This week on the travel blog, we're drawing your attention to 182 Caritas Street, Bethlehem, Palestine. This one's an address to remember, it may well be your next stop on your travels.
The Walled Off Hotel is a fully independent leisure venture located along the Israeli West Bank barrier, Bethlehem, Palestine. If the name hasn’t already told you all you need to know, this location’s not your average holiday, it’s set up based on the 700km long Israeli-government-built wall that spans and encloses Palestine. The wall is one of the world’s most controversial landmarks, so it only seems fitting that this hotel facility is set up and fully financed by no less than the elusive, highly acclaimed visionary Banksy.
“Doused in authenticity, heritage, and a sense of union”
It’s said that travel broadens the mind regardless, but visiting Banksy’s hotel in one of the world’s most perilous locations should be on everyone’s bucket list. As a ‘place of immense spiritual and political significance’, the feeling of awareness is inescapable. Some of the rooms have been fully customised by artists, including Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin, and there are a lot more of these to follow in the upcoming years. A truly unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
"Languid decor, vandalism... and a cleverly conceived menu"
The Piano Bar is themed as the year 1917 when Palestine was taken over by Britain. A combination of authentic Banksy artwork from the man himself: languid decor, vandalism, politically-charged work and even a cleverly conceived menu... The Walled Off Salad, as if the hotel name wasn’t enough pun-content for you already.
“A continuous, honest repository for authentic local stories and history”
Confusion and conflict are at the heart of this intriguing locale, but it’s also doused in authenticity, heritage, and a sense of union. The hotel plays host to a comprehensive collection of artefacts, film, and recorded data that serves as a museum dedicated to creating a biography for the wall. With thanks to Dr. Gavin Grindon, this hotel is able to serve as the world’s only historical documentation of the location’s narrative. A continuous, honest repository for authentic local stories and history.
