The Efendi Hotel
Ottoman palace grandeur meets boutique intimacy. Hand-painted frescoed ceilings, exposed honey-colored sandstone, arched windows, freestanding claw-foot tubs. Romantic, historic, opulent without being stuffy.
Book spa and hammam treatments well in advance — they fill up, especially on weekends
Why It Matters
The restoration was overseen by Israel's Antiquities Authority, with Italian artisans flown in specifically to restore the painted ceilings. The hotel sits atop the remains of a 1,500-year-old Byzantine structure and a 900-year-old Crusader cellar. Its owner Uri Jeremias also runs Uri Buri, named one of the world's best seafood restaurants by TripAdvisor in 2019. It consistently ranks #1 among Acre hotels and appears in the Michelin Guide and on Tablet Hotels.
Twelve rooms. Nine centuries of walls. The Efendi is two restored Ottoman palaces in the UNESCO-listed Old City of Acre, pulled together over eight painstaking years by Israel's most beloved chef, Uri Jeremias. Down in the basement: a genuine Crusader-era cellar from the 12th century, now a wine bar. One floor up, a 400-year-old marble Turkish hammam. And at the top, a rooftop with Mediterranean views stretching from Rosh Hanikra to Mount Carmel. The hotel is tiny on rooms but enormous on personality.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe
The entry-level room at the Efendi, and still genuinely special. At 24–27 m², it's compact but smartly done, with a restored high wooden ceiling and a view over the alleys of the Old City and neighboring stone buildings. Shower only (no bathtub). One room has wheelchair access via elevator. Beds cannot be separated.
Queen · 25 sqm
Grand Deluxe
Stepping up from Deluxe, the Grand adds a freestanding bathtub alongside the wide shower, a seating area, and more generous proportions (27–35 m²). Still features the restored wooden ceiling and Old City views. One room is on floor 1; the other is on the top floor accessed by 22 steps.
King · 31 sqmPresidential Suite
The hotel's flagship at 44–48 m². Original marble floors, hand-painted ceilings, and a freestanding bathtub placed dramatically in the corner of the room itself (not the bathroom). Full views to both the sea and the Old City. Top floor, staircase access only. In one suite, the shower is inside the bedroom. Sleeps up to 2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults.
King · 46 sqmRoyal
A step-change in atmosphere. The Royal rooms feature hand-painted Ottoman-era ceilings — the real showstopper at this hotel — with a freestanding bathtub and wide shower in the marble bathroom. 36 m², with a seating area and Old City views. Some Royal rooms are on the top floor (22 steps up).
King · 36 sqmRoyal Sea View
The Royal Sea View adds Mediterranean views to the Royal room package — some rooms get full sea-and-Old-City panoramas. Painted or restored wooden ceilings, a seating area, and the choice of bathtub or freestanding bathtub with wide shower. All on the top floor, staircase access only (22 steps). Fits up to 3 adults.
King · 36 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel has 20 m² of conference/meeting space. Private dinners and wine evenings can be arranged in the cellar. The Ottoman-era rooms provide a dramatic setting for intimate events.
The hotel concierge (notably Nimer, frequently mentioned by guests) personally guides guests or recommends routes through Acre's Old City — UNESCO-listed streets, the Templars' Tunnel, Al-Jazzar Mosque, Akko harbor, and authentic market. Self-guided or arranged with hotel.
Guided tastings of Israeli wines in the 900-year-old vaulted Crusader cellar beneath the hotel. The hotel sommelier curates selections. Can be arranged as intimate tasting evenings or combined wine-and-dinner experiences.
Private yoga or Pilates sessions at sunrise or sunset on the hotel's terrace or rooftop, with 360-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea and Galilee hills. Available for individuals or couples. Must be booked in advance.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator serves the first floor. Upper floors (top level) require climbing 22 steps and are not wheelchair accessible.
20 m² of dedicated meeting space for small business groups or private events.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property at 100+ Mbps.
Full concierge service including area guidance, booking assistance, and tour coordination. The hotel concierge is widely praised by guests for personalized local knowledge.
All rooms include a complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks.
A large terrace on the top floor with panoramic 360-degree views spanning the Mediterranean Sea, the Old City, the Galilee hills, and Mount Carmel. Sun loungers available. Best at sunset.
Round-trip airport transfer available for a surcharge. Available 24 hours; must be booked in advance.
Parking available at or near the hotel. Confirm availability when booking.
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