Boutique hotel fans have a new reason to visit Tel Aviv: The city’s first boutique hotel is ready for guests. Part of MGallery Hotel Collection, Elkonin Tel Aviv can be found in the fashionable, art-centric Neve Tzedek neighborhood — an area that actually pre-dates the city itself.

© Amit Geron

The “new” hotel can be found within a historic structure dating to 1913, and offers 42 rooms and two suites reflecting a retreat-like ambience. Built for Malka and Menachem Elkonin with a blend of Eclecticism architecture and Art Deco style elements, the original structure quickly became a prominent gathering space, attracting luminaries from literature, art and politics including Albert Einstein. Political figures and royalty were also drawn to its door, and included King Abdullah of Jordan and Israel’s first prime minister David Ben-Gurion.

© Sivan Askayo

In 2004, the building became the property of Dominique Romano, who refurbished the structure in an avant-garde French style while carefully preserving its original architectural elements. Elegant, European-styled interiors have been designed by Adriana Schor of ICONIQUE studio.

Features range from herringbone floors and rattan accents to custom Italian terrazzo and original ceramic tiles. Bathrooms are stocked with amenities from Clarins.

The on-site spa also boasts a city first: Tel Aviv’s first spa by Clarins. Five serene treatment rooms are decorated in tones of beige and white, while other spaces include a relaxation lounge and Turkish-style hammam. Soothing and restorative treatments include the Elkonin Signature Treatment.

© Sivan Askayo

Among other guest spaces are a rooftop pool and bar providing wide views of the city and the sea, a modern fitness center, meeting and event space, and an outdoor terrace presided over by a one-of-a-kind Love Wall by artist James Goldcrown. For dining, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea at L’Epoque at Elkonin by Robuchon, the first Robuchon International restaurant in Israel.