This is where to stay in Israels dynamic metropolis.

As a design lover, I had come to Tel Aviv to see the project for myself.

There were Bertoia tables and chairs amid dark-green flowering grasses, climbing vines, and mature olive trees.

The first floor foyer at the R48 hotel in Tel Aviv

A foyer at R48 hotel, in Tel Aviv, designed by the Paris firm Liaigre.Credit:Sivan Askayo

Throughout the property are works by Israeli artists.

Amid all this elegance are two showstoppers.

One is R48s rooftop, which has a raised pool and more gardens by Oudolf.

Pair of photos from the R48 hotel in Tel Aviv, including a portrait of the guest relations director, and in room snacks

From left: Guest-relations director Arielle Ben-Hashal; the in-room welcome spread.Sivan Askayo

And I still think about the eggsen cocotte essentially ashakshukaadorned with a crown of bread crumbs.

Great design and food are cornerstones of a fine hotel, of course.

But what tied the R48 experience together so beautifully during my three-night stay was the lovely staff.

Pair of photos from Tel Aviv’s R48 hotel, including a vegetable taco and two guests sitting in a courtyard

From left: A miniature vegetable “taco” at R48’s restaurant, Chef’s Table; R48’s courtyard landscaping is by Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.Sivan Askayo

A luxe Mandarin Oriental is slated to follow a few blocks away later this year.

The rooftop pool terrace at the R48 hotel in Tel Aviv

R48’s rooftop terrace has views over downtown Tel Aviv.Sivan Askayo

Chef Ohad Solomon at hotel R48 Tel Aviv

Chef Ohad Solomon before dinner service at Chef’s Table.Sivan Askayo

A guest room at the R48 hotel in Tel Aviv

Guest rooms include custom tulipwood headboards by Liaigre.Sivan Askayo