Imbibe Well: Hotel Montefiore

"The Best Two Hours in Town" is how Hotel Montefiore bills its happy hour, and it's not an overstatement. Where else can you get history (the building has been restored to its original 1920s glamour), elitism (this boutique hotel only contains twelve rooms, while its restaurant is known to be exclusive), an elegant aesthetic (the team behind Coffee Bar and Brasserie has brought their distinctly European look here as well) and ridiculously low-priced drinks (an entire menu under 30 NIS) all rolled into one?

If it sounds too good to be true, it isn't. Seven days a week, from 5-7 p.m, Hotel Montefiore shakes off its reputation for expensive taste and instead offers a list of excellently mixed cocktails, including Kir Royals, Mojitos, Lychee Martinis, and Vodka Sours, each for only 29 NIS, a price that would be low even for a corner cafe, much less an upscale institution. A single glass of red wine goes for 20 NIS, white for 18 NIS, and it gets better: no matter if you order one round or two, you'll receive complimentary potato chips and miniature sandwiches. All in all, the waitstaff is attentive, the clientele well-dressed, the mood serene, and the presentation immaculate, making the atmosphere perfect for an afternoon apertif.

Impressive style and delicious substance, for once without the hefty price tag attached. As deals like this are rare, and space is limited at both the bar and tables, it is recommended to call ahead for reservations.

36 Montefiore Street
+972 3 564 6100
www.hotelmontefiore.co.il

Image credited to the Hotel Montefiore website.

Travel Well: Toledo

We're exactly a third of the way through Spring today. Even though most of the country's official "days off" have passed for the moment, and much of the world is grounded because of continuing complications with falling ash, I'm still hoping to finally get the foreign vacation I've been craving.

Last year, my boyfriend and I spent a wonderful five days in Spain, the highlight of which was our picture-perfect stay at a parador in Toledo. Spanish paradores are a unique brand of hotels that provide high-level accomodations in historic buildings. Preserving the traditional style of their locations, but bringing modern amenities and services, is the charm of the paradores.

Hotel Conde de Orgaz certainly deserves its inclusion in this club. The rooms are serenely simple, consisting of tiled floors, dark wood details, and large windows that lead to private porches overlooking one of the most astounding views imagineable.


Toledo is nestled like an island between gorges, and the Hotel Conde de Orgaz is perched across the river, high on the banks of The Emporer's Hill. The specific view from this location is known as a favorite of painters and was even captured by one of Toledo's stars, El Greco. True relaxation consists of sitting out on the Parador's veranda at sunset, savoring the scenery, drinking cerveza and snacking on olives and cheese.

Exploring Toledo itself is a romantic adventure, as you wind through its tiny cobblestone streets and lovingly preserved monuments. The city's main cathedral is an astounding example of Gothic architecture, while El Greco's mural, El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz, at La Iglesia de Santo Tome, is one of art history's significant treasures. Pick up some marzipan, a Toledo staple made at nearby convents, and nibble your way through the city's multitude of tapas bars. Toledo is nothing if not a feast for both eyes and stomach.


Parador de Toledo (Hotel Conde de Orgaz)
+34 925 221 850
http://www.paradores.es/en/tratarFichaParadorCabecera.do?parador=079