The Jaffa

95

Editor Rating
Scale of 90-100

Tucked away in the middle of the old city and surrounded by traditional houses constructed during the centuries of Ottoman rule, this hotel complex comprises a 19th-century French hospital and a modern extension designed by John Pawson, a British architect known internationally for his refined minimalist aesthetic. Divided between the historic and contemporary wings, many of the 120 rooms and suites feature private balconies with magnificent sea or city views. I recommend opting for one of the larger accommodations in the historic wing, where the high-ceilinged rooms are more atmospheric. Though the hotel encompasses a fine Italian restaurant and Golda’s Delicatessen, it, unfortunately, lacks a restaurant that serves food representative of the country. Stylish public areas include an open-plan lobby featuring a stretch of a 13th-century wall that was once part of a Crusader bastion; a tranquil courtyard with mature trees, potted shrubs and beds of lavender; a secluded swimming pool; a glamorous cocktail bar in a deconsecrated chapel in the old wing; and a full-service spa and fitness center.

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