After strolling down Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, a city pulsating with life and history, I reached the hidden gem that was to be my home for a few days – the R48 Hotel. A private residence from the glamorous 1930s, this boutique hotel, acquired by Canadian philanthropists Heather Reisman and Gerry Schwartz in 1999, offers an exclusive escape in the heart of this vibrant Israeli metropolis.

With just 11 exclusive suites, the R48 Hotel maintains an intimate atmosphere that feels more like a chic apartment than a traditional hotel. The vision of Avital Gourary and Natanel Elfassy of Tel Aviv’s esteemed AN+ firm shines through in its design. Their collaboration with the Israel Conservation Authority has resulted in a clean, minimalist aesthetic that effortlessly merges classic elegance with contemporary comfort. The suites are spacious and airy, offering a flexible floor plan with sliding wooden doors that can partition the open-plan living and dining space from the bedroom. This design feature allows you to create your own private sanctuary within the suite, giving you the freedom to adapt the space to your preferences.

For those with a passion for exceptional cuisine, the R48 Hotel boasts the culinary delights of the Chef’s Table. This dining experience is in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. With only nine tables, each evening, guests are treated to an 11-course extravaganza of tapas-style dishes that meld Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Far Eastern flavors. I was particularly enchanted by the Jerusalem artichoke dish, served with a peanut masala and cilantro chutney. Each course was a delightful journey of taste and texture, and the Chef’s Table experience is always going to feel new as the menu is constantly rotating.

— Keisha Mitchell

For more information and booking: https://r48.co.il/