Netanya's Hidden Gem: Medi Terre Boutique Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Medi Terre Boutique Hotel: My Netanya Love Affair (and a few bumps along the way!)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I’m about to gush (and maybe grumble a little) about the Medi Terre Boutique Hotel in Netanya. "Unforgettable Stay"? Well, yeah, mostly. Let's just say it's an experience that burrowed into my brain, like a particularly persistent beach sand tickle.
SEO & Metadata Shenanigans (Don't worry, I'll Keep it Real):
Keywords: Medi Terre Boutique Hotel, Netanya, Israel, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Beachfront, Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Family-Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Dining.
Metadata: Description: A brutally honest review of the Medi Terre Boutique Hotel in Netanya, Israel, covering accessibility, dining, amenities, cleanliness, and the overall experience. Includes personal anecdotes, emotional reactions, and a healthy dose of reality.
Getting Started: The Arrival & the Anticipation (A Bit of a Messy Start!)
Right, so, picture this: I'd been dreaming of this trip to Netanya for months. Sun, sea, seafood… and a luxurious hotel to collapse in after a day of, you know, being fabulous. The Medi Terre Boutique Hotel, with its promise of "unforgettable," seemed to be calling my name. Booking was a breeze (thanks to the contactless check-in/out option – a total lifesaver in this post-pandemic world). They offered airport transfer, which I highly recommend. Getting through customs is usually a bit of a stress, and having someone waiting for me was a game-changer.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (My Wheelchair's Got Opinions!)
Okay, let's be real for a sec. "Accessibility" is often a buzzword, right? I’m a wheelchair user, so this matters. The hotel advertised facilities for disabled guests, which piqued my interest. The elevator was a definite win, and thankfully, the public areas, including the restaurants and the pool area, were generally accessible. Score! However… some aspects were less than perfect. While the room itself had decent space considering the size, maneuvering around the bed was tricky, because of the placement of furniture. The bathroom wasn't huge, and while it technically had a roll-in shower, the slope to the drain was a bit aggressive. Also, the ramps to the outdoor terrace could be a little steeper than I would have preferred. They could be better, but it's clear they are making an effort, so that's appreciated.
Rooms: My Little Oasis (Mostly!)
My room? Well, let's say it had potential. I'm just going to mention some of the features, because listing features is important: Air conditioning (essential!), free Wi-Fi (yes!), a desk (for pretending to work), a mini-bar (for actual working), bathrobes (hello, luxury!), satellite/cable channels (for mindless TV binging), a refrigerator, and a safe box. It also had a lovely window that opens, which is a small touch that makes a BIG difference. But here's where it gets messy again. The "unforgettable" part? I ended up with an interconnecting room. Which would have been fine, except the soundproofing between us and the next door neighbours wasn't the best, so I heard… a LOT about their vacation. Which is not what I signed up for, so, in that regard, they could be better. I was too shy to ask for another room. Rookie mistake! Also, the complimentary tea was a nice gesture but my tea habit is voracious, so they could have upped the supply. (I'm starting to sound like a high-maintenance diva, aren't I?). Still, those blackout curtains were amazing, though!
Cleanliness & Safety: A Sigh of Relief (Mostly!)
This is where Medi Terre really shone. Everything felt clean. They really seemed to take hygiene seriously. I'm talking daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options (important!), and staff trained in safety protocol. There were bottles of hand sanitizer everywhere and they used strong anti-viral cleaning products. They also offered room sanitization opt-out available. I even saw them doing some seriously professional-grade sanitizing. It made me feel safe, which is a HUGE plus these days. They had CCTV in common areas. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. It was reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Delicious Adventure (Mostly Successful!)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things got really interesting. The hotel boasted several dining options. I sampled the A la carte in restaurant, the buffet in restaurant (breakfast, in this case), and even got room service [24-hour] one hungover afternoon.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, so. the breakfast [buffet] was pretty impressive. I’m talking Asian breakfast options, Western breakfast, fresh fruits, pastries… The coffee/tea in restaurant was also decent. I also had a few salad in restaurant and tried their soup in restaurant which was a treat.
