Two Tel Aviv luxury hotels rank among Middle East's best in international travelers' poll

The David Kempinski Hotel in central Tel Aviv ranked 11th on Condé Nast Traveler’s recently published list of the 20 best hotels in the Middle East, first among Israeli hotels.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine published the results of its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards on Oct. 6, ranking the David Kempinski 11th among Middle Eastern hotels with a score of 95.02.

​The rise comes from reviews by approximately 800,000 travelers from around the world, placing the hotel four spots higher than last year.

That ranking comes as foreign tourism to Israel remains down from last year. Israel recorded 788,500 international tourist arrivals from January through September 2026, a 15% drop from 927,800 in the same period of 2025, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards are highly respected and influential in the travel industry. They are based on the opinions of about 800,000 travelers worldwide, who rated hotels on service, location, design, amenities, food, and overall hospitality experience.

​“The fact that the hotel has moved up four spots compared to last year – just five years after its opening – attests to the team’s ongoing commitment to providing a hospitality experience of the highest caliber,” said Guy Kelman, general manager of the David Kempinski.

Two Tel Aviv hotels sit back to back in regional top 12 

The Norman Hotel in Tel Aviv now sits just behind the David Kempinski Hotel in the regional top 12, ranking 12th with a score of 94.48.

​“We are proud to once again be recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, which reflect our guests’ satisfaction and the trust they place in us,” said Kelman.

​“This recognition also inspires us to continue creating personalized experiences for our guests that reflect Tel Aviv’s unique character.”

Gulf hotels dominate the top of the list

Most of the hotels on the list are located in the Gulf states, primarily Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. First place went to Dorchester Collection’s Lana Hotel in Dubai, scoring 99.68, and second place to the Rosewood Abu Dhabi with a score of 99.19.

​“David Kempinski’s design is meticulous down to the smallest details—from the guest rooms to the Horizon Lounge—making even seasoned travelers feel as though they’ve never experienced hospitality like this before,” one Condé Nast Traveler magazine reader wrote.

‘Award-winning’ amenities 

The 250-room-and-suite hotel occupies 34 stories in a seaside skyscraper built by Feigin Architects, with interior design by Ara Design. It is located on Yarkon Street along the Mediterranean Sea promenade, adjacent to Tel Aviv Beach and Trumpeldor Beach.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include ‘Katzir’, a kosher chef’s restaurant led by chef Daniel Raymond, and an ‘award-winning’ breakfast. It also offers the OKOA Spa, two infinity pools, and wellness and fitness facilities.

​Cloud, a seasonal rooftop bar, sits on the hotel's rooftop and offers panoramic views of Tel Aviv and the sea, along with DJ sets and an Asian-inspired menu. The hotel’s main suite, the David Penthouse, spans three floors and includes a private pool and a gym.

​Since its opening in early 2022, the hotel has won a string of international awards, including the title of “Best New Hotel in the World” from Luxury Travel Advisor and inclusion in that magazine’s list of the 14 best breakfasts in the world.

​“A luxurious, impeccable, and service-oriented experience unlike any other in Tel Aviv. The views from the rooms are breathtaking, the service is unobtrusive, and the food is top-notch,” a review said in Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

​Established 125 years ago, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, with 80 locations around the world. Its Tel Aviv property is the first in Israel.