An active hotel since 1953, the Dan Tel Aviv is regarded as the city’s first luxury hotel, and has hosted many high-profile visitors, ranging from presidents and political leaders to major artists and celebrities. Featuring 280 renovated rooms, two pools, a full service spa, and a variety of additional five-star trappings, the property certainly lives up to its reputation as a world-class mega-hotel. The building’s technicolour sea-side façade, designed by Israeli artist Ya’acov Agam, dominates the boardwalk landscape. Though controversial – seen by some as an ugly piece, evocative of Miami’s sleazier aesthetic facets – the structure has become a landmark in the beach-centred lifestyle. Upon entering the lobby and reception area, one is immediately exposed to the blend of old and new maintained within the hotel’s public spaces. The heavy use of wood and marble is an iconic Israeli style of hotel interior design, and it lends a heavier, more business-oriented tone, made light by the contemporary aesthetic of the sea-view lounge perched above the boardwalk. The rooms, including over 40 different suites, radiate a relaxed atmosphere through use of earthy tones and subdued, modern furnishing. Little perks such as iPod connections and eponymous-branded quality toiletries set the standard for a hotel that has retained a constant clientele pool that return year-on-year.