The 270-room Carlton Tel Aviv has been a staple of Tel Aviv's upscale hotel scene since the 1980s and has played host to diplomats, heads of state and scores of business travelers.
And in a city that stretches along the Mediterranean, it's one of surprisingly few options for staying on the beach. It's leaning into that seaside location more than ever, giving guests varied ways to enjoy the city's renowned beach life.
While newer properties and boutique brands have sprouted up, the Carlton is not letting its prime perch and long-standing reputation lead it to complacency.
In the past year alone, the hotel opened two new eateries. The restaurant Flame specializes in food cooked on an open fire. Menu items include Josper grilled lamb belly (Josper is a Spanish iron oven fueled by oak charcoal); smoked chicken with baharat and lima bean cream; and fire-charred beet molasses short ribs.
The spread at the hotel's recently opened Flame restaurant. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Carlton Tel Aviv
Also new is the Contento Beach Bar, located on the beach just below the hotel, where the star offering is sunset cocktails. It also hosts events, including live music performances and parties.
The Carlton has also been renovating its public spaces and rolled out a collaboration with local art galleries to display work from Tel Aviv artists, with several interesting pieces adorning the lobby.
The hotel's Royal Executive Lounge is a comfortable space to work. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Carlton Tel Aviv
Signature spaces still stand out
During a two-night stay at the Carlton last winter, two of its signature spaces were standouts for me.
One was Carlton on the Beach, the beachside, indoor/outdoor restaurant know for its expansive breakfast buffet and views of the sea and of people walking and running along the city's five-mile beach path.
While buffets don't always elicit culinary excitement, this one has a huge selection of smoked fish, a fresh-squeezed juice bar, an omelette station and a large vegan selection.
My other favorite spot was the Royal Executive Lounge, just feet from my room on the 12th floor, which offers a comfortable space to work, unbeatable views of the ocean and marina and a nice breakfast spread. In the evening, it was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine with visitors.
The hotel's rooftop pool must be a perfect respite from the Tel Aviv heat in the summer. The pool is closed in the winter, and the hot tub was cooler than we'd have liked. But its rooftop location on the city side of the hotel meant a warmish soak at night with great views of the city lights.
The Carlton's location makes most of Tel Aviv very accessible. From the back of the hotel it's easy to find an electric scooter and zip along the seaside promenade all the way to the historic port of Jaffa. Stop along the way at Neve Tzedek, known for its art galleries and boutiques, or just enjoy the beach volleyball, surfing and restaurants along Tel Aviv's waterfront.