The Jaffa

The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv, stands as a testament to the seamless blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury, nestled within the enchanting alleys of Old Jaffa. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently receives high praise from guests, offering an unforgettable experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Jaffa is overwhelmingly positive, often described as an "excellent" or "outstanding" luxury hotel. Many guests consider it a "perfect score" property, praising its unique atmosphere, design, and impeccable service. It's lauded as one of the best hotels in Israel and a truly special and unique destination.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features of The Jaffa:

• Design & History: The hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century Neo-Renaissance building, formerly a French hospital, which also incorporates ruins of an old city, including a 13th-century Crusader wall in the lobby. This blend of ancient architecture with minimalist, contemporary design by architect John Pawson and Ramy Gill is a significant draw.
• The Chapel Bar: A truly unique feature, the hotel's former hospital chapel has been beautifully restored and converted into a stunning bar, often cited as one of the most beautiful bars guests have ever seen.
• Tranquil Courtyard & Pool: The central courtyard provides a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, complemented by a sparkling outdoor pool.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism are frequently highlighted, with many guests feeling genuinely welcomed and cared for.
• Location: Its prime location in the historic Old Jaffa offers easy access to cultural sites, markets, and the beach.

3. Room Quality

The Jaffa offers 120 unique guest rooms and suites across two distinct wings: a historic wing with lofty ceilings and arched windows, and a contemporary wing with modern architectural style.

• Design & Comfort: Rooms are generally described as spacious, luxurious, and visually striking, featuring custom-designed furnishings, comfortable king-size beds, and high-quality linens.
• Amenities: Standard amenities include automatic blinds, flat-screen TVs (some cleverly hidden within mirrors), capsule coffee machines, and a well-stocked honor bar. Welcome amenities, such as notes, apples, candy, and sparkling water, are a thoughtful touch.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are often praised for their beautiful stonework, elegant fixtures, and large walk-in rainfall showers. While some rooms may not have bathtubs, the shower experience is often highlighted. High-quality toiletries are provided.
• Views & Balconies: Many rooms offer balconies or terraces with breathtaking views of the sea, pool, or the charming Jaffa rooftops and courtyards.

4. Dining Experience

The Jaffa offers a diverse and high-quality dining experience:

• Restaurants: The hotel features two main restaurants: Don Camillo, an upscale Italian restaurant with a New York accent, and Golda's, a deli-style restaurant nestled in the historical courtyard, offering Jewish and Israeli cuisine.
• Breakfast: The breakfast spread receives consistent acclaim, described as outstanding and one of the most memorable. It typically includes a lavish buffet of baked goods, fresh fruits, nuts, cheeses, and meats, complemented by a full à la carte menu with popular dishes like shakshuka. Guests particularly enjoy dining in the beautiful courtyard.
• Bars & Room Service: The Chapel bar is a highlight for evening drinks. There's also a pool bar offering snacks and beverages. 24-hour room service is available, catering to various culinary desires.
• Other offerings: The hotel sometimes offers a complimentary "happy half hour" with drinks like wine and beer.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Jaffa is frequently cited as a major strength, often described as "flawless," "impeccable," and among the "best in the world." Guests appreciate the friendly, professional, and attentive nature of the staff, from check-in to concierge services. Staff members are known for going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay, assisting with luggage, offering welcome drinks, and providing thoughtful amenities.

However, some isolated criticisms have emerged, particularly concerning staff interactions after a management change, with a few guests reporting rude or chaotic service, especially at the welcome desk.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Jaffa boasts an excellent location in the heart of Old Jaffa, a historic and vibrant neighborhood at the southern end of the Tel Aviv shoreline.

• Neighborhood: It's situated near the waterfront, offering a tranquil escape while being minutes from the beach. The surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with labyrinthine alleys, art galleries, quirky boutiques, and trendy cafes.
• Nearby Attractions: Guests have easy access to iconic sites like the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk Hapishpishim), the Old Jaffa Port, the Jaffa Clock Tower, St. Peter's Church, and the Ilana Goor Museum.
• Transport & Activities: The hotel offers complimentary bikes, allowing guests to explore the coastline. The Jaffa also provides a devoted concierge team that can arrange tranquil sunset tours of the ancient port city. Tel Aviv city center is easily accessible by bus, bicycle, or on foot along the promenade.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury, Michelin Key Selected property, The Jaffa is positioned at the higher end of the market. Standard rooms typically range from approximately $550 to $650 per night. While expensive, many guests believe it is worth the splurge for the unique blend of heritage, design, and exceptional service it offers. For Marriott Bonvoy members, using points can also be an option, though the points rate (around 75,000 to over 100,000 points per night) can be high, making cash payment sometimes a better value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Room Size & Functionality: Some standard rooms, particularly in the historic wing, might be perceived as a bit small for two people. A few guests have found the overall room design simplistic, with some empty wall space.
• Room Specific Issues:
  • Door Closing: Some guests reported issues with room doors not closing completely unless forcefully pushed, raising security and fire concerns.
  • Balcony Cleanliness: Uncleaned balconies with bird droppings have been mentioned.
  • TV in Mirror: The design choice of hiding the TV within a mirror can make it difficult to view when the blinds are open due to outside light.
  • Soundproofing: Some rooms, especially those facing busy streets, have been criticized for poor soundproofing.
• Pool Area Service: On occasion, poolside service has been described as relaxed to the point of being inattentive, with used loungers not being made up and refreshments not offered proactively. The pool temperature has also been noted as being too cold by some.
• Staff Issues (isolated): As mentioned earlier, some guests have reported encountering rude or unprofessional staff, particularly after a change in management, leading to a "corporate vibe" rather than the expected luxury service.
• No Ironing Board: The absence of an iron and ironing board in rooms has been noted, although the hotel offers complimentary pressing services for a limited number of garments.

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