of Rothschild Boulevard, the Alma Hotel and Lounge grabs the attention of passers-by with its captivating renovated 1925 townhouse. Maintaining many of the building’s original elements – think colourful stained-glass thermometer windows and preserved floor tiles – the property has 14 individually-designed suites, featuring a collection of furnishings from around the world. Guests can enjoy respite on the rooftop terrace and sample French cum Middle-Eastern cuisine at its chic restaurant.

Peace and serenity are the buzzwords at White Villa, a meticulously restored 1948 Le Corbusier-inspired house. The hotel is a stone’s throw from Habima Square, the hotspots of Rothschild Boulevard and the fashion stores on and around Dizengoff Street. White Villa’s collection of 18 beautifully-decorated rooms incorporate a clean, contemporary design with comfortable bespoke furnishings. A signature scent, created exclusively for White Villa, permeates each light-filled room, some of which include a private garden or terrace. A spiral staircase takes guests to an open rooftop patio for a peek at the street action below.

Situated on Tel Aviv’s trendy Lilienblum Street, this 1936 Bauhaus gem opened its doors in 2015 as a cosy boutique hotel exuding timeless charm. Presenting urban-style rooms, a charming and spacious lobby, sun-soaked terrace, solarium with sweeping views of the city, and a 1930s-themed bar, Lily and Bloom is just steps from the White City action. Guests are also treated to a decadent breakfast spread and a snacks & cava happy hour, served daily between 6pm and 8pm.

In a prime location on the renowned Rothschild Boulevard, the iconic Rothschild Hotel, built in 1922, was named in honour of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. The hotel offers stylishly-designed rooms incorporating French parquet tiles, black iron furniture – a nod to the iron gates typical of Parisian homes – and classic paintings depicting the many endeavours of the baron himself. The hotel’s most exclusive rooms have a private rooftop terrace and jacuzzi. A special wine menu in the elegant bar offers a repertoire of boutique Israeli wines, as well as a selection of cocktails. Enjoy a complimentary drink at check-in as you settle into the hotel that styles itself as the most romantic in the city.