A stone’s throw from Old Jaffa and just minutes from Rothschild Boulevard’s best cultural spots, Florentin makes a great base from which to explore Tel Aviv’s many attractions. From beautifully restored historic buildings to laid-back contemporary hostels, these hotels promise to pamper guests, regardless of budget.
With Florentin becoming a destination in its own right thanks to its internationally acclaimed street-art exhibits, culinary excellence and galleries in repurposed buildings, it was only a matter of time before hotels joined the scene. A host of accommodation options are available, ranging from five-star luxury to independent boutique hotels and self-starting design hostels.
High-end luxury
The Drisco
Boutique Hotel
On a small, quiet street in the heart of the American Colony, this charming hotel is set in a meticulously preserved building that once housed British officers during the British Mandate. Featuring exposed arches from the former headquarters as well as the original staircase, accessible to guests wishing to tour the property. There is still an atmosphere of historical importance, with elegant period furniture placed throughout and contemporary touches including artworks on the walls, walk-in showers, premium linen and toiletries. Breakfast and an à la carte dinner menu are served at the restaurant, while the rooftop bar offers cocktails and snacks with a view. The bar downstairs is a special highlight and features original frescoes.
Located on the outskirts of Florentin, at the entrance to Old Jaffa and overlooking the Mediterranean, is the five-star Setai. It’s built on the grounds of a 12th-century fortress and Ottoman prison; the most famous of its prison cells once held Nazi Otto Eichmann before his trial. Today, the courtyards have been repurposed as beautifully maintained communal patio spaces lined with citrus and olive trees. Contemporary rooms and suites face the courtyard or sea. Original stone walls, Turkish rugs and historical black-and-white photographs of the area contrast with the clean, modern aesthetic. Several dining options are available, including a sushi restaurant and a cocktail bar, all of which pay homage to the hotel’s Turkish heritage. The luxe spa offers treatment rooms, a gym and a Turkish hammam while the rooftop infinity pool boasts splendid coastline views.
This urban boutique hotel is positioned at the entrance to the Florentin district, making it a great base from which to explore on foot. Hotspots such as Rothschild Boulevard, Independence Hall Museum, Neve Zedek and Shenkin Street are no more than a kilometre away. Each room is equipped with cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a coffee machine, and guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine in their rooms upon arrival. En suites have either a bath or shower, with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer. Rooms with balconies come complete with patio furniture and offer the perfect spot to enjoy the city view with a morning coffee or a sundowner. The rooftop has a sun terrace and an inflatable hot tub, perfect for relaxation after all that exploring.
The SoTLV complex offers furnished sea-view apartments, 24/7 security, business facilities and co-working space. Each apartment suite – ranging from a one-bedroom flat to a three-bedroom duplex – is cosy and well equipped, with a kitchen, bath and comforts including a Nespresso machine, hair dryer and iron. The location is unbeatable, with the Suzanne Dellal Centre and Rothschild Boulevard both minutes away. The beach is close by, and there is also a sea-facing outdoor pool and a fully equipped gym. Services include 24/7 self check-in, Apple TV, laundry facilities, meeting rooms and parcel service.
JOJO is ideally located at the west end of Florentin, a stone’s throw from Old Jaffa and the nearby beaches, with the American Colony, Neve Zedek and Rothschild Boulevard just a short walk away. Suites exude a vintage industrial-chic aesthetic and are generously equipped with wardrobes, workstations, air-conditioning, en suites with complimentary toiletries and an outdoor patio with city views. There is a shared lounge and kitchen on the premises, as well as laundry and daily housekeeping services, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers tours and activities to suit all visitors, including karaoke nights, cooking classes and museum tours.
Located in a restored, century-old olive press, Oliver’s five charming guest rooms feature eclectic furniture, lush textiles and soothing, earthy colours that balance perfectly with the clean white walls and exposed brick. In-room services include free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, air-conditioning, en suites with walk-in showers and wardrobes; choose a balcony room for scenic views. The common areas include a living room, laundry room and fully equipped kitchen with a bar and dining tables and complimentary beer and coffee. Enjoy a host of cafés, eateries and bars just steps away, including the renowned Humus Hakerem, popular pizzeria and live-music venue Teder.fm, and the endless variety on offer at Levinsky Market.
Suitable for solo travellers and couples, the hip and lively Florentin House is located on a quiet street and offers a variety of room categories: double, double plus, triple/quad, dorm rooms and a rooftop suite with a generous outdoor deck. Minimalist in design, the rooms are bright, highly functional spaces with en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Each room also offers air conditioning, USB ports, wardrobes and mirrors, and some also have private balconies. Sheets, towels and daily housekeeping services are included along with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. The rooftop terrace has amazing sunset views and there are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants nearby, most of which are open all day long.
