I travel well alone for work, even if Tom often joins me on weekends to come and discover with me the cities where my business trips have taken me. I want to share with you a slightly different story, a real crush.
We could begin this story, like all stories, with: “Once upon a time, there was a hotel called Brown Hotel which was located in the heart of a lively historical and cultural district of the city of … And which offered a breathtaking view of the district … The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated with every conceivable amenity… There was also an incredible rooftop, a spa, a gourmet restaurant… blah blah blah”, Chez Brown Hôtels, if the story seems the same every time the way of telling it is very different in each of the houses that make up this hotel group for the less original.
In a hyper-standardized world, there are still brands that tell stories that go against the dominant culture and these stories are a pleasure to hear.
A group of unique hotels
Brown Hotels is an Israel-based luxury hotel chain known for its unique design and prime locations in popular cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The chain was founded in 1933 and has since grown to include new properties, each with their own character and style. The brand was born out of a desire to create accommodations that not only show tourists the true culture and creativity of a city’s people, but also encourage and develop the neighborhood’s nightlife and connections with its residents. Each of the Brown hotels is unique, independent and imbued with a genuine desire to blend into its surroundings. Brown Hotels is expanding with multiple properties under development in Israel, Greece, Croatia, Germany, Cyprus, UK and more.
I invite you to also read: Travel Wish-List: The Athens Mini-Break
There are services and services…
Brown Hotels offer a range of amenities and services, including spacious guest rooms, on-site dining options, fitness centers, and spaces for meetings and events. They are also known for their modern design and artful interiors. I particularly liked being warmly welcomed by the hotel staff, who were very welcoming and respectful to give everyone a unique place in the house. Here is a house, houses, where we can feel comfortable, without judgement. In short, the dream for me who is looking for places where I quickly feel good.
Business to do
I have during my stay to find that business travelers can take advantage of a variety of special services offered in its city hotels and resorts across Europe. Along with exemplary international hospitality standards and a revolutionary design line, company owners, employees and business people can enjoy corporate vacations with special rates for business club members.
A house to discover Israel
I will only mention one hotel to discover Tel Aviv, the Poli House boutique hotel. Characterized by a unique and modern design, which is as stunning for the senses as it is for the mind, the Poli House offers 34 rooms and is an embodiment of the urban eccentricity, diversity and personalities that shape cultural eclecticism. and architecture of the White City. We will especially note the bright green ceilings with contrasting black and white wall details that give a crazy charm to this emblematic architecture of the 1930s.
The hotel is housed in an iconic former Bauhaus building, the original building was designed by architects and engineers Yosef Kashan and Elisa Shimshoni. It combines the architecture of the Bauhaus with the modern and colorful design of the great international decorator Karim Rachid. On the roof, which has undergone a long process of conservation and renovation works, has been installed a heated infinity pool and a Rooftop bar, areas for sunbathing and resting, a Jacuzzi, a dry sauna, etc.
Tel Aviv’s favorite Carmel Market is just across the street, while the Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian corridor, filled with restaurants and artisans, is nearby. The beach, bustling Rothschild Boulevard and the history-rich town of Jaffa are also easily accessible.
Other dream destinations like Croatia
Located on the scenic Adriatic coast, in the charming historic town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 5 km from Split Airport, Brown Beach House offers an unparalleled Mediterranean experience. Housed in a former tobacco shipping station, the majestic facade of the hotel exudes incredible charm. Featuring a wide and long swimming pool with a sun terrace adjoining the sea, the Hotel offers modern and chic accommodation, the rooms have air conditioning and a seating area. A gym and spa center are also on site. St. Lawrence Cathedral is 800 meters away, while Trogir Bus Station is 1 km away.
Athens as a place to discover these charming hotels
As I was saying, I discovered this chain of hotels a bit by chance. My stay I booked it for a business meeting and read great reviews on social media and got a great price so here I am at Brown Lighthouse Athens. Central, elegant without being flashy, the hotel is unexpected. A warm welcome, a glass of prosecco in hand, it was the best starting point to begin my Hellenic stay. A city of Athens where I had not been for at least 4 years, and which is finally recovering from a long financial crisis.
The cradle of Western civilization is taking on new colors and the new energy of the city was a pleasure to see.
Spread over 9 floors, the hotel offers 205 uniquely designed rooms, the hotel sits just opposite Omonia Square and has a rooftop bar with stunning city views, superb wellness facilities being and a huge space for events. But above all, and this is a real favourite, a breakfast that would make the biggest 5-star hotels on the planet green with envy. And, icing on the cake, it remains available until noon.
I spent 3 great working days in this hotel with my colleagues and as for the weekend, Tom was coming to join me, so I decided to try another hotel of the brand located just 200 meters away.
So here I am with Tom at the Dave Red Athens. Another stroke of genius from this brand, reconditioning the former headquarters of the Greek Communist Party into a hotel. Had to dare! Eccentric mix of urban design, funky accessories, and unexpected service like having his own club within the hotel or a real urban terrace where Tom spent hours in a nice jacuzzi sipping cocktails. Needless to say that in this hotel, the nights are lively and that the breakfast was not commensurate with that of my old hotel, but as Tim answered me immediately, when I complained “here people don’t come not for breakfast, since usually at that time they sleep”.
The Brown Business Benefits Club offers a variety of hotel accommodations to suit your budget and business requirements, all at the lowest possible rate when booking directly with the Business Department. Club members earn brownie points that can be redeemed at hotels for meals, spa treatments and accommodations, including overnight stays. Throughout the process, a professional sales team is at your disposal, from booking to check-out, with fast and convenient VIP services. Want to explore Tel Aviv and Jerusalem this winter? Book now and get the third night free of charge! https://brownhotels.com/winter
