The Setai brand of hotels has officially opened its latest property, The Setai Tel Aviv, located on the Mediterranean Sea at the entrance to the ancient city of Jaffa. The 120 guest room & suite urban resort is the second Setai outpost in Israel following the 2017 opening of The Setai–Sea of Galilee, and is the first property in Israel to be designated as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World organization.
The property was initially constructed as a fortress during the Crusader Kingdom’s rule over Jaffa in the 12th-century. The Setai Tel Aviv’s five-building complex, referred to locally as the “Kishle,” or “jailhouse” in Turkish, is amongst the most important properties in Israel from a historical, cultural and architectural perspective. The building was part of a complex that was conquered and then inhabited by the most dominant empires in history beginning with the Crusader period and through the Roman, Byzantine, Napoleonic, Turkish-Ottoman and British rule over Jaffa. Following the fall of the Ottoman empire and Israel’s War of Independence in 1947, the complex was used as a police station until 2005, at which point it underwent a monolithic restoration process that transformed the building into The Setai Tel Aviv.
The original buildings and stone corridors that wrap around a stunning inner courtyard have been meticulously restored over the span of a 25-year preservation process, which was spearheaded by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Israel Preservation Society, Feigin Architects & preservation architect Eyal Ziv, who is responsible for the design and preservation of several iconic Tel Aviv structures, including the Saray buildings and the Alhambra Theater. As part of the renovation effort, architects demolished several buildings, restored the original structure, added three floors and dug out a basement level. The latter spurred a series of extensive archeological digs throughout the property, unearthing artifacts that date back as far as the 12th century, all of which will be on display in the The Setai Tel Aviv for guests’ enjoyment.
The property was initially constructed as a fortress during the Crusader Kingdom’s rule over Jaffa in the 12th-century. The Setai Tel Aviv’s five-building complex, referred to locally as the «Kishle,» or «jailhouse» in Turkish, is amongst the most important properties in Israel from a historical, cultural and architectural perspective
The Setai Tel Aviv accommodations are among the most spacious and well-appointed in the country. The 120 guest rooms and suites offer glistening views of the Mediterranean Sea, the historic Jaffa Clock Tower and Square, and the property’s lush inner courtyards brimming with olive and citrus trees.
Created exclusively by Ara Design Studio, The Setai Tel Aviv accommodations — from the hotels’ guests rooms and suites to public spaces and outdoor courtyards — feature rich walnut furnishings, white sea-stone from the building’s original structure, custom brass fixtures and Middle Eastern fabrics. The Setai Tel Aviv’s interiors evoke a seamless blend of classic and contemporary design that reflects its Jaffa location. Guests take their first step each morning onto hand-woven, Turkish rugs, which add bursts of color to the elegant, earth-tone decor. Meanwhile, spear-tipped bars remain outside the windows of many guest rooms as a charming reminder of the building’s past life.
The Setai Hotel brand is renowned for its uncompromising commitment to luxury design, innovation in hospitality and exceptional personal service
The Setai Tel Aviv features JAYA, a new restaurant concept which celebrates the best of Israeli food culture, while also honoring the culinary heritage of Jaffa and the property’s Turkish roots. Here, guests are treated to the best in seasonal, local fare, while across the courtyard, The Setai Tel Aviv Bar serves handcrafted cocktails, fine wines and a traditional British high tea service. JAYA restaurant is centered around a dazzling Brazilian blue marble bar.
Below the lobby, The Setai Tel Aviv offers a full-service spa with seven treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish Hammam, and an extensive menu of classic massages and Eastern-inspired treatments. A fully equipped gym with private locker rooms and relaxation areas is available for 24/7 use. Manicure, pedicure, and hair salon services by the hotel’s team of seasoned professionals are also available by appointment.
Catering to business, family and social occasions, The Setai Tel Aviv’s four meeting & banquet spaces can accommodate up to 200 people. All meeting spaces are outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to facilitate everything from an intimate company retreat to an A-list wedding.
The Setai Tel Aviv accommodations are among the most spacious and well-appointed in the country.
Amenities at The Setai Tel Aviv include:
- Rooftop Infinity Pool
- Jewelry store in the lobby
- Restaurant & Bar
- Full service lobby bar
- Spa & Gym
- Beauty services
- 24/7 In-Room Dining
- Valet Parking
- Well appointed meeting spaces
- Full banqueting and events capabilities
- 24/7 Concierge Service
Rack rates at The Setai Tel Aviv start at $500USD. For more information, visit www.thesetaihotel.co.il. To book your stay at The Setai Tel Aviv, click here or contact reservations@thesetaihotel.com or +972-3-526-3332.
About The Setai Hotels in Israel:
The Setai Hotel brand is renowned for its uncompromising commitment to luxury design, innovation in hospitality and exceptional personal service. Guests familiar with The Setai Hotel experience in Miami Beach can expect the same world-class standards at The Setai’s Israel properties in Tel Aviv and the Galilee region, both of which provide international travelers with an unforgettable vacation or business trips in one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. With one luxury property at the entrance to Tel Aviv’s historic Jaffa district, and another on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, The Setai hotels in Israel are primed to offer guests a range of hospitality experiences that set the brand apart. Sophisticated urban accommodations in a restored historic edifice & stunning Mediterranean sea views await guests at The Setai Tel Aviv, while The Setai Sea of Galilee is a lush pastoral spa resort that promises tranquility and access to the verdant landscapes of Northern Israel.
BY: JV STAFF
