Artplus Hotel Tel Aviv – an Atlas Boutique Hotel

The entrance to the Artplus Hotel Tel Aviv - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is tucked a few feet back from the sidewalk, and once travelers see the pop art cutouts depicting the timeline of evolution, guests know they're in the right place. Through the glass doors, the hotel's contemporary style shines, with midcentury modern couches in bright colors, polished floors, and stylish artwork that supports the decor. For the most part, the furniture here is basic wood laminate, sometimes topped with clear or frosted glass, helping the colorful, sleek leather chairs stand out. Despite the popular free happy hour, most guests keep to themselves and spend the day out exploring. This is a good pick for anyone looking for an easy, convenient, and stylish spot with an excellent location and few extra perks, though new couples and friends may want to think twice since rooms are snug and bathrooms have frosted-glass doors. 

Artplus Hotel Tel Aviv has a superb central location just two blocks from the beach, right off of busy Ben Yehuda Street. Several of Tel Aviv's main attractions are reachable on foot, including the Carmel Market, Dizengoff Street, King George Street, mini-marts, and several restaurants. Parking is difficult here, though it's easy to hail a cab right out front. 

• Five-minute walk to Bograshov Beach
• Six-minute drive to Rothschild Boulevard
• Seven-minute drive to Tel Aviv Port
• Seven-minute drive to Rabin Square
• Nine-minute walk to Dizengoff Street
• Nine-minute drive to Old Jaffa 
• 14-minute walk to Carmel Market
• 10-minute drive to Sarona Market
• 24-minute drive to Ben Gurion Airport

Rooms have minimalist, playful decor that is slightly reminiscent of a modern dorm room due to features like white IKEA-style block furniture, white metal lamps, cork boards, and colorful metal stools and glass tops. All rooms have AC, mini-fridges, kettles, and hairdryers, plus electronic vinyl blinds, city views, and cramped bathrooms with walk-in showers, Sea of Spa toiletries, and privacy-lacking translucent-glass doors. "Art" category rooms are unique and fun options for anyone who wants to stay inside of an art installation, though some are more subtle than others (our room had a rotating black ball with numerous tiny holes hanging from the ceiling so that when it was lit from the inside, it projected the feeling of a starry night across the walls of the room -- unfortunately, it was broken). 

Generally speaking, guests can expect all rooms to have hard carpet floors and hose-style hairdryers, and feel a little snug, while upgrades to suites snag more space, contemporary hairdryers, over-the-bed table desks, and cushioned sofa beds. Junior Suites also have small kitchenettes with microwaves, but our King Suite did not.  

This small boutique makes use of its space and offers a decent amount of convenient and thoughtful features. The daily evening happy hour is a huge hit with guests, who gather in the breakfast room for unlimited free wine and Israeli tapas. It's wise to get there early, as the place gets packed and it's common for folks to commandeer bottles to their own table. The free buffet breakfast is also well-frequented and gets easily crowded. Expect a daily offering with cheeses, smoked salmon, breads, fruits, and other typical Israeli breakfast items. Lunch and dinner are not served on-site.

Though it is part of the decor of the hotel, the local art displays and installations are a big feature here, and it remains a good place to see local talent. A few contemporary white loungers and sets of tables and chairs populate the slim but stylish rooftop deck, though due to high walls, there's not much of a view.  The open lobby area is also home to a book exchange and free bike rentals are available during daytime hours. A decent-sized gym has contemporary machines and free weights, and a sauna tucked away off the stairwell. Elevators are available for every floor and guest computers are situated off the lobby. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.