There’s only really one place to stay in Tel Aviv if you don’t want the concrete tower-block chain hotel experience: Nina Suites, a boutique hotel in heart of trendy Neve Tzedek, a neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, artisanal jewelry shops and clothing stores.
Nina Suites has rooms and studio apartments for longer stays. The decor is chic and modern, but not over the top. It is cozy, warm and inviting. Across the street is the Nina Cafe, which serves delicious breakfasts and lunches. It is THE hangout in this neighborhood in the afternoons, especially on the weekend (which is Israel is Friday and Saturday).
It’s a mystery to me why there aren’t more boutique hotels like Nina Suites in Tel Aviv. In other cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona, boutique hotels with an emphasis on design and personal attention have been springing up like mushrooms. Indeed, Nina Suites is very much in demand among foreign visitors so you have to reserve well in advance. It is minutes from the beach and a short walk from Jaffa (the old city).
Nina Cafe Suites
29 Shabazi Street
Tel Aviv
+972 52 508 41 41
www.ninacafehotel.com
Neighborhood hangouts
If you are staying in Neve Tzedek, the best places for coffee and light lunches are Nina Cafe across the street from the hotel, Mia Cafe (decadent chocolates and pastries) and Tazza d’Oro. For dinner, don’t miss Nana Bar and Dallal. There’s also a sushi place just down the street from the Nina Suites.
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