With 14 hotels throughout Israel, more than 3,800 rooms in total, Dan Hotels is a powerhouse in Israel, one of the most popular destinations with U.S. travelers. You’ve just read through Carla Hunt’s article, in which it states that “2014 was the best year ever for American tourism to Israel,” and for the hotel company, says Rafi Baeri, v.p., marketing & sales, Dan Hotels, “this increase is significant because it does signify that our major feeder market—more than 40 percent of our overseas guests are from America—is still strong.” Baeri points out that the hotel company is unique among hotel chains in Israel because all of our hotels are fully owned and operated by the company.”
Last year, the company invested heavily in its two Dan Panorama hotels, which, notes Baeri, “is quite popular with mid-budget travelers. “We did a lot to upgrade the rooms—
the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv has almost 500 rooms and the Dan Panorama Jerusalem has 290 rooms, and there are various categories, including Executive, Deluxe and Superior,
and now they are all refurbished. They are up to the standard of the Dan.” Baeri points out that these two hotels are located in prime locations. “In Tel Aviv, for example, the Dan Panorama is located near the markets, the beach, Jaffa, the places where everything is happening.”
Beyond the refurbishments, Baeri points out that it’s important to offer unique, niche programs, because “30 percent of our guests are repeat guests, so when they come back again they are looking for a special experience.”
To that end, Dan Hotels offers guests of the Dan Gardens Haifa the opportunity to attend culinary workshops offered to them free of charge by Dan Gourmet, the Israel Center for culinary arts and hotel management, which directly adjoins the hotel (there’s another gourmet center in Tel Aviv). And come summertime, when the hotel kids’ program, Danyland, is in full swing, “there are cooking seminars—think lots of chocolate—for the children, and it’s a big hit with the kids,” says Baeri. Additionally, Baeri points out that Dan Hotels works very closely with travel advisors, and U.S.-based travel advisors can get in contact with Dan Hotels’ New York office. For more information, call (800) 223-7773/4 or visit danhotels.com.
