Tel Aviv has become a booming tourist destination, not to mention a business hub in the Middle East. And, to add to this, it ain’t cheap either. So finding a great hotel in a good location can be a challenge, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
As part of a business trip to Tel Aviv, I booked in to the Lily and Bloom hotel, a stones throw from Rothschild Avenue, right in the heart of the city. This independent boutique hotel is popular with both business visitors and tourists, and offers a charming vintage architectural aesthetic as well as an air of undeniable cool (both in terms of vibe and temperature).
So how was my stay at Lily & Bloom hotel?
Arriving at Lily and Bloom Hotel, Tel Aviv
Lily & Bloom hotel is situated on Lillenblum street, which runs parallel to Rothschild Avenue. As far as location goes, you’re in the thick of it here.
But, saying that, even though the hotel sits practically in the heart of downtown TLV, it’s actually quite peaceful. In fact, the building itself is kind of unassuming. If you weren’t looking out for it, you would definitely miss it in amongst the hole in the wall eateries and glass and steel high rises around these parts.
The building itself is actually a vintage Bauhaus styled mid-rise complex. It’s all very minimalist and very white on the exterior, and once you walk through the big glass doors, you’re in the small reception area. Here the lovely reception lady got me checked in and oriented before you could say, “I need a shower and a lie down”.
Up the short steps and you’re into the downstairs lounge area. This is actually a great intro to the hotel, with a nice open plan seating area, long bar and, just out of view, a green terraced seating area.
Now we’ll come back to the lounge area in a bit, as I did get to enjoy sitting around in the hotel for a bit.
But let’s get to the room.
Exploring the rooms at Lily and Bloom
There is very much a minimalist chic vibe at Lily & Bloom Hotel. Lots of white, Bauhaus (or is it art deco) fittings, crisp white sheets, retro photos of old Tel Aviv and some modern art pieces too.
The room itself is a good size. Actually, the key thing is the bed… The bed was huge and very comfy, just right and easy to sink into at the end of a busy day at the office.
And with a Nespresso machine and kettle included, you’ve got the essentials for a homely stay.
My room looked south towards the coast, with a cool view of the nearby high rises (one of which was where I would be spending the other half of my stay). And despite being surrounded by bars, restaurants and nightclubs, I didn’t find the noise distracting or disturbing. Oh, the hotel is also right under the flight path – but as an ex-Londoner, I actually find the sound of approaching aircraft quite comforting, sort of like white noise. Maybe that’s just me…
OK, what about the bathroom?
Again, not huge but more than adequate for one or two people using the room. A good powerful shower which is in the bath, nice solid ceramic fixtures and an attractive wooden shelving unit with all your hotel toiletry essentials.
Check out the details and prices of Lily and Bloom Hotel at Booking.com
The view from the terrace(s)
My room at Lily and Bloom Hotel was on the 4th floor (top floor), which meant I was right next to the balconies and roof terrace areas. There was a small south facing balcony just along from my room, which was the perfect spot to soak up some late sunshine and sink a beer while taking in the view.
Just next to the lifts was a larger terrace, west facing, with some bigger tables and chairs. While this was a nicer space to sit, I tried to sit and do some work on this terrace but the wifi signal was so patchy I had to go and sit in the lounge downstairs. Talking of which…
The bar and lounge and Lily and Bloom
As I mentioned, on entry to Lily and Bloom Hotel, you come straight into the open plan bar/lounge area. In keeping with the entire hotel ambiance, the vibe is chilled, with some low-fi music playing. There are a number of seats and even sofas where you can sit and do some work, scroll your phone or take a call if needs be.
They also put on a complimentary drink and snacks every evening for hotel guests, which is a nice touch. They put on free wine, I think it was. I opted to pay for a beer, which was kinda steep (something like €7 for a bottle of Heineken or thereabouts). Nice touch though.
And in the morning this is where the buffet breakfast is laid on.
Now… I do judge a hotel by it’s buffer breakfast, so lets start a whole new heading.
The breakfast at Lily and Bloom
Like any good boutique hotel, Lily and Bloom Hotel puts on a good spread for breakfast. There was a good mix of Israeli classics such as shakshuka, lots of really good salads and some other meaty stuff (I’m vegetarian so didn’t get into the meat). And of course, the standard mix of continental pastries, cheeses and hams. Actually their pastries were pretty next level.
So yes, putting it simply, the breakfast at Lily and Bloom is top notch.
If you’ve been to or are planning on visiting Tel Aviv, I will say this much. Don’t overdo it at breakfast! There is so much to eat and the food is phenomenal in the city in general.
But having said that, yes I did overdo the breakfast. It was great.
Sightseeing from Lily and Bloom Hotel in Tel Aviv
Now, I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t really get to explore Tel Aviv that much. I was in town for just a few days and was mostly in the company of work colleagues, so my exploring was basic to say the least.
However, I did wander from the hotel down the train track park, which as you might have guessed used to be a train track and is now…. A park. Park Hamesila is an attraction in itself, but feels very much like ‘authentic Tel Aviv’.
This is a great spot to watch Israelis going about their lives, with kids playing in playgrounds, courting couples, dog walkers, joggers and commuters all zipping about. There are also a number of bars and cafes dotting the train track all the way down towards the beach.
If nothing else, this was a great way to sit and soak up the TLV ambiance.
However, I did also walk all the way to the beach and get to explore Old Jaffa, the original settlement around these parts. It now feels very much like a done for the tourists type attraction, with overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops, but it’s definitely worth the walk down. Great views back across the very impressive skyline too.
The walk took probably 15 minutes to Jaffa/the beach at a decent pace. So if you’re needing a dip in the sea, you’re not far at Lily and Bloom.
Where to eat near Lily and Bloom Hotel
I was only in town for a couple of nights, but I did manage to get some extra weight on. One of the best places I ate at, by far, was Saone Rhone. A sort of Israeli Indian fusion, with some mind bogglingly good flavour combos. I’d go back to Tel Aviv JUST to eat there…
I also stuffed my face with a falafel bigger than my head at Super Falafel. This hole in the wall joint claims to be the best falafel in the Middle East. Now, I have travelled quite a bit in the Middle East, and he might have a legit claim here. Definitely top tier falafel, no questions.
Beyond these places, I actually don’t know where I ate as I was either with people who knew what was going on, or I was drunk. Sorry about that.
Staying at Lily and Bloom
I found the entire stay at Lily and Bloom to be a great introduction and base in Tel Aviv. The hotel itself is tastefully done and well run, and obviously designed to cater to a mixture of both business and travel guests.
Price wise, it’s also a bit of a bargain for what it is. With prices around £120/$150 for a night, you’re getting a great value hotel in an excellent location.
Book your stay at Lily and Bloom Hotel with Booking.com
Did you enjoy our Lily and Bloom Hotel review? Anything you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments 🙂
