The Efendi Hotel

"Tucked into the ancient, magical maze that is Old Acre, the Efendi Hotel looks out onto the city walls and the sea just beyond. Combining two Ottoman palaces, this labor of love from celebrity chef Uri Jeremias—whose nearby restaurant, Uri Buri, is practically a foodie pilgrimage site—took restorers and artisans the better part of a decade to complete under the watch of the Antiquities Authority. The layer cake of history beneath the hotel includes a 12th-century Crusader cellar, where you should head for a wine tasting, and a 400-year-old hammam, where you should book a Turkish bath. Also not to be missed at the Efendi: the 19th-century fresco commemorating the debut of Istanbul’s Orient Express station, the gorgeously preserved ceilings, and the rooftop bar (be sure to go at sunset, when your drinks will be accompanied by a chorus of Muezzin calls). Though you’ll be tempted to linger over the sublime views—and fresh dates—in your room, get out during the day and explore the surrounding alleys, mosques, synagogues, markets, tunnels, fortress, citadel, and port."

In Israel, Uri Jeremias Unites Both Flavors and People - AFAR

"A 12-room boutique hotel created by the same chef, restored over nine years from two former Ottoman-era palaces. Common spaces and guest rooms feature colorful ceiling frescoes conserved by Italian artists; the property also includes a refurbished hammam and a 900-year-old vaulted wine cellar. The terrace overlooks the Mediterranean, breakfast is included with rooms (rates listed from $320), and the chef’s restaurant is a short five-minute walk away. The hotel’s food program includes regional breakfast items such as spicy shakshuka and crispy cheese pastries (moajanat) prepared by staff who often learned and advanced under the chef’s mentorship." - Sara Lieberman

The 16 Best Restaurants in Akko, Israel - Eater

"This boutique hotel, founded by the legendary Uri Buri, sits inside two ancient houses, which were combined over the course of an eight-year restoration. Since completion, it has breathed new life into the hotel scene in the area. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, it’s worth taking a tour and to try a diverse Akko breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The family-style feast brings all the guests together for a spread that changes according to the season. It features salads, homemade jams, fresh cheese, home-baked pita with za’atar, pastries, and various omelets (including a vegan option that swaps eggs for chickpea flour). The hotel includes an amazing terrace overlooking the city, a wine cellar for special events, and a stunning hammam. For the ultimate foodie escape, book a package including a room, massage, breakfast, and dinner at Uri Buri. [$$]" - Keren Brown

The Efendi Hotel, a Design Boutique Hotel Acre, Israel

"The luxurious Efendi Hotel features a beautiful terrace with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the historic centre of Acre. Haifa is a 30-minute drive away. Only a 10-minute walk from the beach, this hotel is surrounded by picturesque alleys and is 100 metres from the promenade. The Jezzar Pasha Mosque is 200 metres away. Set in 2 buildings, rooms are all modern and air conditioned, and overlook the mountains and the sea. Each has free WiFi, and a living area with an LCD satellite TV and DVD player. The restaurant at Hotel Efendi specialises in fresh seafood and local recipes. A varied Israeli breakfast is served and includes eggs, salads, bread, and hot and cold drinks. A relaxing session in the Turkish bath or in the massage rooms is not to be missed." - My Boutique Hotel (en)

The Efendi Hotel (Acre, Galilee) 8 Hotel Reviews | Tablet Hotels

"If the walls of the Efendi Hotel could talk, you might never get any sleep. The hotel is located in the ancient Israeli port city of Acre, at the northern end of the Bay of Haifa, a place whose recorded history goes back to the Bronze Age. So by local standards, perhaps the Efendi, which contains remnants of structures dating as far back as the 6th century, is merely middle aged. After an eight-year renovation, the two buildings that now make up the twelve-room hotel are looking better than ever, a painstakingly detailed homage to the place’s remarkable architectural provenance." - Tablet Hotels