The property, which is joining The Leading Hotels of the World’s prestigious collection of independent luxury hotels, will be located in the historic old Jaffa area of Tel Aviv.
This will be the hospitality group’s second Setai in Israel, following the recent opening of the Sea of Galilee property in May 2017, and third globally, joining The Setai, Miami Beach.
Rooted in five-star hospitality, the newest Setai will be the premier luxury destination in Tel Aviv. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, steps from the famous Clock Square and the city’s coastline, at the historic site known as the “Kishle.” It was originally constructed by the Turkish Empire to be a prison on the site of a historic Crusader fortress.
“We are excited to extend the prestige and sophistication of the Setai brand in Israel with our third property, The Setai, Tel Aviv,” says Bruno H. de Schuyter, General Manager.
“The 13th century structure that is the foundation of the new hotel is unlike any other, and we took meticulous care in preserving and infusing important historic elements into the transformation of the building. Guests will be surrounded by a unique atmosphere of ‘old meets new,’ while experiencing first-class amenities and services in what will be the most superior five-star hotel in Tel Aviv.”
The hotel’s exceptional design vision, led by the London office of Ara Design, is ‘old meets new,’ blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean elements with a contemporary style.
Most of the guest rooms’ outer walls are the building’s original stone. Oak furnishings and leather panels in the wardrobe and desk add contemporary touches, while decorative pendant lights create a welcoming illumination to guests as they enter. Contemporary is balanced with antiquity through Arabic wall patterns cascading above the beds and detailed rugs.
Separated from the bedroom by an innovative electronic LED glass partition, the bathroom can be privatized electronically at the guest’s demand. Grey marble and soft lighting provide a meditative look and feel to the bathrooms, which are fully equipped with full bath and separate shower.
The Setai, Tel Aviv’s unique blend of historic and modern design is also evident in the hotel’s lavish public areas. Visitors will be welcomed into the reception area that is framed by vaulted ceilings and a doorway with Turkish ottoman calligraphy. Contemporary seating, chic modern furnishings and ornate carpets complete the lobby lounge area that includes a full bar surrounded by reclaimed timber from the building’s original roof. Lacquered walls and grand chandeliers incorporate historic architectural details to complete the space.
Multiple courtyards and four levels of glass-paneled terraces allow visitors to take in magnificent views of the city and the sea while also indulging in the pool deck and cabanas. Below the ground level are five spacious event halls, a spa and Turkish Hammam.
A seamless blend of old and new is also captured in the various views of the city’s historic landmarks and sites. Looking north from a hotel balcony, guests will see the luminous skyscrapers of Tel Aviv, while southern views offer the rustic city landscape. Gazing to the west offers the gleaming Mediterranean Sea and the coastline of Tel Aviv, while the east boasts uninterrupted views of the historic Jaffa Clock Tower, one of seven clock towers built during the Turkish Empire period.
