The Melody Hotel in Tel Aviv is one of the Mediterranean city's many beachfront hotels, though this one on HaYarkon Street is smaller and more travel-friendly than most. With free wireless and plenty of social activities, it's a great place to relax and have fun with new friends. The front-desk reception also has board games and Israeli movies available for free for guests to use.

The daily happy hour provides guests with free glasses of wine and the free morning breakfast has both hot and cold dishes Israeli breakfast dishes (shakshuka and burekas, not to mention Israeli salad options).

Rooms in the hotel are full of design surprises. My room had a bright red chair, and a blanket that resembled piano keys. With a large desk space and a window that spanned the length of the room nearly from the floor to the ceiling, the hotel room hardly felt small despite its actual size.

Even with all the features and amenities inside, the hotel's located within 5 minutes walk of the Tel Aviv port (shopping), or 5 minutes in the other direction to trendy Dizengoff street with shops, bars and restaurants. But the best part? The beach is just across the street!