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant: The variety overall felt very international.
- Poolside bar: The Poolside bar. Perfection. Cocktails, sunshine, and the sound of the waves… Pure bliss.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were a temptation I found hard to resist.
- Bar: the bar was inviting too and a nice place to relax.
They also had a snack bar and did a breakfast takeaway service, so you could easily grab something on the go. The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch, too, but I drank it in about five minutes, which means the bottle needed to be bigger. I will say, though, sometimes service was a little slow.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Almost Achieved!)
This is where the Medi Terre really leaned into that "boutique hotel" vibe. They have a pool with view of the ocean, which is spectacular. And a proper pool, not one of those dinky dipping pools. They had a Fitness center, for some serious working out. A spa. Hello, spa! I’m talking massage, sauna, steamroom, the works. Seriously, I practically lived in the sauna. The pool with view was exactly what I needed to relax and unwind.
- I especially loved the Poolside bar!
I didn’t get around to a Body scrub or Body wrap, but the option was there. The hotel also offered a very enticing Babysitting service.
Internet Access: Connected But… Connected
The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable and fast. I could stream my shows, do some work, and generally stay connected, so that box was ticked. They also had Wi-Fi in public areas, which was handy.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Frills (and the Big Ones!)
This is where Medi Terre really went above and beyond. They offered a concierge service (super helpful!), currency exchange, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, room service [24-hour], and a convenience store. They even had a gift/souvenir shop. The car park [free of charge] was a huge perk. The doorman was always friendly and welcoming.
Things They Could Maybe Improve (Just Being Honest!)
- More Accessible Bathrooms: Seriously, the bathroom situation could be improved, especially for guests with mobility issues.
- Soundproofing: Gotta fix the noise issues between rooms!
- Larger Bottle of Water: Okay, I'm done complaining about the water, but seriously…
- More Vegan Options: A wider range of vegan choices on the menus would be appreciated. Because I have been known to get hungry!
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes, absolutely. Even with the minor hiccups (and my slightly grumpy tone), the Medi Terre Boutique Hotel left a positive impression. The location is fantastic, the staff were lovely, the spa was heavenly, and the overall vibe was chic and relaxing. I recommend it! But maybe, just maybe, ask for a room away from the party animals next door. You've been warned!
Messina's Hidden Gem: DUOMO156 Lifestyle Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is me, head-first into the Medi Terre Boutique Hotel by Saida Hotels in Netanya, Israel. Let's see if this coastal gem can actually charm me, or if I'm gonna be ranting from the rooftop like a seagull with a grudge.
Day 1: Arrival, And the Beach That Wouldn't Quit
14:00 (ish): Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Ugh, the customs line. Never underestimate the power of a grumpy passport control officer to suck the joy out of your arrival. Finally, freedom! Grab a random overpriced taxi because after a flight everything seems like a good idea.
15:30 (or thereabouts): Check-in at Medi Terre. First impression? Tiny. Cozy, yes, but tiny. The lobby smells vaguely of lemon and… is that a hint of the sea? Okay, I'm intrigued. The receptionist, bless her heart, is trying her best with my limited Hebrew and my even more limited patience. "Room with a view, madame?" she asks sweetly. Damn right, give me that view.
16:00 (ish): The Room. Okay, okay, the view is…WOW. Seriously, the Mediterranean is right there, practically lapping at the balcony. The room, though small, is clean, stylishly minimalist, and the bed looks incredibly inviting. I chuck my backpack and immediately throw myself onto the bed like a starfish. Bliss.
17:00: Beach Time! Netanya's famous beach. The sand is golden, the water sparkling… and the crowds? Well, let's just say Israelis love their beaches. I struggle to find a spot without someone setting up a full-blown picnic and a party with a speaker the size of a small car. But hey, the energy is infectious! I spend way too long watching the waves, feeling the sun, and eventually, getting thoroughly sand-blasted.
