Tel Aviv icon reimagined by Adriana Schor
The first-ever hotel in Tel Aviv, created in 1913 by Malka and Menahem Elkonin, has reopened as Elkonin Hotel MGallery. Acquired by Dominique Romano in 2004, the historic building has been revived thanks to the work of architect Gidi Bar Orian and interior designer Adriana Schor.
Meticulously restored, the 44-room boutique hotel maintains the architectural modelling typical of the eclectic style in vogue in Tel Aviv at the beginning of the 20th century. Fusing classic and innovative design, a vast glass tower designed by Bar Orian creates a striking architectural dialogue with the historic part of the building. With reflections that change according to the trajectory of the sun, the tower provides access to the rooftop on the seventh floor, where guests can dine and look out over the Mediterranean.
Upon entering the property, guests will find a reception that is light and breezy. White walls are adorned with blonde oak baseboards and a blue-grey band above, while a herringbone parquet floor is punctuated by slats painted in two tones. As a nod to the spirit of the French Riviera, rattan accents are found across the room, including on partitions and the backs of chairs.
Hallways leading to rooms are covered with custom-designed carpet, whose graphic pattern – in bold cobalt blue and carmine red tones – is based on oversized terrazzo fragments. In contrast, stairwells see historic decor from the site’s history preserved, including paintings that previously adorned its walls. Some that are no longer hanging can be found restored and reinstalled, combined with a cement tile floor.
“With a quiet nod to history and tradition, I have drawn inspiration from the city of Tel Aviv, from its wealth of cultures and all the beautiful stories it has to share,” says Schor. “This city, facing the Mediterranean, is the promise of a journey, of which Elkonin would be the dream port of call.”
Guestrooms themselves, decorated in blue or coral pink, are adorned with unique touches: abstract paintings, custom-made light fittings by Art et Floritude that pay tribute to French aesthetics, and consoles with terrazzo tops that recall the Memphis movement. Bathrooms feature large tiles in grey or celadon green, with oblong mirrors framed in black metal or brass to enlarge the space.
With F&B courtesy of Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon International (JRI Group), and the opening of the only Clarins Spa in Israel, the hotel – which joins Accor’s MGallery Collection – also offers a range of additional services to guests.
