מלון The Jaffa

John Pawson and Ramy Gill, transforms historic convent into Jaffa Hotel in Tel Aviv. The Jaffa Hotel sits near the top of the hill where the ancient Mediterranean port is located, to the south of the Israeli city's modern centre. The architects restored and renovated the School of the Sisterhood of Saint Joseph convent, and adjacent 19th-century former French hospital, to create boutique accommodation. Mixing the variety of architectural styles – including Arabic and neo-Roman – with contemporary elements. The Jaffa Hotel comprises 120 hotel rooms and suites, and an outdoor pool, all connected by arched colonnades and gardens. A new six-storey wing also accommodates 32 private residences, each with its own entry.
A secluded central courtyard filled with trees is situated between the old structures, which form a U shape, and Pawson's addition. Landscape work for the project was done by New York firm Rees Roberts and Partners. In the historic buildings, Pawson preserved the historic details and juxtaposed them with modern furnishings. Restored elements include stucco, stained glass windows, and stonework that dates back to the 12th century. A focal point of The Jaffa Hotel is the bar and lounge, aptly called The Chapel due to its location in the former school's prayer space. Soaring vaulted ceilings and decorative plasterwork create a dramatic setting, with colourful soft pink, blue and mustard seating matching colours picked out from the paintwork.
The lobby is located in the new building, but encompasses remnants of a 13th-century bastion wall, which was uncovered during excavation and is now a focal point of the room.
The entrance hall is populated with modern furnishings, including orange lounge chairs by Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, and pieces by French designer Pierre Paulin. Among other decorative elements are works by British artist Damien Hirst and images by Israeli photographer Tal Shochat. The lobby also includes a Sheshbesh lounge, named after the Turkish game similar to backgammon. Pawson custom-designed tables as a nod to the game, which was historically played by merchants in Jaffa.
The designer referenced an Arab wood-carving technique known as mashrabiya for perforated balcony guards and window shutters, which are seen on the street-facing rooms of the new building. For dining options, the hotel contains Italian restaurant Don Camillo and Jewish deli Golda's Delicatessen. Both are located in the basement of the 19th-century building and feature original vaulted ceilings.