The Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global ranking system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruises, announced last week the winners for 2023, including three Israeli hotels: Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, Setai Tel Aviv and Norman Tel Aviv, which won the category the recommended ones.

Forbes’ global rating system has been rating hotels, restaurants, cruises and spas for 65 years, with undercover reviewers entering hotels and cruise ships, dining at restaurants and experiencing spa services while posing as regular guests. The inspectors check up to 900 strict standards, ranging from modern luxuries, such as whether the hotel room is designed to improve the quality of the guests’ sleep, or whether the selection of food and beverages supports their well-being – to more traditional elements, such as the design and attention that the staff gives to the guest. 70 percent of a site, restaurant or hotel’s rating is based on their service – with a more accurate look at the guest experience as a new service metric for 2023, while the remaining 30 percent is responsible for the quality and condition of its facilities.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Herzliya

This year’s list includes 48 new five-star hotels, 64 new 4-star hotels and 45 new recommended hotels. Several new countries – including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Tunisia and Cyprus – are appearing for the first time at the Star Awards.

About the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya hotel, of the international luxury chain Marriott in Israel, the reviewers wrote: “The location of the Ritz in Herzliya, right above the marina, gives you a peaceful environment and quick access to Tel Aviv. The hotel restaurant ‘Herbert Samuel’ is one of the most appreciated restaurants in Israel, serving kosher food It’s all local and seasonal”.

Norman Hotel

About the Norman Hotel, the reviewers wrote: “Staying at the Norman Hotel is a wonderful way to discover the city on foot. Rothschild Boulevard – a Street worthy of a stroll for trendy restaurants and bars – just around the corner, as well as the National Theater of Israel (Habima), Dizengoff Street for shopping and the mighty Carmel Market. Swimming pool The infinity on the roof is one of the most amazing in the city and is exclusively available to hotel guests”.

Setai Hotel

The reviewers wrote about the Setai Hotel: “The Setai Tel Aviv is located in one of the trendy areas of the city, next to the historic Jaffa Clock Tower. It is also close to the Jaffa Flea Market, walking distance from art museums and galleries, local designer boutiques and one of the most beautiful observation points in the country. A stunning infinity pool Overlooking the unbelievable beauty of Jaffa. An abundance of massages, essential oil treatments and a spacious hammam, make the Spa the ultimate relaxation haven”.