Israel on the global hotel map: Three Israeli hotels emerged from this year's World Travel Awards ceremony with international titles, with each winning in a different category. Carlton Tel Aviv was selected as Israel's Leading Hotel for 2026, American Colony Jerusalem won the title of Israel's Leading Boutique Hotel for the tenth time, and David InterContinental Tel Aviv was named Israel's Leading Conference Hotel for the fifth time.
The awards were announced as part of the World Travel Awards 2026 events, with the Middle East Gala Ceremony taking place on September 13 in Dubai. For the Israeli hotels, this represents international recognition during a period when the local hotel and tourism industry continues to face a complex reality and a drop in incoming foreign tourist traffic.
The main title remains in Tel Aviv
The most prominent win among the three belongs to the Carlton Tel Aviv hotel, which was selected as Israel's Leading Hotel for 2026. The selection comes a year after the hotel won the title of Israel's Leading Business Hotel, marking a transition from the business hotel category to the competition's primary title.
The Carlton, located on the Tel Aviv coastline adjacent to the marina, has operated for more than four decades and combines an urban location with a beachfront hospitality experience. The hotel features 555 rooms, including 39 suites, alongside a spa complex, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, and a business lounge.
Over the past year, the hotel also completed an upgrade project valued at approximately NIS 40 million, which included the renovation of some 105 rooms and the launch of a new room category.
Tenth win for the Jerusalem Hotel
An impressive achievement was also recorded in the boutique hotel category. The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem won the title of Israel's Leading Boutique Hotel for the tenth time.
The Jerusalem hotel is one of the most historic establishments identified with the city. The original building was constructed in 1860, and the hotel itself has been operating for over 120 years. Today, it includes 85 rooms and suites across four historic buildings, preserving a combination of Middle Eastern architecture, European design, and Jerusalem characteristics.
Over the years, a long line of public figures, diplomats, artists, and cultural figures from around the world have stayed there. In recent years, the hotel underwent a process of renewal and upgrades while maintaining its historic features.
For the hotel, this year's win is not just another title: It marks the tenth time it has been declared Israel's leading boutique hotel within the competition framework.
Conference hotel also receives recognition
The third winner also comes from Tel Aviv. David InterContinental was selected for the fifth time as Israel's Leading Conference Hotel.
The hotel, located on the beachfront and rising to 25 stories, includes 555 rooms and a conference and exhibition center spanning more than 3,400 sq.m. The complex also features 12 meeting rooms and a ballroom, serving business events, conventions, and delegations.
The win comes after the hotel completed an upgrade project over the past year with an investment of approximately NIS 40 million, which included the renovation of rooms and additional areas in the hotel.
The World Travel Awards, considered the "Oscars" of the hotel industry, was founded in 1993 and presents annual awards to hotels, airlines, destinations, and other entities in the global tourism sector. The winners are chosen through a vote involving industry professionals and the public.