Hotel Review: The Carlton, Tel Aviv

Are you seeking a luxury hotel that offers the amenities of a beachfront vacation combined with the attractions of a modern, bustling city? The Carlton Tel Aviv may be just the perfect choice.

The Carlton Tel Aviv is a privately owned five-star luxury hotel. It overlooks the Mediterranean and the beachfront Marina. It’s also just steps from the city’s urban center where you can shop in indoor and outdoor markets, dine out, visit museums, or party the night away at an array of clubs, bars, and lounges.

Since its opening in 1981 and its renovation in 2019, the 269-room hotel (including 12 suites) has welcomed both business and leisure guests. It has the proud distinction of being the only Israeli member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide organization.

Its rooms all feature private balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the Tel Aviv city skyline, while the executive rooms offer a full view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Tel Aviv Marina.

If one element stands out about the hotel, it would be its attention to detail from check-in to departure. Upon arrival, all guests are greeted with a refreshing glass of lemonade garnished with mint leaves — a fantastic way to start your vacation! The little things continue to make an impression throughout your stay — from the fresh fruit artfully stacked outside each elevator bank inviting guests to taste the local produce to the guest rooms outfitted with all of the amenities you would expect from a luxury property.

These include a large flat-screen smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a sitting area, mini bar, coffee and tea-making equipment, a large desk, and an ample bathroom with a Carlton Tel Aviv scented toiletry set. Don’t forget to wrap yourself with a “his” or “her” plush Carlton guest robe for the full pampering experience!

The hotel staff is also extremely helpful from the lobby concierge who can easily recommend a restaurant in the neighborhood for dinner or a guided tour to the friendly security and bellhop staff, who will quickly arrange a cab for you or just schmooze, if you are so inclined, about life in Israel.

Whether you are staying at the Carlton for pleasure or for business, make sure you leave time to savor the experience of the bountiful daily breakfast at Carlton on the Beach, located in its own stand-alone, floor-to-ceiling, windowed building overlooking the sea.

The breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and the selections are endless: a made-to-order omelet bar, a juice bar, smoked and marinated fish, rolls, croissants, cereals, granola, yogurts, and fresh pastries, fresh fruits and daily hot dishes like waffles, quiches, and roasted and stir-fried vegetables. No Israeli breakfast is complete without shakshuka, the spicy egg and tomato casserole that can be enjoyed any time of day. The Carlton’s shakshuka even comes in a delicious vegan version with corn standing in for eggs. Gluten-free and sugar-free items are also available.

But for those eager to explore the city or rushing off to a business meeting, the breakfast buffet available at the Carlton offers a delicious array of breads, pastries, cheeses, juices, vegetables, fish, fresh salads, omelets, waffles, and more.

Other dining and beverage options include Blue Sky, a private event space for fine dining and cocktails on the 15th floor rooftop; Lumina restaurant, where dinner and lunch are served; the Lobby Restaurant and Beachfront Bar; and the Esperanto Bar — open May-October — on a wooden deck adjacent to the Carlton on the Beach restaurant offering summer fare, cocktails, and rotating DJs.

During the warmer months, head up to the private rooftop outdoor pool with a fully stocked bar. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, or sip a drink. Climb one more level to access the cozy Jacuzzi on the 15th floor, where you can literally soak in the city views.

In town for a meeting or business trip? The Carlton is a great place to get some work done, whether you sit on your private balcony with your laptop or visit the 14th floor Royal Executive Lounge business center which features floor-to-ceiling sea views. The business center is open to executive room guests and offers computers for those who have left their laptops at home, as well as newspapers and magazines.

It also provides secretarial services, coffee, tea, other drinks, and a light, all-day buffet. The hotel itself offers 10 modern conference rooms and banquet halls that can accommodate from 10 to 300 attendees.

There is a fully equipped Gym with trainers available upon request and which features nine large LCD screens carrying a live feed of the beach and sea outside for your viewing pleasure.

After an exhausting day of sightseeing and shopping or business meetings, pamper yourself with a visit to the spa. It is well-equipped with a wet and dry sauna, jet shower, an array of massages and spa treatments, and a small healthy buffet offering snacks, herbal teas, and cold drinks.