"Why we love it: A new twist on a historic hotel, with Ottoman-inspired design, local details, and delicious dining The Highlights: - Historical details like 19th-century Templar murals and an original stone staircase - Thoughtful design that blends Ottoman-inspired decor with local art - Balconies in each room with sweeping views of Jaffa, Tel Aviv, and the Mediterranean The Review: Just outside the old city walls of Jaffa lies The Drisco, a hotel with an intriguing history that goes back to 1866, when the Ottomans ruled Palestine. As the story goes, American brothers John and George Drisco made a pilgrimage to Palestine with the aim of opening a hotel. When they ran out of funds, they sold their unfinished building to a German Templar hotelier, who turned it into a renowned property frequented by the likes of Thomas Cook and Mark Twain. By the 1960s, however, the hotel lay dormant, its storied past relegated to ancient history—that is until the The Drisco opened in 2018 following a 12-year restoration. Now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the property maintains its original German lettering over the entrance, plus painted patterns and murals from the 1860s that were uncovered in the entryway, lobby, and cellar. The 42 rooms and suites—plus a stand-alone six-room villa—boast an elegant mix of Turkish and European decor that recalls the hotel’s Ottoman and German backstory, including Turkish-style lanterns, chic velvet chairs, and Oriental rugs. Inspired details like Mark Twain books on the nightstands, minibars stocked with local snacks, and works by Israeli artists lend authenticity and character, while original wood balconies offer stunning views of the Jaffa, Tel Aviv, and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. Come evening, guests can head to the Drisco Bar, located in the stylish lobby, or the exceptional George & John Restaurant, which mixes modern Israeli dishes with broader Mediterranean flavors."
"Last year saw the arrival of game-changing luxury hotels The Drisco, with three more new properties still to come in 2019." - Travel + Leisure Editors
The Drisco Hotel Tel Aviv - Relais & Châteaux - Adults Only (Tel Aviv, Israel) 3 Verified Reviews | Tablet Hotels
"Tel Aviv is no stranger to contemporary design, nor to the tradition of 20th-century modernism — which is why it’s perhaps surprising that one of its finest new hotels is a renovation of an 1866 Ottoman-style classic in the American Colony district. But that’s the Drisco in a nutshell: named for the brothers who built the original Jerusalem Hotel, it’s a contemporary luxury boutique that’s blessed with a century and a half of historic heritage." - Tablet Hotels
The Drisco – The Leading Hotels of The World, a Design Boutique Hotel Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
"Located 400 metres from Hatachana Compound, The Drisco – The Leading Hotels of The World features accommodation with free WiFi in Tel Aviv. With a fitness centre, the property also has a terrace, as well as a bar. Turkish cuisine is served at the restaurant.
All rooms comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom and a hair dryer, and some rooms are equipped with a balcony. All guest rooms include a wardrobe.
The daily breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or American options.
For any tips on how to get around or what to do in the area, guests can ask at the reception.
Suzanne Dellal Dance Show Centre, Neve Tzedek is 500 metres from The Drisco – The Leading Hotels of The World, while Independence Hall Museum is 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Ben Gurion Airport, 12 km from The Drisco – The Leading Hotels of The World." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
The Drisco Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv, Israel) 3 Verified Reviews | Tablet Hotels
"Tel Aviv is no stranger to contemporary design, nor to the tradition of 20th-century modernism — which is why it’s perhaps surprising that one of its finest new hotels is a renovation of an 1866 Ottoman-style classic in the American Colony district. But that’s the Drisco in a nutshell: named for the brothers who built the original Jerusalem Hotel, it’s a contemporary luxury boutique that’s blessed with a century and a half of historic heritage." - Tablet Hotels
I had a nice stay and there's a lot to like. I had a large room with a balcony facing the street, it was pretty quiet except for some sporadic construction. The hotel is beautiful but I thought some of the service fell a little short as well as the breakfast for the money I paid. The breakfast was delicious but one item i.e. pancakes or eggs, not both, I've never seen before, and fruit selection was limited. There's a huge Israeli selection (cheese, salad, tuna) and the eggs benedict were great! I do recommend and loved the area, gritty, artsy, but gentrifying.
Daniel A.
Google
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at The Drisco several times over the past few years, and it continues to impress me every time. It truly is an oasis of calm, elegance, and refinement. The staff are exceptional, warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making every guest feel welcome and comfortable. The food is equally outstanding. Beautifully presented, refined, and consistently delicious. If you appreciate unique, boutique style hotels with a personal touch, The Drisco is an absolute must.
Assaf M.
Google
We spent a night at the Drisco and we had a nice experience.
The rooms are basic although the bathrooms are huge and well equipped.
The balcony (we had one) is a waste of money... you are blocked by a tall building one side and by a huge Ficus tree on the other...no view at all.
The staff was very welcoming and supportive and the overall vibe is excellent.
The rooftop drink "happy hour" is nice gesture however the sunset is mostly blocked by (another) tall building....
Do note that the hotel does not offer a pool.
I recommend strolling around the American Colony neighborhood, HaMesila Park and the old railroad station during afternoon/evening
GabiC1
Google
This is a beautiful hotel by world standards. I had a room with a balcony overlooking the courtyard and out over the ocean. The breakfast is the best I’ve ever had at any hotel. Some of the staff could do with some extra training in professionalism and service culture but overall the staff were very good.
Ninglamor
Google
Beautiful old building, immaculate rooms, and a great chef's breakfast à la carte. Plus, you get a happy hour in the historical Mark Twain lounge.
Getaway693329
Google
Disappointed. The gap between what you see on the website and the reality is too large. We had a Premium sea view room but the view is not nice. The restaurant is vibrant and excellent, and the breakfast is very good.
leslie R.
Google
Not enough words to describe this Historic gem of a hotel. The food, the cleanliness, the convenience. But what makes this hotel unforgettable, is the magnificent and caring staff. We felt like family, and we loved each and every one of them. We loved it, we miss it and we can’t wait to go back.
W5890FYbens
Google
Perfect rooms and atmosphere. Superb service. |Very detailed service. |The hotel resteraunt, John & George, is well known and great for breakfast and dinner. We had steak and ravioli.