Tel Aviv, Israel: Dan Panorama Tel Aviv; hotel review

Dan Panorama Tel Aviv   

Charles Clore Park. 483 rooms; 18 floors. Full breakfast included; outdoor swimming pool with stunning sea view; health and fitness center with dry sauna, Jacuzzi, massage treatments; indoor garage.

view from Dan Panorama Tel Aviv in Israel

Located on the Mediterranean shore (the beach is just across the street), the hi-rise Dan Panorama Tel Aviv is well-located adjacent to the hip and chic Neve Tzedek quarter (behind it to the east), the bustling Carmel Market (behind it to the north), and the old-new “Tachana” (to the south); ancient Jaffa is a 15-minute stroll to the south. The lobby is elevated to the second floor, offering superb sea views. Guest rooms have a high ceiling and a small balcony overlooking the Mediterranean. The expansive breakfast buffet happens in a massive room with an ocean view; long counters are laden with fantastic choices, and an omelette station and coffee barista are available.

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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Tel Aviv, Israel: Suzana; restaurant review

Suzana  

9 Shabazi St., in Neve Tzedek, 517-7580.

A  pleasant bistro atmosphere greets diners at Suzana, with warm open rooms in winter and a shady garden patio in summer. Salad appetizers include a tasty fried cauliflower, while the extensive list of main courses includes an assortment of dried fruits stuffed with ground lamb, puff pastry stuffed with chicken livers-onions-pear sauce, and sweet potatoes-and-chicken meatballs. Roast goose leg with root vegetables is also an option. For dessert, don’t miss the fresh mint tea.

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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Tel Aviv, Israel: HaTachana + Soho; things to do

HaTachana  

Situated between Jaffa and Neve Tzedek.  The former Tel Aviv-Jaffa train station is now an up-market shopping and entertainment center.  The shops are not in an enclosed mall, but rather spread out in a series of small buildings. 

At one bright shop, Soho, it’s all about the design.  Many items displayed are designed, and some are produced, in Israel.  Most notably, the red “Hotman pot trivet” (which I purchased and enjoy as a souvenir) and “Key Pete.”  Designer Shahar Peleg says, “You know you’ve made it when the Chinese start copying your design.”   

 
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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Tel Aviv, Israel: The Gutman Museum of Art; things to do

The Gutman Museum of Art 

 (21 Shimon Rokah St., (972) 3 5161970) is located on a 130-year-old street . Situated inside The Writer’s House, this museum displays the works of early-20th-century post-impressionist artist Nahum Gutman.

The first area to be settled outside of Jaffa, the Neve Tzedek neighborhood is now quite desirable. It is filled with 19th-century homes, many of which are recently renovated, plus fashionable bars, cafes, and unique boutiques. Winding streets and picturesque structures make it the perfect spot for wandering, and the The Gutman Museum of Art is located here.

interior of The Gutman Museum of Art in Tel Aviv, Israel

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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Tel Aviv, Israel: Independence Hall; things to do

Independence Hall 

On Rothschild Blvd. Here, on May 14, 1948, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the State of Israel was born. Civil war erupted in Israel within 24 hours of the U.N. decision making it a Jewish state. During the attack by five armies, this building became a bunker with barred windows. The upper floors now house a Bible Museum.

interior of Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, Israel

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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Take a walk along Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, Israel

Founded in 1909 by Jewish immigrants, Israel's hip coastal city is known for its arts and music scene as well as its gay and lesbian community.  It is also famous for its blocky 1930s Bauhaus architecture and has the world's largest concentration of these functional buildings.  In addition, it has a fine beach and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, Israel

Wide Rothschild Boulevard has a central pedestrian path holding several landmarks, including  the Founder’s Monument and the city’s first well (at 8 Rothschild).  Considered Tel Aviv's most beautiful street, it was created shortly after the city was founded and is filled with eclectic-style buildings that were popular at the beginning of the 20th century.  It is part of the area known as the White City--a UNESCO World Heritage Site--featuring Bauhaus buildings in the 1930s German architectural style characterized by geometric lines and symmetry.  Restaurants and coffeehouses are plentiful. 

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image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Tel Aviv, Israel: Utopia Orchid Park; things to do

Utopia Orchid Park

Located near Tel Aviv, this park includes an indoor orchid garden with more than 20,000 orchids from different species from around the world; a rainforest with tens of thousands of tropical plants, including carnivorous plants, waterfalls and lush greenery; and a butterfly garden and animal park with a wide range of animals and birds.

The park also features two plant mazes--a classical English-style maze and a 6,560-square-foot obstacle maze.

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