The Dan Panorama in Tel Aviv exudes luxury. From the moment you walk through its front doors, it is clear that this hotel is a cut above the rest.
I visited for a couple’s Fun Day package with my companion, which includes a buffet breakfast, a massage, and full-day access to the pool.
We arrived at breakfast a little late – 9:45 a.m., thanks to my oversleeping – but despite having been open since 6:30 a.m., the buffet looked freshly laid out and abundant. The kosher dairy spread featured around a dozen stations offering everything from salads and freshly baked bread to fruit and desserts.
I loaded up two plates – one savory and one sweet – and found everything fresh and delicious. My companion was particularly impressed by the sheer variety of cheeses. We also enjoyed expertly made coffees from the barista at the coffee station.
The service was equally impressive. Staff frequently checked in, replenished buffet items, and cleared plates promptly. Customer satisfaction clearly appears to be a top priority. The dining room itself deserves mention too: despite its size, it manages to feel warm, cozy, and pleasantly nostalgic.
The only downside to breakfast was that we probably enjoyed it a little too much. We finished eating around 10:45 a.m., and our massage was booked for 11. A word of advice: avoid overindulging if you’re about to spend an hour lying face down.
The spa is serene and intimate. Upon arrival, we were given lockers, robes, slippers, and wristbands for access. Before the treatment, we completed a questionnaire covering any medical issues.
My masseuse was communicative throughout the session, tailoring the experience to my preferences. My companion’s therapist was somewhat less communicative, though that may have been due to a language gap. Regardless, the experience was deeply relaxing, complete with soothing music, fragrant oils, and the occasional suppressed giggle from my extremely ticklish companion.
Afterwards, we headed to the jacuzzi, which featured some of the most powerful jets I have ever experienced, before spending time in the sauna. While peaceful, the sauna was perhaps less appealing given that it was already close to 30 degrees Celsius outside.
The remainder of the day was spent by the pool, which proved to be the highlight of the experience.
The pool staff deserves special praise for their attentiveness and warmth, making us feel genuinely welcome. My companion promptly fell asleep on a deck chair while I swam laps in the beautiful pool, which was the perfect temperature for a hot summer day.
We stayed until closing time at around 7 p.m. As we prepared to leave, my companion turned to me and declared, “This was the best day of my life.”
While that may be a slight exaggeration, it would have been difficult to improve upon such a wonderful experience.
It is also worth noting that the Dan Panorama is one of the few hotels to offer disabled pool access, making the facilities more accessible to guests with disabilities.■