Buzz
The Walled Off Hotel, created by the anonymous British street artist Banksy, is located in Bethlehem, a town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This establishment serves as both an art gallery and a bold political statement. Ilia Yefimovich/Getty ImagesThanks to the globally celebrated street artist Banksy, you can now visit a Bethlehem hotel that proudly boasts "the worst view of any hotel in the world." By staying here, you’ll find yourself at the heart of the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Known as the Walled Off Hotel, this unique lodging sits right next to the Palestine Wall, a barrier designed to restrict Palestinian movement into Israel. Despite its controversial location, it operates as a fully functional hotel, showcasing artwork by Banksy and other artists that provide thought-provoking insights into a seemingly endless and tragic conflict.
Can an entire hotel be considered a work of art?
Banksy is well-known for creating bold and provocative art. The Walled Off Hotel is seen as a successor to Dismaland, a temporary exhibit that appeared in 2015 near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. This "bemusement park" offered a sharp critique of modern consumerism, drawing large audiences before being dismantled by the artist after just one month.
An Extended One-year Run
Originally opened in 2017, the Walled Off Hotel was intended to operate for only one year. However, four years later, it continues to welcome guests. The reason behind Banksy's decision to extend the timeline of this installation remains a mystery, as the artist maintains their intriguing anonymity.
The exterior of the Walled Off Hotel exudes a unique, rugged charm, complemented by a striking view of the wall separating Palestine from Bethlehem in the West Bank.
picture alliance/Getty ImagesIts appeal is undeniable. Since its debut, the hotel has hosted over 140,000 guests, a figure that would likely be higher if not for the temporary closure caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Far from being a dilapidated structure, the hotel offers a range of accommodations, from basic to opulent. It also features imaginative details, such as security cameras mounted like hunting trophies, alongside sledgehammers and slingshots, all symbolizing the pervasive violence and oppression in the region.
Budget-conscious travelers can stay in a bunker-style room furnished with surplus items from Israeli military barracks for around $60. At the other extreme, the presidential suite costs nearly $1,000 per night. As described on the hotel's website, this lavish suite is "equipped with everything a corrupt leader could desire."
Regardless of the room rate, the artwork in every space is deemed invaluable. However, guests must sign a disclaimer upon checkout, confirming they haven’t removed any items from their room.
Nicole Jacobs-Licht, an Atlanta-based artist and educator, is an ardent admirer of Banksy's creations. Her 2018 visit to the hotel was an unforgettable adventure, though she emphasizes that exploring this region demands courage and resilience. She recalls the most daunting aspect was traversing the tense border between the two conflicting nations.
The hotel's piano bar and dining area are adorned with statues suffocating from tear gas, while guests can indulge in warm scones, freshly brewed tea, and the aptly named Walled Off salad.
HAZEM BADER/Getty Images"During my email interview, I shared how I was extensively questioned about my purpose for being there, my destination, and why I was traveling alone," she explains. "I followed the hotel's advice and stated I was visiting religious sites and museums, which is also why I arranged for hotel transfers to assist with logistics. Traveling solo as a woman raised suspicions with Israeli authorities, and I was not greeted warmly—instead, I was escorted to an interrogation room."
Palestine lacks international airports, so entry is only possible via land through Israel. Since Israeli authorities control the Palestinian border, crossing can be a challenging ordeal. As highlighted on the Walled Off website: "Tel Aviv's airport security is renowned. Be prepared to explain your visit's purpose and whether you plan to travel to the West Bank. A 'yes' could result in significant delays."
Jacobs-Licht offers several tips for those planning a trip to the Walled Off Hotel. She advises against merely visiting briefly to look around; instead, she recommends booking a room for several nights to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
During her stay, she experienced a variety of rooms, including the Banksy Scenic Suite, Scenic Suite 2, the impressive Presidential Suite, and the Budget Barracks.
One of the guest rooms at the Walled Off Hotel showcases a cozy bed positioned beneath a striking mural created by Banksy.
Anthony ASAEL/Getty Images"The hotel's artwork is one-of-a-kind, deeply tied to its location and the surrounding conflict. It feels like stepping into a museum, with art everywhere you look. Each room is a masterpiece, offering both a mental and visual journey."
She stayed for a total of four nights, allowing her ample time to appreciate the artwork and embark on day trips to explore various parts of Palestine.
Advice for Visitors: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Thorough preparation is essential. She suggests watching documentaries about the conflict to grasp its complexities and the harsh realities of the political landscape before visiting. Additionally, she encourages visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience, including exploring the highly regarded museum located within the hotel.
"Enjoy a proper tea and breakfast at the Walled Off restaurant, surrounded by art and engaging with fellow travelers," she advises. "Participate in Green Olive Tours, which provide deeper insights into the wall and the conflict. One tour includes discussions about the wall at the hotel, the Banksy artworks on it, and a guided walk through the Aida Refugee Camp."
These activities also offer opportunities to connect with other travelers, who can share their unique perspectives on the situation.
While this region is technically under Israeli military control, its legal status remains ambiguous. Navigating the checkpoints and roads leading to the hotel from Israel can be difficult, but the area is generally considered safe for now. Given the hotel's excellent reviews and its educational value, the trip is undoubtedly rewarding.
"The Palestinians are wonderful people caught in a difficult situation," Jacobs-Licht remarks. "I communicated in English with everyone and felt secure walking alone at night. Women approached me for conversations and even hugged me. Everyone was eager to talk. I took a bus to Jerusalem, passing through the locals' checkpoint at the wall. It was an incredibly enlightening experience."
From the balcony of a room at the Walled Off, guests can enjoy striking views of the wall and the surrounding landscape, which bears the scars of ongoing conflict.
Ilia Yefimovich/Getty ImagesFor art enthusiasts or those seeking a fresh perspective on one of the world's most poignant conflicts, the Walled Off Hotel provides rooms with diverse views. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the hotel is currently closed to the public. Updates on reopening and room availability can be found on their website.
The Walled Off is located at 182 Caritas Street, Bethlehem, Palestine. For inquiries, you can reach out via email at [email protected].
Adjacent to the hotel is Wall Mart, a shop where you can purchase spray paint and design your own stencils inspired by Banksy. Once done, you can step outside and add your artistic touch to the iconic border wall. Your creation won’t remain for long, as the wall is frequently repainted to make space for new contributions. It’s a unique opportunity for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art and politics.
