Ld Sheraton Tel Aviv

The Sheraton brand has been in Tel Aviv since 1961.

- Tom Otley

BACKGROUND The original hotel was about a mile north of the current one, which was built in 1977 and has had several renovations in the intervening years, with the most recent being completed this year.

WHERE IS IT? On the beachfront overlooking Shlomo Lahat Promenade. Ben Gurion airport is around a 30-minute drive away (traffic permitting).

WHAT'S IT LIKE? From the outside, the hotel is a fairly anonymous rectangular tower, but the lobby opens up to an atrium-like space with a branded café (&more by Sheraton) serving Illy coffee as well as alcohol. The interiors are by HBA design.

To the left is the concierge desk and reception, while to the right is the new Sheraton lobby with its long community table with multiple power points and lockable drawers so you can step away from the desk (keys available at reception). There are phone booths to take and make calls without disturbing others, comfy seating, and small meeting rooms for rent - three off reception, and two larger ones further back in the lobby. It's a popular space, and well-air-conditioned, which was welcome after a walk along the beachfront.