The Setai Tel Aviv

Hotel · Jaffa Old City ·

The Setai Tel Aviv

Hotel · Jaffa Old City ·

Historic fortress reimagined with spa, infinity pool, luxe rooms

Information

David Razi'el St 22, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6802919, Israel Get directions

@afar

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"Why we love it: A 900-year-old fortress-cum-prison reimagined as a luxurious getaway The Highlights: - Historical details like artifacts, original ironwork, and a stone arch bearing the seal of Abdul Hamid II - A fourth-floor infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea - A full-service spa with a Turkish hammam The Review: Located right on the main square in the old city of Jaffa, The Setai Tel Aviv is steeped in history. Built by the Crusaders as a fortress in the 12th century, the property later served as a kishle (jailhouse) under the Ottoman Empire, then a British command post during Israel’s War of Independence. When it became a hotel, the original building, with its stone corridors and inner courtyards, underwent a meticulous restoration that included archaeological digs to uncover several artifacts, which guests can now see in the lobby. Those eager to learn more about the hotel’s history can also walk through the large entry arch, crowned by the seal of Abdul Hamid II, or check out the stone-and-iron prison cells behind the grotto-like lobby bar. Spread over three newly created floors, the 120 rooms and suites feature an Ottoman-inspired design, complete with richly colored Turkish rugs, laser-cut pendant lamps, dark wood furniture, and sleek, textured headboards. Spacious bathrooms further the luxurious vibe with granite sinks, large bathtubs, and separate rain showers. Elsewhere on property is Jaya, where guests can indulge in an ample breakfast buffet and new-Mediterranean kosher food for lunch and dinner; former prison yards that serve as the hotel’s stunning front and rear courtyards, with comfy seating among verdant lemon trees; and a basement spa, which boasts a traditional Turkish hammam. Still, the hotel’s principal amenity has to be the fabulous infinity pool with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and downtown Tel Aviv—sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular."

The Best Hotels in Israel

Photo by Assaf Pinchuk / The Setai

סטאי תל אביב - The Setai, Tel Aviv

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

50 Best Places to Travel in 2019

"Last year saw the arrival of game-changing luxury hotels Setai Tel Aviv, with three more new properties still to come in 2019." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2019

The Setai Tel Aviv

@myboutiquehotel

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The Setai Tel Aviv, a Design Boutique Hotel Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

"Boasting a spa and wellness area, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool, The Setai Tel Aviv offers accommodation in Tel Aviv, 600 metres from the Hatachana Compound. Guests can also enjoy the fitness centre. All guest rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast area. For guests' convenience, The Setai Tel Aviv has a business centre. Languages spoken at the reception include English and French. Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair is 1.9 km from the accommodation, while Shenkin Street is 2.2 km away. The nearest airport is Ben Gurion Airport, 12 km from The Setai Tel Aviv." - My Boutique Hotel (en)

https://www.myboutiquehotel.com/en/boutique-hotels-tel-aviv/the-setai-tel-aviv.html

The Setai Tel Aviv

natashao187

Google

The hotel is located on Jaffa's shoreline, very close to culinary and nightlife erea. We loved the historical, yet renovated, archetecture of the hotel. The rooms are beautiful, spacious and well equiped. The spa has a great Hammam and sauna, and the massage I had was profetionally precise. Breakfast at hotel's restaurant was luxurious and diverse. Staff are straight and reliable. We forgot a wallet (with cash) in the room when we checked out and only noticed it the next day. When we went back to the hotel- the wallet was kept with security and all the cash was there! We highly recomand this hotel.

jose F.

Google

My visit to the Setai Spa in Tel Aviv was extremely disappointing and easily the worst spa experience I’ve had. There are no proper changing rooms or lounge area to rest -- only uncomfortable chairs, no beds ---, which immediately set a poor tone. The sauna wasn’t hot enough to be relaxing, and the overall facilities felt unfinished. Most disappointing was the staff, who seemed uninterested and made no effort to create a welcoming or indulgent experience. This spa did not meet basic expectations, and I will not be returning.

Jorge P.

Google

My experience at the Setai Jaffa Spa was quite disappointing and unusual for a venue presented as a luxury spa. There is no proper relaxation area with lounge beds; instead, there is a small seating area with chairs, awkwardly positioned right next to the gym. The spa also lacks proper changing rooms, and the two showers were repeatedly left in poor condition, with wet towels, slippers, and personal items scattered throughout. At one point, even the lounge area became cluttered with used glasses and cups and had to be cleaned upon request. This feedback is not about aesthetics or personal taste. As someone with extensive experience visiting spas, I found the overall setup disorganized and far below the standards typically associated with a luxury spa.

F9690HJerica

Google

Fantastic oasis of luxury in Jaffa! The hotel is beautiful and the staff are wonderful! From check in to check out and everything in between! The breakfast is amazing in a beautiful charming area, with a great mix of dishes and custom food. Spa and hammam were great to start or end a day! The dinner restaurant was also a hot spot with the beautiful people all dressed up! Also the location is perfect for exploring Jaffa and an easy walk to the heart of Tel Aviv. Jaffa has a local vibe that is very relaxed with interesting markets and tea shops, famous food and great yoga in easy walking distance. You can also take the new light rail nearby the hotel. Overall fantastic!

