The Dave TLV

J. L. Gordon St 17, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6343801, Israel
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Why We Like It

The Dave is a love it or hate it kind of place. But if you're delighted by vintage design, crazy about kitsch and were born after 1985, chances are this is Tel Aviv bolthole where you'll be happy to hang your Fedora hat.

Fodor's Expert Review

A rare budget-friendly option near the Tel Aviv beachfront, this hotel is packed with attitude and overflows with vintage kitsch. Set in a former hostel and done up in brash and unapologetic colors, the Dave is almost exhausting in its Millennial virtue signals: taxidermy rodents, blood-red walls and life-size ceramic phalluses abound here. There's a tattoo parlor and a barber shop. There's free popcorn and an "honesty" bar of cold beers. If you're young, hip and your passions include upcycling and mustache art, this is exactly the spot for you.

You Should Know If you're over 30, shop at the Gap or don't enjoy quinoa, you might feel out of place in this temple of Tinder-swiping young things. And there's no elevator, so book a room on the ground floor if you aren't into climbing stairs.

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Room

All of the rooms feature comfortable beds and over-the-top design. The highest category, the Foxy rooms, have clawfoot tubs but, annoyingly, no overhead shower attachment (ladies who want to wash their hair, you've been warned). Design varies from room to room but all are cheeky and bold and done up with flea market finds.

Tip There's nighttime street noise from Ben Yehuda Street, so ask for a room that faces Gordon Street if you're a light sleeper.

Bathroom

The standard rooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The Foxy rooms have clawfoot tubs. Locally-made toiletries are standard.

You Should Know The Foxy room tubs are sexy and sleek, but -- buyer beware -- are located smack at the foot of the bed and surrounded by full length mirrors, so they are not for the bashful (or those who prefer a modicum of privacy).

Lobby

It's hard to figure out what to focus on in the Dave's lobby -- the novelty Pac-Man machine? The taxidermy rodents? Or the vintage punching bag hanging out by the barber shop? This is a room that's Instagram ready, so whip out your iPhone while you wait to check in.

Gym

There's no on-site gym, but guests can get a discounted day pass to a nearby local workout establishment.

Dining

There is no on-site restaurant, although hotel staff is happy to offer recommendations for nearby eating. The Dave has a relationship with a nearby cafe, which offers a special menu of complimentary dishes for hotel guests for breakfast.

Tip Cafe Xoho, one of the prettiest and most delicious cafes in Tel Aviv, sits directly next door to the Dave.

Drinking

There's no dedicated cocktail bar, but in the backyard courtyard, there's a "honesty" bar from 6 pm to midnight, where guests can grab a cold beer and put it on their room tab.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

The Dave is superbly located: Taxis and buses are plentiful right outside the door on Ben Yehuda street, and a short walk down to Dizengoff Street offers more bus lines and easy foot access to the best of Tel Aviv shopping and nightlife. The number 4 bus on Ben Yehuda street will take you to the front of Tel Aviv's biggest open-air market and then into its hipster artist enclave of Florentin; the number 5 bus on Dizengoff snakes north to the Tel Aviv Port and south to the Central Bus Station.

Restaurants

For excellent Thai-Latin fusion served with trademark Tel Aviv flair, check out Diego San (20-minute taxi); if a charming courtyard wine bar with youthful energy and yummy small plates is more your speed, head to Bicicletta (15-minute taxi), just outside the Carmel Market.

Bars

You'll be hard-pressed to find a bar more on-trend than Concierge (5-minute walk), where pretty and thirsty young things sip complicated concoctions under sidewalk chandeliers; for live music and a simpler atmosphere, the gold standard in Tel Aviv is the age-old Ozen Bar (15-minute walk).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 03-757-9000