Quick Overview:
Banksy has finally done it… he has created The Walled Off Hotel! Famous for his political pieces and his very own theme park called “Dismaland”, he’s conceived this place for us all to see.
Moreover, it’s perched right next to the controversial wall that separates Israel from Palestinian territories. The Walled Off Hotel has been conceived by Banksy as a way to highlight a very real crisis.
Where is Banksy’s Hotel?
The Walled Off Hotel is situated right in the heart of Bethlehem and within touching distance of the towering walls separating Israel and Palestine. For visitors, it’s likely you’ll fly to Israel to stay.
What is the Walled Off Hotel?
In essence, it’s a hotel, but not like any other you’ll have seen! It serves as an artistic space, a demonstration, and a reminder to us all of the bleak reality of what is a contentious situation. The hotel embodies a play on the ever so luxurious Waldorf Astoria… which contrasts dramatically with its environment.
What can you expect inside?
Initially, don’t expect welcome drinks, hot towels, and mid-day massages – the Walled Off Hotel showcases a situation that requires attention.
The rooms themselves only get about 25 minutes of direct sunlight a day! Additionally, each of the rooms comes equipped with an eclectic mix of style and panache that offers views over army watchtowers, towering walls, and some unique pieces of Banksy artwork – all designed to emphasize the reality of the situation.
What are the rooms like?
The unique aspect of this hotel is that each of the rooms is decorated differently, meaning a range of budgets and options for various travelers looking to experience the Walled Off Hotel.
Army Barracks room: The army barracks room lives up to its name, providing a basic, totalitarian sleeping experience with complimentary earplugs (approximately $30 USD). With this room, shared communal shower facilities are available.
Scenic Wall Rooms: Each of the scenic rooms offers some of the closest views of the wall (almost touching distance). Many of the rooms are overlooked by the army watchtower. Each room includes its own shower facilities and air-conditioning.
Presidential Rooms: The almost palatial presidential suite accommodates up to 6 people, featuring its very own plunge bath, cinema, roof garden, and in-room dining. An opulent experience for any president, especially one considering walls!
When does it open?
Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel opened on the 20th March 2017.
What is the address?
The Walled Off Hotel, 182 Caritas Street, Bethlehem, Palestine.
What is the purpose of the Walled Off Hotel?
As Banksy states, the project is not aligned with any political movement or group; it’s meant to showcase and narrate the story of the wall from various perspectives, while providing hotel guests a chance to discover it for themselves.
⭐️ The Walled Off Hotel is an entirely independent leisure facility set up and financed by Banksy ⭐️
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