Leonardo Boutique Rehovot

The 2010-built Leonardo Boutique Rehovot is a boutique-style business hotel designed by leading Israeli design and business players, including top architect and interior designer Ari Shaltiel. The sleek, sophisticated spaces feature black tile floors with neutral decor rugs, polished leather furniture, brushed metallic pieces, and contemporary industrial light fixtures. A quiet setting and atmosphere, and minimal public space appeal to business travelers. Although well-removed from Tel Aviv, an adjacent plaza is being built up to incorporate restaurants, bars, and shops, and the nearby Weizmann Institute of Science attracts conference attendees. Limited area hotels make this a good pick for those needing to be in the near vicinity. 

This hotel is located about 30 minutes south of Tel Aviv (with no traffic) in Rehovot. While it's not particularly convenient for anyone looking to explore Tel Aviv, the area's only train station is across the street and trips to Tel Aviv take about 25 minutes. It's also a three-minute walk to Science Park and just a two-minute drive or 12-minute walk from the Weizmann Institute. Several casual bars and restaurants are within walking distance, in addition to a shopping mall. Ben Gurion Airport is about a half-hour by car.  

Leonardo Boutique Rehovot has 116 guest rooms with a handsome, contemporary design consisting of neutral tones, brushed metallic and glossy black wood furniture, accent carpets over wood tile floors, minimal artwork, and crisp white bedding. Rooms come standard with work desks, AC, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs, as well as mini-fridges and laptop-sized safes. There are no balconies, but upgrades snag extras such as in-room snacks and drinks. 

Superior Room bathrooms have black and pearlescent-mosaic tiling, white countertops, and small showers with rainfall showerheads or shower/bath combos. On the whole, bathroom lighting is dim, and guests can expect digital scales, terrycloth robes, and slippers on request. Upgrades to Executive Rooms snag more space, docking stations, and open plan vanities in front of toilet and shower areas. Club Rooms are smaller, corner units with lots of natural light and a lighter brown color palette, while Suites are large and have separate living rooms featuring wet bars, bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and microwaves on request. 

Business features are unsurprisingly extensive here, consisting of meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and catering available from the business lounge (dairy menu only). All guests have access to the Weizmann Business Lounge (for 18 and up only), which has ample seating and serves free pastries, snacks, and drinks. There’s also a big TV, light background music, a small library section, and computer station with printer. A big plus for business travelers are the lobby screens which display train and flight departure times. 

The hotel’s small restaurant is only open for breakfast, when a typical Israeli dairy buffet is served for a fee. Room service, however, is available 24/7. Extensive baby kits that include bottle sterilizers, cribs, baby food, washbasins, and more are free. Other freebies include Wi-Fi, bike rentals with helmets, and underground parking in the plaza. This hotel is kosher and equipped with Shabbat elevators and keys and has a small, dedicated synagogue. Check-in on Shabbat and Jewish holidays is from 6 p.m.

A small, 24-hour gym has limited equipment, and personal training can be arranged for a fee. Additional extra-fee services include in-room spa treatments, laundry, and reserved parking. There are no pets allowed.