19:00: Dinner at a beachfront cafe. I get the "Israeli Salad" everyone raves about. Mostly, it's the same salad you get everywhere, but this one has a certain…vibe. Probably because it's served alongside the crashing waves and the scent of salt and sunscreen. I enjoy the view more than the meal, I am honest.
21:00: Back to Medi Terre with a happy heart. I had a glass of wine on my balcony and just watched the stars. It was perfect.
Day 2: Exploring, Fishy Business, and A Misadventure
09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. Buffet-style, nothing to write home about. But I love the fresh fruit. Loads of it and the coffee is strong. So it's good enough to start the day
10:00: Walk along the cliff-top promenade. The views are stunning and I discover a statue of a woman that holds a story. The wind is incredible.
12:00: Time for food! I wandered into a local market. Found a place that sold fish and ordered fish and chips. Got the fish with a lot of lemon on it. And damn, it was good, one of the best meals I had in ages.
14:00: The Great Gelato Fiasco. Okay, this is where things went slightly off the rails. Found a cute gelato shop, the flavors looked incredible. Ordered a double scoop of pistachio and this other green flavor that’s name I forget on purpose. Both were amazing and I did it quickly because it was melting, like there was no tomorrow. I did not realise that the guy behind me had not paid but he felt the need to point that out to the shop, which turned to me, which made me pay for him, because I didn't understand what was happening at all and felt so bad about it. That’s life, I guess.
16:00: Naptime redemption. Back at the hotel, I collapsed on that glorious bed and slept for about two hours. Woke up feeling refreshed and slightly traumatized by the gelato incident.
18:00: Evening walk. The sun sets over the Mediterranean and it's pure poetry.
20:00: Dinner at some random restaurant, my stomach was a bit upset but the food was good, the wine was good. Feeling a bit better.
Day 3: A Little Bit of Culture, and a Whole Lot of Sea
09:00: Breakfast - more of the same. But I'm starting to appreciate the routine.
10:00: Wandering through the charming streets of Netanya.
12:00: Lunch at a small cafe - Falafel! The best I've ever had (I might be biased, though).
14:00: Back to beach! I went to the beach. Again. The sand, the sea, the sky - they're a siren song I can't resist.
17:00: Happy hour on my balcony. Watching the sunset, sipping wine, and thinking about… well, nothing much. This is the life.
19:00: Dinner at a little restaurant I stumbled upon, I got a pizza. Then I watched people enjoying themselves.
Day 4: Departure and Final Thoughts (With a Grumble)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Still good fruit, still passable coffee.
- 10:00: Check out. Farewell, Medi Terre. I had a mixed time there, the hotel was cute but cramped.
- 12:00: Taxi to Ben Gurion Airport. The goodbye to the Mediterranean sea was intense.
- 15:00: Flight home. Overall, Netanya and the Medi Terre were a mixed bag. Sometimes it was perfect, sometimes a bit chaotic. But that's life, right? And hey, I got a tan, ate some delicious food, and spent some quality time with the Mediterranean. That's a win in my book. Also, I got a reminder that I should pay attention to my surroundings and not let random people scam me ever again.
Medi Terre Boutique Hotel: So, *Is* It Actually a Hidden Gem?! (Let's Be Honest)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Medi Terre REALLY a Hidden Gem? Or Just a Pretty Instagram?
The Rooms: Are They Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
The Breakfast: Is It a Feast Fit for a King (or at Least a Slightly Hungry Tourist)?
The Location: Beach Nearby or a Long, Dreaded Trek?
The Staff: Are They Angels or...Less Than Angelic? (Let's Get Real)
The Vibe: Is It Romantic, Party-Hardy, or Something in Between?
Parking: Pain in the… Well, You Know?
Any Deal-Breakers? Anything I Should Really Know Before Booking?
Final Verdict: Should I Book It? (The Truth, Please!)
