Restored fortress keep
Glass-enclosed courtyards filled with citrus trees meet centuries of limestone architecture beside the Old Jaffa port.
“the hotel pays homage to its fascinating – and sometimes brutal – history through distinctive design features and Ottoman-inspired decor.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Preserved limestone archways and spiked iron prison bars meet hand-woven Turkish rugs and Arabesque brass lighting.
Remarkable
A restored twelfth-century Crusader fortress and Ottoman prison, complete with original stone corridors and royal sultan seals.
Notable
Set by Jaffa Clock Tower, pairing panoramic port views with lavish Israeli breakfasts and regional Mediterranean dishes.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The Setai Tel Aviv combines the beauty of its ancient surroundings with a Middle Eastern elegance.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set at Clock Tower Square, the entrance to Old Jaffa places the ancient port, flea market, and coastline steps away.
The rooms
Walnut millwork, laser-cut brass lighting, and Turkish rugs complement exposed stone walls and marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The rooftop infinity pool looks west across the Mediterranean, lined with sun loungers along the limestone parapet.
The spa
Underground treatment rooms sit alongside a traditional Turkish hammam and relaxation lounges beneath restored stone arches.
The sauna
A wood-paneled dry sauna frames an original vaulted stone alcove beside the thermal steam rooms.
Restaurant
Jaya
Breakfast spreads and seasonal Mediterranean dinners are served beneath restored limestone arches and out on the courtyard patio.
Spread over three newly created floors, the 120 rooms and suites feature an Ottoman-inspired design, complete with richly colored Turkish rugs…
At the table
The Kishle Bar is built from the building's reclaimed roof timbers beneath a historic vaulted ceiling.
How it began
The former Ottoman prison and Crusader fortress retains the carved stone royal seal of Sultan Abdul Hamid II above its entrance.
Good to know
Stay here
The Setai Tel Aviv
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Tel Aviv
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.