JDiLorenzo

Google

We are seasoned international travelers and have stayed at many luxury hotels throughout our 40+ years of travel. However, our experience has rarely been as unforgettable as our stay at The Setai.||Shortly after our reservation was confirmed, Alex Arfi; Dir. of Rooms and Quality proactively communicated with us by providing helpful information about airport transfer options and applying for the required ETAs. When we were nervous about the political situation in Israel, he eased our worries and assured us that it was safe to visit your amazing country. Alex coordinated our round-trip VIP and taxi service with precision, and upon our arrival, he was the first person to welcome us to the hotel. He personally handled our check-in process and escorted us to our Premium Plus room with a balcony overlooking the swimming pool, Tel Aviv, and the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. To our delight, Alex acknowledged my husband's milestone birthday with a chocolate dessert and souvenir gifts from the hotel. As you can imagine, we were thrilled with such a heartwarming gesture.||Last but certainly not least, Alex invited us to be his guests at the hotel's showstopper Sabbath Dinner Buffet. This was the most memorable experience of our time in Israel. The delicious, over-abundant food selection was fabulous and to be among Jewish guests celebrating Sabbath was extremely special. ||We will recommend The Setai Hotel at every opportunity, and look forward to future stays at this wonderful hotel.

estranger

Google

What a beautiful hotel, with a perfect location and incredible overall history and vibe. The hotel gave me an unbelievable room with a panoramic view of the beach and Jaffa, which couldn’t have been a better welcome to the city. Breakfast is divine. ||It could be perfect with just a few improvements.||1) Spa: it’s so nice but they have to stop people from using their phones everywhere. In the sauna, in the steam room!! It’s both dangerous and a huge violation of privacy. ||2) Service: it’s too inconsistent for this price point. About 30-40% of staff is totally aloof and uncomfortable with guest interactions. That number has to be a lot lower. If you’re not going to be efficient at least be friendly ||3) Food: it would be great to have an Israeli or Mediterranean cuisine option. I’m sure the sushi is great but it’s less unique for visitors than for locals.

Mikhail S.

Google

Unacceptable experience. During rocket attacks, the hotel initially provided water in the bomb shelter. On the third day of sirens, they literally took the water away because people were using it. Taking away drinking water from guests in a bomb shelter is a new low for hospitality. If you value being treated like a human being during a crisis, stay elsewhere.

84ilss

Google

One of the Most Disappointing Spa Experiences I’ve Ever Had – Avoid at All Costs|-------------------------------------------------------------||I think this may have been the most disappointing massage experience I’ve ever had, and I’ve had dozens over the years. At the Setaï Spa, the price is as high as the level of disappointment.||No choice of therapist.|--------------------------------------|We arrived as a couple, and a massage therapist came to take each of us to our rooms without asking whether we preferred a male or female therapist. In a spa of this supposed caliber, this should be a basic courtesy.||A painful and unsuitable massage.|-------------------------------------------------------|From the start, the therapist said: “If the pressure is too strong, let me know.” He began the massage, and it wasn’t just too strong — it was painful. I assumed it would soften as the massage progressed, but it didn’t.|After 20 minutes, I told him: “I’m here to relax, not to be in pain.” He replied: “You should have told me from the beginning.”|In every reputable spa I’ve been to, the therapist explains the type of massage you’re about to receive. Here, nothing was explained. And even the strong or deep-tissue massages I’ve had in the past have never been painful.|This is the first time in my life I walked out of a massage feeling less relaxed than when I walked in.||The hammam: total chaos.|------------------------------------------|The space is tiny. We were 4 people, then 7. Guests kept entering and leaving the room while leaving the door wide open, even after we asked them to close it. No intimacy, no atmosphere, no relaxation.||The sauna: completely unmanaged.|------------------------------------------------------|While my partner was alone inside, two men entered and behaved as if it were a dating lounge. A mixed sauna should not become a place of discomfort, especially without asking for consent.||Dirty showers and locker rooms.|---------------------------------------------------|When I went to shower, there were still robes from previous guests along with hair ties and other personal items. No visible cleaning between uses.||No apology and no commercial gesture.|----------------------------------------------------|We informed the reception of how disappointed we were before leaving. Nothing was offered — no explanation, no apology, no gesture.||Conclusion|-------------------|This is, without question, the worst spa experience I’ve had in Tel Aviv.|Avoid it at all costs.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Best Hotels in Israel

Photo by Assaf Pinchuk / The Setai

סטאי תל אביב - The Setai, Tel Aviv

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

50 Best Places to Travel in 2019

"Last year saw the arrival of game-changing luxury hotels Setai Tel Aviv, with three more new properties still to come in 2019." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2019

The Setai Tel Aviv

@myboutiquehotel

10,602 Postcards · 3,205 Cities