Tel Aviv isn't exactly a budget-friendly city. If you've ever tried to book a room near Rothschild Boulevard or the beach, you know exactly what I mean. Prices are sky-high. But tucked away at 75 Allenby Street is a place that feels like a bit of a glitch in the system. It’s called Hotel 75 Tel Aviv, and honestly, it’s one of those spots that people either absolutely love or totally misunderstand before they walk through the door.
I’m talking about a 3-star boutique experience that doesn’t try to be a Hilton. It’s part of the Prima Hotels "Free Spirit" collection. It’s urban. It’s a little loud. It’s very Tel Aviv.
The Reality of 75 Allenby Street
Location is everything, but "central" is a vague word. At Hotel 75 Tel Aviv, central means you are literally in the middle of the city’s pulse. You’re across the street from the Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian mall. The Carmel Market (Shuk Ha'Carmel) is a three-minute walk away. You can smell the za'atar and fresh pita from your balcony—if you have one.
But here’s the thing. Allenby Street is gritty. It’s a major artery. There is construction for the new light rail (which has been a saga for years), and there are buses, nightlife, and people everywhere. If you’re looking for a quiet sanctuary where the only sound is a fountain in a lobby, this isn't it. But if you want to walk out the front door and be five minutes from the best hummus at Shlomo and Doron or a ten-minute stroll from the Mediterranean Sea, you’re in the right place.
The Room Situation
There are about 40 rooms here. They call them "Urban Rooms." They aren't massive suites. A single room is about 12 square meters. A double or twin is roughly 19 square meters. It’s compact, but they’ve done something clever with the design.
- The Ceilings: Most hotels have boring white ceilings. Here, they have street art reflected right above your bed. It sounds like a gimmick, but it actually gives the room a much bigger, edgier personality.
- The Amenities: You get the basics—WiFi that actually works, a mini-fridge for your market finds, a safe, and a desk.
- The Bathroom: Surprisingly large for an "urban" hotel. Most guests mention the showers are actually better than what you find in some of the more expensive spots up the coast.
One tip: ask for a room facing away from Allenby if you’re a light sleeper. The hotel does what it can with double glazing, but Tel Aviv is a "City That Never Sleeps" for a reason.
Why the Vibe is Different
A lot of people think "boutique" means "luxury." That's a mistake. Here, boutique means character. The lobby isn't a vast marble hall; it’s more like a cool living room that flows into the Allenby 75 Coffee Shop. This is where you’ll see locals sitting with their laptops and espressos. It doesn't feel like a tourist trap because it isn't one.
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The breakfast isn't your typical 40-foot hotel buffet. It’s a "Tel Avivian" breakfast. You get a choice of a sandwich, salad, muesli, or toast, plus coffee and juice. It’s fresh. It’s simple. It’s basically how people who actually live in the Kerem Hatemanim neighborhood eat every morning.
Local Insider Access
Since the hotel is managed by Prima, they have a solid concierge setup. They can hook you up with guided tours to Masada or Jerusalem, but the real value is just walking. You’re 7 minutes from Rothschild Boulevard—the city's tech and nightlife heart. You’re 12 minutes from Neve Tzedek, which feels like a small European village dropped into the Middle East.
Some visitors complain that the entrance is a bit hard to find because of the cafe tables out front. Just look for the number 75. The staff, like Yuval the manager or Mica at the front desk, are known for being incredibly helpful—which is saying something in a city known for its "tough" service culture.
Acknowledging the Trade-offs
Let’s be real. If you want a pool, a gym, or a massive breakfast spread with twelve types of cheese, stay at the InterContinental. Hotel 75 Tel Aviv is for the traveler who spends 14 hours a day outside. It’s for the person who wants to spend their money on dinner at Jasmino or drinks at a hidden bar in Florentin rather than on a room they only sleep in.
Common gripes? The pillows are notoriously large. Some people find them a bit much. The elevator is small. The street noise is a reality. But for the price point—usually hovering around $120 to $160 depending on the season—it’s an absolute steal for this location.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, here is how to make the most of it:
- Request a "Quiet" Room: Explicitly ask for a room on the back side of the building to avoid the Allenby Street bus traffic.
- Use the "Grab & Go": If you're heading to the beach early, the cafe has a fridge where you can snag a quick bite.
- Explore the "Shuk" on Tuesday/Friday: That’s when the Arts and Crafts fair happens on Nahalat Binyamin, literally steps from your door.
- Download "Wolt": If you’re tired, use the Wolt app to get food delivered from any of the legendary restaurants nearby. The delivery drivers know the hotel well.
- Pack Earplugs: Even with the best rooms, Tel Aviv is an energetic city. Better safe than sorry.
Check the official Prima Hotels website for "Free Spirit" member discounts—they often shave 10% off the price if you just sign up for their newsletter. It’s a simple way to make an already affordable stay even cheaper.