Fodor's Expert Review Dan Tel Aviv

Return visitors say they love the sense of history at the Dan, built in 1953 and billed as Tel Aviv's very first hotel. The rainbow-painted rear of the hotel, facing the Mediterranean, contributes to the landmark status—famed Israeli artist Ya'akov Agam designed it. While rooms in this older property are clean and luxurious, their decor shows their age and many feel quite dark. Open the curtains, however, because many offer panoramic sea views and double-glazed windows to ensure a good night's sleep. The leisure complex includes a gym and an indoor and outdoor saltwater pool. A popular stretch of public beach is right across the street.

room

With nearly a dozen room categories offered in this sprawling hotel, it can be hard to choose. The more newly-renovated rooms have a black-and-white decor that is upbeat and fresh (but the bed linens feel scratchy); many of the older rooms are grander and with better views, but with a decidedly 70s brown-and-beige vibe. All are nicely sized and feature the standard amenities.

bathroom

Most bathrooms are generous in size and all offer complimentary toiletries; both in terms of decor and equipment (bidet? shower or tub?), there's a broad range and it depends on which room you book.

lobby

At check-in, it may seem like there's nowhere to sit and mingle at this hotel; only one sad dark couch faces the check-in counter. But head downstairs to lower level lobby and you'll find a warm collection of chairs and sofas facing the stately D-Bar and ringed by windows offering a beautiful Mediterranean view.

When walking into the hotel, look down -- beneath your feet. The tiles of this hotel's opening vestibule feature signatures of the many famous guests who have stayed here, including Mick Jagger and Bette Midler.

pool

The Dan offers both an indoor heated pool, which is open year-round, and a saltwater outdoor pool, which is open in the summer months and surrounded by deck chairs.

The Dan is one of the only properties in Tel Aviv to offer both an indoor and outdoor pool, making it a great option for swimmers who want the best of both worlds, regardless of the season.

spa

A small spa on the same level as the swimming pools offers massages.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The spa is very small -- only two treatment rooms -- and doesn't offer cosmetic or skin treatments like facials. If you're looking for more extensive spa services, look elsewhere.

gym

A well-equipped aerobics room contains all the basic cardio equipment and is very clean.

dining

The D bar at the Dan Tel Aviv offers a basic light menu for lunch, and full board options, which include hot buffet dinners, can be booked as a package.

For visitors who aren't concerned with keeping kosher, just adjacent to the Dan Tel Aviv sits Hola, a Spanish-inspired bistro with a modern menu and a fresh, young vibe. The Barola cigar lounge, also part of the complex, is a fun late-night spot for men (and women!) who enjoy whiskey and a good smoke.

drinking

The lobby bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, wine and beer. Those who want a younger, fresher vibe should head next door to Barola.