Arrival/Check-In: Leaving Caesarea and stopping in Haifa to visit the Baha’i Shrine and its terraced gardens, we entered the ancient port city of Acre. The atmosphere here evokes both the Middle East and the Middle Ages. Reaching The Efendi requires parking on Ha-Hagana Street across from the city wall and walking to the property. Staff collect luggage from the car and carry it through a narrow, atmospheric passageway—almost cinematic in feel—before delivering it to the hotel. This dramatic arrival immediately established the tone for our stay. At the front desk we were warmly greeted, offered date juice, and invited to a brief orientation en route to our suite. The hotel comprises 12 suites located in two adjacent buildings: restored Ottoman palaces with renovations completed on a multimillion-dollar budget. Common areas preserve historical character with hand-painted ceilings and a restored Turkish bath; craftsmen from Italy restored the ornate ceilings and a large fresco of İstanbul. Contemporary artworks provide a tasteful counterpoint to the heritage architecture.
Guest Quarters: Our suite looked out over a narrow alley and toward the Mediterranean. An entry corridor, slightly elevated above the main bedroom, housed a large armoire with hanging space, robes, a hair dryer, and a coffee/tea station. The bathroom combined classic materials and modern fixtures: a deep soaking tub, a spacious separate shower, and marble tile on walls and floor contrasted with bright white sanitary ware. L’Occitane amenities were neatly presented on a glazed plate with a subtle fish motif. The main room, reached by a few steps down, included a sitting area with two chairs and a table that made a convenient workspace. The king bed was comfortable and attractively dressed, and a dressing table occupied the opposite wall.
Services/Amenities: Service at The Efendi is attentive and personal. The hotel manager made a point of sharing a bottle of Israeli wine while we watched birds return to their roosts beneath a warm sunset over the city. The hotel’s owner, Uri Buri (Uri Jeremias), suggested dining at his nearby restaurant and personally recommended courses and wine pairings. The seafood dishes—calamari and fish—were fresh and well prepared, complemented by vegetable plates; the owner’s welcoming manner, stories and humor enriched the evening. The restaurant is an integral part of the Efendi experience and is located a short walk from the hotel near the Acre lighthouse at the promenade’s end. Breakfast is noteworthy: fresh fruit, made-to-order eggs, freshly baked breads, quality coffee and juices served by attentive staff make for an excellent start to the day.
The Experience: For travelers seeking a sense of historic grandeur combined with modern comforts and meticulous hospitality, The Efendi Hotel delivers a memorable stay. The restored Ottoman architecture, thoughtful design details, and passionate ownership create a distinctive atmosphere. My only regret was not staying longer to enjoy additional amenities such as the Spa & Hammam and the restored Turkish bath.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet: yes
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in: yes
- Separate tub and shower: yes
- Large vanity: yes
- High-quality towels: yes
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
- High-quality bed linens: yes
- Large, flat-screen television: yes
- Large desk with convenient outlets: no
- Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
- Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
- Complimentary bottled water: yes
- Stocked minibar: yes
- Ample lighting: yes
- In-room coffeemaker: yes
- Iron and ironing board: yes
- On-site restaurant: yes
- 24-hour room service: no
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: no
- Turn-down service: yes
The Efendi Hotel
Louis IX Street P.O.B. 2503 Old Acre 24124, Israel tel 972 74 7299799
efendi-hotel.co.il