Sam&Blondi

Sam&Blondi, a Michelin Key Selected property in Tel Aviv, consistently receives high praise from guests for its prime location, exceptional service, and distinctive "eclectic European" design. This boutique hotel, housed in a beautifully restored 1930s building on the vibrant Shenkin Street, offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Sam&Blondi is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Wonderful" or "Exceptional." Review scores for categories like location (9.6), staff (9.0), and comfort (8.9) are consistently high, reflecting a strong guest satisfaction. Many guests express a desire to return, highlighting a memorable and enjoyable stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Sam&Blondi for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "amazing," "wonderful," "super nice and accommodating," and "exceptionally helpful." Many reviews specifically mention individual staff members by name, praising their attentiveness and friendly demeanor.
• Location: The hotel's central location on Shenkin Street is a major draw, offering easy access to popular attractions, boutiques, bars, and markets.
• Design: The hotel's "eclectic European" style, which pays tribute to the building's 1930s origins while showcasing contemporary Tel Aviv, is highly appreciated by guests. The interior design is often described as beautiful, clean, and well-thought-out.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate amenities such as the comfortable rooftop terrace, often enjoyed for coffee or sunset views, and the complimentary bikes available for exploring the city. The presence of a hot tub is also a notable highlight for many. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

3. Room Quality

Sam&Blondi offers 45 allergy-free rooms, including twin/double, double, triple, and suite options, ranging from 20 to 29 sqm. Rooms are generally described as clean, comfortable, and nicely styled, featuring a sleek, minimalistic, and contemporary design.

Standard room amenities include air conditioning, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a desk, and a flat-screen TV. Private bathrooms come with complimentary toiletries, a separate toilet, and a shower, often noted as being big. Some rooms boast a private terrace or balcony with a seating area and city views, and some also include a coffee machine. Guests often comment on the comfortable beds and good natural light in the rooms.

4. Dining Experience

While Sam&Blondi does not have its own on-site breakfast restaurant, guests receive a voucher for breakfast at a nearby partner restaurant, often "Eats Cafeteria," which is not kosher. This arrangement is generally well-received, with many guests praising the breakfast as "excellent" and "one of the best in Tel Aviv." The option to take the food to the hotel's rooftop terrace is also a popular feature. The hotel also offers complimentary wine, water, tea, and coffee in the lobby.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Sam&Blondi is consistently highlighted as a major strength. The 24-hour front desk is staffed by multilingual personnel fluent in English, Hebrew, Ukrainian, Russian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Arabic, ensuring effective communication with diverse guests. Staff members are frequently praised for being friendly, welcoming, attentive, and extremely helpful with various requests, including arranging cars and offering drinks upon arrival. Many guests feel a personalized, almost "family-like" atmosphere due to the attentive service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located on Sheinkin Street in the heart of Tel Aviv, Sam&Blondi boasts an excellent central location (rated 9.6). This places guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including:

• Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair
• Dizengoff Square and Dizengoff Center
• Carmel Market
• Rothschild Boulevard
• Beaches (Frishman Beach, Bograshov Beach, Jerusalem Beach, Banana Beach, Aviv Beach are all within 1-1.5 km)
• Meir Park

The hotel is also conveniently located for public transport, with the Sheinkin/Allenby bus stop just a 5-minute walk away. Ben Gurion Airport is approximately 12 km (27 minutes' drive) away. Complimentary bikes are available for guests to explore the surrounding area.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Sam&Blondi to offer good value for money, especially given its excellent central location. While some reviews mention that the regular price might be considered high by some, particularly without a sale, the overall sentiment points to a positive price-quality ratio. The hotel is often compared favorably to other options in the area, being seen as an affordable yet comfortable choice. Typical prices for similar hotels in the area can range from ₪430+.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring points of feedback include:

• Dining: The lack of an on-site restaurant for breakfast and the requirement for cash payment at the partner restaurant are occasionally mentioned. The breakfast not being kosher is also noted.
• Amenities: Some guests note limited on-site amenities (e.g., no extensive gym or pool) compared to higher-end hotels.
• Noise: Due to its central location, some reviews suggest that the area can be noisy, though many appreciate the lively atmosphere.
• Room Specifics: A few older reviews mention that some bathrooms might feel compact or dated, and limited storage space in rooms. However, more recent reviews emphasize clean and spacious rooms.
• Religious Observance: The hotel does not have a Shabbat elevator, and check-in on Saturdays and Jewish holidays is only possible after 18:00.
• Parking: There is no parking available at the hotel.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. leonardo-hotels.com
3. secrettelaviv.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. planetofhotels.com
7. hotels.com
8. thehotelguru.com
9. expedia.com
10. google.co.il
11. telavivhotelsisrael.com
12. cvent.com
13. myboutiquehotel.com
14. kayak.com
15. booking.com
16. hotel-tel-aviv.net