And they call that prison.
A hotel in a prison ? So at first glance it doesn't sound very pleasant, but the experience can be at The Setai hotel in Tel Aviv , Israel .
It is the first accommodation in the city to receive the designation Leading Hotels of the World for his impeccable restoration of a ottoman prison of the twelfth century. The property was initially built as a fortress during the rule of the Crusader Kingdom on Jaffa in the 12th century, and was known locally as "kishle", which means prison in Turkish.
It was part of a complex that was conquered and later inhabited by different empires such as Turkish-Ottoman Empire and British rule over Jaffa.
The facade of The Setai, in Tel Aviv.
The building is one of the most important in Israel from a historical, cultural and architectural perspective and was used until 2005 as a police station. Until now that his life has taken a 180º turn.
The Setai has managed to preserve the stone walls and some spaces such as the interior patio thanks to the work of the authorities of Israel , Feigin Architects and the architect Eyal Ziv , responsible for the design and preservation of several iconic structures of Tel Aviv , Like the sarah buildings and the Alhambra Theater.
During the restoration process several buildings were demolished and the basement was excavated, finding artifacts dating back to the 12th century , and that you are also exposed for visitors.
Interior of The Setai, in Tel Aviv.
AN OLD PRISON WITH INFINITY POOL
Located in the Mediterranean Sea and at the entrance of the old jaffa city , this tourist complex has 120 rooms and suites, as well as an incredible luxury infinity pool . Who could say now that it had previously been a prison?
After the opening in 2017 of Setai Sea of Galilee, this is the second bet by the group in one of the most populated cities in Israel.
Ara Design Studio have designed the hotel that has walnut furniture, white sea stone, sourced from the original building structure, custom brass fittings and middle eastern fabrics . In addition, each morning the guests will say good morning in turkish rugs hand woven
Refering to gastronomy, The Setai has the Jaya restaurant , specialized in israeli cuisine , from Jaffa and also with Turkish roots. They also offer cocktails, wines and British tea, all in a bar of brazilian blue marble
Of course, there is also a spa, traditional turkish hammam and an extensive massage offer classics and oriental-inspired treatments.
One of The Setai's suites.