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In the upscale Talbiya neighborhood, located in a prime tourist location at the heart of the Israeli capital, the Accor MGallery luxury hotel brand has chosen to open its newest addition, joining its extensive collection of high-end locations worldwide.
Aptly named after the adjacent Jerusalem Theater, the Theatron Hotel — owned by the Jerusalemite luxury real estate company Hasid Brothers — aims to provide its guests with a cozy and relaxing stay. With 90 deluxe rooms, 20 of which are suites overlooking a rich panoramic view of Southern Jerusalem, the hotel is nestled at the center of a complex that also includes 21 privately owned full-service condos that enjoy access to the hotel’s world-class amenities.
The Theatron Hotel provides long-term accommodations for families, business travelers, couples, and foreign delegations. The hotel's design and vision prioritize security and privacy without compromising on top-notch hospitality.
The hotel's charming architecture, planned by Feigin Architects, combines elements of stone and brown aluminum which blend well with its surroundings. The space between the hotel and residential area consists of a set of interior Jerusalem courtyards, providing a view of the hotel and homes as well as a pedestrian passage to the building entrances.
The interior design concept by Ari Shaltiel weds both modern and classic elements, integrating a monochromatic scale of brown and golden shades corresponding with Jerusalem’s spiritual and mystical ambiance.
Before the hotel's grand opening later this month, I had the privilege of being invited for an overnight stay at the establishment and enjoying the full guest experience.
Entering the hotel lobby after the exhausting journey from my central Israel home, I was greeted by Sheldon Ritz, the general manager of both the hotel and the residences, and staff members with a big smile and friendly handshake.
After checking in, I lounged about in the lobby to soak up a bit of the establishment's baronial atmosphere and enjoy a nice cup o' Joe and light refreshments from the rich cocktail bar there.
The entrance hall walls were styled with a coarsely textured natural stone veneer, giving the place an elegant ancient look that contrasted well with the hotel's polished modern exterior.
Freshly caffeinated, I strolled down the hall to my room. The spacious and neat pearly white bedchamber, complemented by the polished marble tiles and Italian furniture upholstered in light colors, exuded a sense of tranquility.
A tray of fresh fruit was waiting for me on the coffee table. The espresso machine in the corner was giving me eyes, but the caffeine level in my bloodstream told me it was too soon to fire it up just yet.
Mounted on the wall in front of the bed was a giant flat-screen TV that was left idle since yours truly is no fan of the ol' dumb box.
Regrettably, the Wi-Fi connection was a bit iffy, which made it difficult to get some work done during the downtime, a problem that will hopefully be sorted out by the time the hotel opens.
I left my cozy room and went on to explore the premises. I was the first-ever guest to use the hotel’s small gym. Fitted with treadmills, an exercise bike, dumbbells and a multi-purpose gym machine, the facility allows guests to get their hearts pumping and enjoy their vacation without skipping on their fitness routine. Right next door, there’s a yoga studio equipped with mattresses and exercise balls.
After sweating a bit, guests can also enjoy a dip in the hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool and pamper themselves in the treatment rooms, which will launch together with the hotel’s opening and will be managed by the French super brand Clarins. Just don’t forget to shower first!
I then went down to the hotel's chef's restaurant for dinner and was served a multiple-course meal, each dish masterfully crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Complemented by generous portions of salads, the menu was largely meat-based, which didn't go down well with my colleague Shmuel Munitz from Hebrew-language Ynet and his partner. Me on the other hand? I thoroughly enjoyed the juicy cuts and especially relished the sashimi opener.
The restaurant's sommelier moved swiftly between the tables, skillfully presenting the guests with a curated selection of wines perfectly matched to each dish.
Satisfied and sporting a wide smile (without evidence of my meal stuck between my teeth hopefully), I make my way across the street to indulge in a stand-up comedy show at the Jerusalem Theater.
Afterward, I head to the bustling Azza St., which is just a short walk away. Fitting for a Thursday night, all the bars and restaurants were ram-packed with patrons.
The following morning, I make my way downstairs for breakfast. What's on the menu? A variety of options, including shakshuka, assorted cheeses, fresh salads, cereal, flavorful omelets and a tempting creamy potato dish that won me over.
We then took a guided tour of the hotel's surroundings. We arrived at a vantage point that provided us with a magnificent view of Jerusalem in all its splendor.
Other interesting places in the vicinity worth exploring include the Hansen House and the Museum of Islamic Art, which are both a stone's throw away from the hotel. If you feel like paying President Isaac Herzog a visit, you can reach the President's Residence on foot even before you get the chance to break a sweat.
Overall, besides a few fine tunings, my stay at Theatron Hotel was a delightful experience. With prices ranging from $679 per night for a couple staying in a Superior Room with breakfast, to $1,145 for a suite, this destination makes for a great getaway spot for those who can afford it.
- The writer was a guest of the Theatron Hotel.