Artsy, App-Run Tel Aviv Hotel Named Among World’s ‘100 Most Incredible’

A new Tel Aviv hotel, which also boasts a co-working space and an inspiring street art collection, was recently named among the world’s “100 most incredible hotels” by Fodor’s Travel, a New York-based leading travel publication.

The list, called “Fodor’s Finest: The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World,” was released earlier this month and is divided into 10 geographic categories, including “Middle East.” According to Fodor’s, the round-up differs from other “best hotel” lists by consisting entirely of Fodor’s Travel editors’ and hotel writers’ personal picks.

The LINK Hotel & Hub, which opened its door in July, was the only Israeli hotel on the list and was featured – naturally – in the Middle East category alongside the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and the Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman, among others.

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The Link Hotel. Courtesy

“Travelers increasingly seek unique, memorable experiences when traveling – and that includes the hotels they choose to stay in,” said Jeremy Tarr, Editorial Director of Fodors.com. “The 100 properties on this list are certainly some of the best hotels in the world – but they’re also some of the dreamiest, most swoon-worthy, and sometimes, most unusual this world has to offer. Ultimately, each and every one is entirely glorious and utterly memorable.”

Located on King Saul Avenue in central Tel Aviv, and with an investment of NIS 40 million ($10.6M), the hotel says it caters to “the new generation of business traveler and
tourists, offering a concept of ‘connecting’; contemporary design, Tel Aviv’s vibrant social scene, street art, and advanced technology.”

A room at the LINK hotel. Courtesy

The eight-floor, 94-room hotel is owned by the Dan Hotels chain of Israeli luxury hotels and offers a truly wireless experience: no cash transactions, no reception desk, no bellboys and no concierge. Instead, guests download the LinkApp to their phones to perform a number of transactions including checking in, out, unlocking their rooms, controlling in-room functions such as the TV and air-conditioning, and adjusting the color and intensity of the light settings. Through the app, guests can also make free calls across Israel.

The LinkApp also serves as a virtual concierge “that helps guests explore everything Tel Aviv has to offer: entertainment, dining, shopping, nightlife, culture, and transportation to the airport, Jerusalem and elsewhere,” the hotel says.

The LINK hotel’s open space. Courtesy

Another distinguishing feature is the hotel’s artwork. Award-winning French photographer and artist Daniel Siboni was tapped to curate works from 12 Tel Aviv street artists to line the corridors and guestrooms. Each floor is dedicated to an artist, and all the artwork is for sale.

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The hotel also has a “hub” which functions as a workspace and a common area with a full-size pool table, board games and video games. Food and drinks are available from the street-side Link café and the Hub kitchen & bar, which proudly boast a “meatless Monday” feature.

The fully-equipped hotel gym and spa offer personal fitness instructors and private treatment rooms. And with personal storage lockers, self-service laundry facilities, and vending machines, the hotel appears to cater to digital natives traveling for business or pleasure, on a budget (the average rate for a single-occupier Queen room in mid-January is $150) but with an adventurous streak.

In August, American travel website The Points Guy named the LINK among its 10 coolest hotels around the world.

The LINK Hotel common area. Courtesy