The Efendi Hotel

The Efendi Hotel, Acre: A Jewel of History and Luxury

Overall Rating & Sentiment: Exceptional (Average 8.7 - 9.4)

The Efendi Hotel consistently receives stellar reviews, with guests frequently describing it as an unforgettable and luxurious experience. Agoda.com shows an overall rating of 8.7, with specific categories like cleanliness (9.3) and service (9.5) ranking exceptionally high. Booking.com reflects an even higher "Wonderful" rating of 9.4, with staff performance scoring an impressive 9.8. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the hotel's unique blend of historical grandeur and modern comfort. Michelin Guide guests also provide excellent feedback, with an overall experience rating of 19.3 out of 20, and rooms, services, and public spaces all scoring above 19.0.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of The Efendi Hotel:

• Meticulous Restoration & Design: The hotel is celebrated for its painstaking, decade-long restoration of two 19th-century Ottoman palaces, showcasing colorful hand-painted frescoes, arched windows, and exposed sandstone. This detailed homage to its historical provenance creates a charming and authentic ambiance.
• Exceptional Service: The dedicated and attentive staff are frequently praised for their warmth, helpfulness, and commitment to guest satisfaction.
• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Acre's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel offers guests immediate immersion in rich history and culture.
• Stunning Rooftop Views: The large terrace provides panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from Haifa to Rosh Hanikra, offering a perfect spot for relaxation.
• Unique Amenities: The hotel boasts a restored 400-year-old Turkish bath (hammam) for spa treatments, and a 900-year-old Crusader-era wine cellar offering a special collection of local Israeli wines.

Room Quality

The 12 rooms and suites at The Efendi Hotel are described as luxurious, spacious, and elegantly designed, blending modern amenities with traditional touches. Each room possesses a unique style and character, with some featuring painted ceilings and ornate decorations unique to the Ottoman period. Guests can expect Egyptian cotton linens, goose down pillows and blankets, towel warmers, oversized showers, and amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms offer views of the Old City, while some boast decorative arched windows overlooking the Galilean hills or views of the sea, with some even including freestanding claw-footed bathtubs. Room sizes range from 27 square meters for a Deluxe Room to a generous 45 square meters for the Presidential Suite.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Efendi Hotel is a significant highlight, particularly the breakfast. Guests consistently describe it as "magnificent," "amazing," "superb," and "next level," served at an enormous knight's table in a room dating from the early Ottoman Empire. The plentiful and tasty Israeli breakfast is a definite draw.

Furthermore, the hotel's owner, Uri Jeremias, also runs Uri Buri, one of Israel's most acclaimed seafood restaurants, located a short walk away. Guests have praised the opportunity to enjoy a tasting meal at Uri Buri, calling the food "great" and the amount of dishes offered "generous," providing excellent value.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Efendi Hotel consistently receive exceptionally high praise. Agoda.com rates staff service at 9.5, and Booking.com gives it a remarkable 9.8. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "super friendly and helpful," "caring," "attentive," and "kind." The concierge, Nimer, has been specifically highlighted by guests for providing brilliant tours and explaining the area's history, making him a "highlight of the trip." The hotel's management fosters a harmonious working environment with a mixed staff, contributing to the overall positive guest experience.

Location & Accessibility

The Efendi Hotel boasts an exceptional location (rated 8.9 by Agoda.com and 9.5 by Booking.com) in the heart of Acre's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This allows guests to easily immerse themselves in the rich history and culture, with winding alleyways, ancient walls, and vibrant markets just outside the doorstep. Key attractions like the Old Acre Market, Akko Harbor, Templars' Tunnel, and the Citadel of Acre are all within a short walking distance. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the beach and 100 meters from the promenade. For transport, the hotel offers airport transfer services, and it's approximately 30-40 minutes by car from Haifa International Airport and about 90 minutes from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport.

Value & Pricing

The Efendi Hotel offers "exceptional value for discerning travelers," with an average room price of approximately $407. This is considered a more affordable rate compared to the average hotel room price in Acre, which stands at $498, providing an enticing opportunity for a luxurious boutique experience. Booking.com rates value for money at 9.2, suggesting guests feel the cost is justified by the quality of the experience.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a historical incident in May 2021 saw the Efendi Hotel, along with the Uri Buri restaurant, attacked during riots in Acre. Molotov cocktails were thrown, causing fires, and a guest tragically died. However, both properties have been meticulously restored since then, with the owner expressing optimism and a commitment to coexistence. From current guest reviews, there are no recurring complaints regarding day-to-day operations or the quality of the stay following the restoration. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's beauty, comfort, and excellent service, indicating that any issues stemming from this past event have been successfully addressed and do not impact the current guest experience. Any "complaints" seem to be isolated incidents or personal preferences, rather than recurring issues. For instance, one review mentions the provision of earplugs, which might suggest some potential for city noise, but this is a thoughtful provision rather than a direct complaint.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. michelin.com
4. thehotelguru.com
5. worldjewishtravel.org
6. booking.com
7. jpost.com
8. expedia.com
9. michelin.com
10. securehotel.us