The Maxim Hotel

This simple but stylish boutique property shares owners with its neighbor, The Lusky -- Great Small Hotel. Though it's ranked a half-pearl lower, it has a more modern and uniform look, starting from the lobby up through the rooms. Arriving guests are greeted with an open lobby area that includes a broad, blond-wood reception desk, charcoal and golden-beige seating, and polished white marble floors. A vintage piano rests up against the wall, a gift from a musician and regular guest who tickles the keys when staying here. To the back and behind a cushioned divider is the hotel's breakfast room and afternoon snack area. A quiet, slightly hidden corner lounge holds a couch and TV, lending library, and newspapers up for grabs. This has been a family-owned property for over 40 years, and underwent a total renovation in 2011/2012 with a refurbishment of the 6th floor in 2015. 

The Maxim Hotel is located in the middle of Tel Aviv's beachfront hotel row. On HaYarkon, guests will have to walk a block down and cross a busy thoroughfare to reach the sands of Bograshov Beach. It's also a two-minute walk from London Garden, across from the Americana Cafe, and a two-minute walk from the U.S. Embassy. The bounty of shops, bars, and restaurants off Ben Yehuda and HaYarkon streets are less than a five-minute walk away. - Three-minute walk to Ben Yehuda Street

• Five-minute walk to the beachfront boardwalk
• 11-minute walk to Dizengoff Street
• Six-minute drive to Tel Aviv Port
• Six-minute drive to Rabin Square
• Eight-minute drive to Old Jaffa 
• Nine-minute drive to Rothschild Boulevard
• 12-minute drive to Sarona Market
• 14-minute drive to Carmel Market

Contemporary and clean, Maxim's 71 guest rooms display a simple yet stylish look. Large windows bring in lots of natural light, though it can get blocked out with the drapes pulled. Standard features include AC, mini-fridges, laptop safes, kettles with tea and coffee, and both ethernet and Wi-Fi. Travelers also get free bottled water on arrival. Bathrooms are super sleek with circular sinks, wood countertops, and shower/tub combos, though several are stocked with old-school tube hairdryers. For solo travelers, the little Economy Single Rooms have single beds and a strict single-occupancy rule. Not surprisingly this budget option has a back-of-the-hotel location, though it doesn't sacrifice amenities or style. Dark wood laminate furniture and houndstooth patterns keep them chic, while mini-fridges and kettles keep them well-equipped. Standard Double Rooms feature a slight bump up in decor with fun zebra-patterned bedspreads, jet-black glass-top desks, and contemporary chairs. Bed throw pillow or drapes add fun pops of color like mint-green or orange. Superior Sea View Double Rooms have ocean views through the windows (no rooms with balconies here) and come with upgraded toiletry kits. All double-occupancy rooms are adequately sized for a Tel Aviv getaway, but could feel a bit cramped for longer stays when two people and their luggage are taking up space. For traveling trios, the Standard Triple Room replaces the desk area with a simple converter sofa that's best used by a child. 

The Maxim Hotel has plenty of features that add to its overall value, including lots of freebies. Guests here get a free Israeli-style breakfast buffet served down in the lobby-level breakfast area. This is also where you can grab free afternoon snacks like cake, coffee, tea, and wine. Other freebies include loaner beach towels, Wi-Fi and hard-wired internet, and a laptop for guest use that's nonchalantly resting atop the lobby bar. For those who reserved in advance, there is a limited amount of free underground parking, through a third-party, daily-fee lot with unlimited in/out privileges; it's located across the street. Apart from its generous freebies, the property has a tiled rooftop terrace set up with plastic patio furniture. Glass balcony walls here provide uninterrupted sea and sunset views. There's also a water station and a few tables and chairs, though these are starting to show wear. Other features include an outside laundry service and relaxation nook off reception with a lending library, newspapers, and a TV. Those with mobility issues should note this hotel has elevators, but they're not large enough to accommodate wheelchairs.