The taxi driver, dropping me late at night at Tel Aviv's Bell Inn, on the corner of Allenby and Hayarkon Streets, was a bit dubious.
"Do you want me to come in with you?" he said.
But his anxieties (the hotel is located at the quieter end of this otherwise vibrant area) were misplaced.
Glorious sunshine pours into this boutique hotel in the mornings and the rooms are fresh with bright, yet soothing, earthy tones.
The Bell, a family-run hotel for the past 40 years, operates out of a century-old building in a terrific location, on the southern part of the Tel Aviv beach area.
A short walk up Allenby, past all the deliciously chavvy fashion shops, and you come to Tel Aviv's iconic arts and crafts market, Nahalat Binyamin, open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Or turn down Hayarkon for just a few metres, and there are miles of golden Tel Aviv sand (and some cracking restaurants).
There are great plans ahead for the Bell, which has 23 rooms (single, double and triple), all en-suite and some with whirlpool baths or Jacuzzi and some with a balcony sea view.
There's a lovely sun roof looking out on to the beachfront and the passing parade of Tel Aviv beach beauties; and by this summer the basement will have a spa with a Turkish hammam.
Each air-conditioned room is well kitted out with TV, fridge, coffee and tea facilities, and there is free wi-fi internet for guest use.
Rates include a full-on Israeli breakfast that is taken in their breakfast room.
There is no restaurant but no matter because there are ample dining choices in Allenby and the reception staff can recommend the best places.
My only complaint is that the Bell has no lift, as the building's historic status prevents its installation.
Rates: from $145 including breakfast
Tel: +972 3517 4291
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