3 Best Hotels in Jaffa, Tel Aviv

The Drisco is everything an upscale boutique hotel should be: elegant without being stuffy, luxurious without being garish, and exclusive without any hint of snobbishness. Steeped in history, the hotel is set in a beautiful building that dates back to 1866. Constructed as a luxury hotel by the Drisco brothers who were among the first American colonists to arrive in Israel, it was later taken over by the German Templers before becoming the British Headquarters in Palestine after the Second World War. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair and finally reopened as The Drisco in 2018 following a decade of restoration and renovation. The result is a charming, small hotel that prides itself on its superb service and intimate atmosphere. Don't miss the on-site George & John restaurant, which has quickly established itself as one of the brightest stars on Tel Aviv's excellent culinary scene. It is situated in the up-and-coming Noga neighborhood, which is technically part of Jaffa, but is actually perched right on the border of Tel Aviv's three coolest districts: Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, and Florentin.

With its enviable location in the heart of the Jaffa Flea Market, Market House is a five-minute walk from the sea, surrounded by great restaurants and important biblical sites, and only a quick walk, bike, or cab ride from the center of Tel Aviv. The industrial chic and stone decor of the entrance hovers over the ruins of a Byzantine-era church, visible through the glass floors of the lobby. Although guest rooms are on the small side, there are cozy lounge seating areas for checking emails and enjoying the free afternoon happy hour. Request a room with a terrace for a sea or urban view.

Hotels don't come more stylish than The Setai, which offers some of the most sought-after accommodation in Tel Aviv. Set in a stunningly converted Ottoman building (some parts of which date back 900 years), this sophisticated hotel in the middle of Old Jaffa is ideally located for everything this historic part of Tel Aviv has to offer. The views from the rooftop infinity pool are to die for, as is the impressive breakfast spread served in the Jaya restaurant and best enjoyed in the shady, tree-lined courtyard. Don't miss the Kishle Bar, with its distinct colonial ambience. It serves cocktails and a fine selection of wine in a beautifully designed space with dramatic vaulted ceilings. Book a sea-facing room if you want to fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves crashing beneath your bedroom window.