Casa Suzanna: A Dream Retreat in the Heart of Tel Aviv

Casa Suzanna: A Dream Retreat in the Heart of the City.

I came to Casa Suzanna first and foremost to experience the big city.

This desire of mine overlaps with most visitors' intentions - couples, individuals, business professionals, and tourists - seeking to stay at a central location in Tel Aviv, one that offers complete access to everything the city provides, along with moments of tranquility and relaxation. I didn't expect to get the best of both worlds, but that's exactly what happened.

I can't recall the last time I felt so many emotions condensed into one night: peace, detachment, beauty, indulgence, and most importantly - a sense of belonging. Casa Suzanna is exactly what its name implies - a hotel that manages to feel like a home, but one that is tastefully decorated, meticulously maintained, and located in the vibrant heart of Tel Aviv without you hearing it.

From the moment I walked through the door, there was something different in the atmosphere, and I had a good gut feeling. The hospitality here is very boutique-like, so much so that the reception staff can recognize you by your booking and engage in a pleasant conversation, provide a brief explanation about the room, offer personal recommendations for nearby spots, and end with a suggestion to enjoy something cold or hot to drink. The check-in is conveniently conducted online, and soon you'll be able to book on-site parking through the same website (a rare commodity in Tel Aviv, and currently, you can simply call the hotel to arrange this). This entire package immediately gives off the vibe that they truly awaited your arrival and wanted to ensure your stay begins pleasantly.

The patio at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Where Did It All Begin?
Casa Suzanna opened just two months ago, yet it feels as though it has been around forever. The hotel previously operated under the Brown chain in Tel Aviv and has now reopened with a fresh and modern concept - the boutique hotel Casa Suzanna, managed by the Liam Hotels Group. The group specializes in creating personalized hospitality experiences, with a careful selection of locations imbued with character and soul. Casa Suzanna joins a lineup of properties within the group that offer a genuine connection to the place and surroundings, including the "Wine Hotel" Zamarin in Zichron Yaakov.

Reception at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Exclusive Wine Bar: Benefits of an Adults-Only Hotel
Casa Suzanna is an adults-only hotel, which gives the opportunity for a complimentary wine bar that's open to guests until late evening. The choice is between two excellent wines from leading wineries, red and white, and you can enjoy them at the bar, on the armchairs, or even in your room. And let's face it, there's no greater feeling than starting your vacation with a chilled wine glass in hand. Beside the wine corner, you'll find a luxurious tea and coffee corner, with everything you need - in addition to the coffee machine available in each room.

Complimentary wine bar. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

The Aesthetics That Envelop You
I can't write enough about the hotel's design, which left a lasting impression on me. From the entrance through the small, stylish lobby, you can tell that this hotel understands the importance of small details. This design concept carried through and even intensified within the rooms themselves.

If you love design and art, the decorations and furniture will provide plenty of inspiration. The carefully selected pieces of furniture that succeed in telling a cohesive story, the Renaissance and modern art adorning the walls, the harmony between the natural light in the patio and the intimate atmosphere in the rooms themselves, the pleasant music in the patio - everything blends together beautifully to create a feeling of visiting another world. A refined, pleasant, and intimate fusion.

The patio at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

The stay in the naturally lit patio itself allows you to breathe deeply and relax. Despite the central location, it remains completely silent even at the busiest hours. Indeed, an oasis in the heart of Israel's bustling city - and along with total relaxation, there's the awareness that a few steps out of the hotel will immerse you in the full vigor of Tel Aviv's day and nightlife. This balance and the ability to choose between a calm or thrilling outing let you experience the best of all worlds.

The patio at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

The Location That Lets You Explore the World
And speaking about the location, you can't stay in the heart of Tel Aviv without wanting to experience the city in all its glory. The location is simply ideal - with proximity to Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin, Neve Tzedek, the sea, and all the key entertainment venues. Also, the fact that your breakfast is at Alma Cafe in Neve Tzedek fits wonderfully with the essence of a Tel Aviv vacation and the desire to explore the city - but for those who prefer to stay in the hotel, a restaurant will open within the hotel in the future, and as for now, you can order food to your room and enjoy concierge services. 

Just steps from the hotel. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Throughout my visit, I never stopped exploring the hotel's surroundings. Noon, evening, night, and morning - Tel Aviv has something to offer every hour. And as soon as I returned to my refuge, I was enveloped by the warmth of the inviting patio and my guest room, with such a unique and welcoming atmosphere throughout all hours of the day.

Neve Tzedek. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Where to Sleep?
The hotel offers 4 types of rooms, varying in size, amenities, and character. I stayed in a Senior room but was fortunate to preview all of them - and noted that they are all luxurious and pampering, with some offering more space, a balcony, or a jacuzzi.

The sleeping room immediately provides a homely, intimate, and enchanting feeling. The parquet, "animal" rugs, tall curtains, unique and dim lighting fixtures, and romantic color palette with touches of film noir - all give the room an alluring and enchanting atmosphere that I haven’t experienced in any other hotel.

One of the hotel's rooms. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Spa and Treatments
Casa Suzanna also houses a treatment room, and as an avid massage enthusiast, I had to take advantage of the opportunity and book a treatment for myself. The room was intimate, with a professional therapist whose level I did not expect, and the massage was soothing and precise. Hotel guests can book massages of either one hour or 45 minutes in length, alongside several other treatment types, and eventually, packages combining massages and short stays in rooms for several hours will be offered. Additionally, a larger spa with a sauna, yoga area, jacuzzi, and showers will open in the future. More plans in the works: a restaurant at the hotel's front and a rooftop with a stunning view of the entire city.

Jacuzzi in one of the room types. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

And What About the Prices?
Room rates at the hotel are very attractive, especially during peak seasons. They are dynamic and range between 550-750 ILS (approximately $145-$210) per night during the week, and 650-900 ILS (approximately $175-$250) on weekends - depending on the type of room. Additionally, discounted spa treatments are offered to hotel guests: a 60-minute massage for 350 ILS (approximately $95) or 45 minutes for only 300 ILS (approximately $82). The hotel also hosts events and company evenings - including accommodation packages.

Hospitality at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

Bottom Line: When's the Next Visit?
Throughout my entire stay, the natural and effortless friendly demeanor of the staff stood out particularly. Though the place is designed in a period, chic European style, its true charm comes from the people running it - who know exactly when to offer help and when to let you explore on your own.

Hospitality at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

I especially relished the delicate balance maintained between intimacy and action, privacy and bustle. Despite the stunning location, the hotel manages not to feel touristy, but very authentic. It's a getaway that allows for a temporary escape from reality, which even people from Tel Aviv itself can enjoy as much as those coming from outside.

The writer was a guest of Casa Suzanna Hotel, located at 25 Kalisher Street, Tel Aviv.

Hospitality at Casa Suzanna. Photo: Ira Makiyenko

There are also Passport News magazines. Photo: Ira Makiyenko