Galit Dohan, the general manager of Dan Hotel’s first LINK hotel&hub is smiling from ear to ear as she watches her specially-trained staff tend to guests who have arrived at this new establishment in the heart of Israel’s bustling business and cultural zone. “This is the first hotel of its kind in Tel Aviv, where a guest feels as if they have entered an urban environment where they are LINKed to technology and LINKed to art and culture and not standing in line, waiting to deal with the hotel check-in bureaucracy. Those days are ending, and we are at the forefront of this new concept hotel,” says Dohan, who has spent most of her career working in a variety of positions within the hospitality field in Israel.

Strategically located on Tel Aviv’s King Saul Avenue, the LINK hotel&hub incorporates comfort, technology and a relaxed ambience where guests can socialise and mingle. 

To help arriving guests get quickly to their rooms with a minimum of fuss, The LINK has eliminated many procedures typical of traditional hotels: no cash transactions, no reception desk, no bellboys and no concierge. The helpful multi-tasking 24/7 service crew operates on an “everyone does everything” basis. The hotel offers different-sized guestrooms with a 55in smart TV – much bigger than in most hotels, luxury beds and linen, rain shower and adjustable lighting to suit the mood. A distinctive feature of the hotel is the way internationally acclaimed photographer Daniel Siboni has curated and displayed Tel Aviv Street Art throughout the hotel.

Using their mobile phones, guests can download the innovative and comprehensive LinkApp that enables check-in, check-out and unlocking the guestroom door. LinkApp serves as the house phone for making free calls anywhere in Israel, and for controlling in-room functions such as the TV, the air-conditioning, and adjusting the colour and intensity of the light settings. LinkApp is also a virtual concierge that helps guests explore everything Tel Aviv has to offer: entertainment, dining, shopping, nightlife, culture and transport to the airport, Jerusalem and elsewhere.

“Despite the fact that the LINK is considered to be an urban hotel, we have spared no expense in providing some of the same comforts found in our most luxurious hotels. Guests sleep in the same type of high-end beds we offer at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem and all of the linens are part of the Dan’s signature line,” said Dohan. “In addition, each floor in the 94-room hotel features artwork that can be purchased by our guests. Twelve different artists from the area display their works on each floor and in each room.”

Based on the shared workspace concept to be found in cities all over the world, the Hub floor is a place where guests can work, conduct meetings, relax, have a bite and so on. There are common worktables, a kitchen and bar open till late, plenty of private meeting rooms, a pool table, board and video games. The spacious 150 sq m gym and spa area has a fully equipped gym, personal fitness instructors and private massage treatment rooms. The utility area has personal storage lockers, self-service laundry facilities and vending machines stocked with frequently requested items. The LINK offers an all-day meatless menu.

Dohan is especially proud of the fact that the LINK’s staff features a mix of English-speaking new immigrants. “We are dedicated to embracing them and offering them a great opportunity to work and interact with our guests, many of whom come from the UK, North America and beyond. When business and global travellers are able to communicate in the same language, it also offers them a sense of comfort,” she adds.

The buzz around the new LINK concept has already attracted a sizeable number of bookings. “We are sure that the LINK is the wave of the future and expect to expand the LINK hotel chain in Israel and abroad,” says Dohan.

Discover more about the Link Hotel & Hub.