Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel reopens in Bethlehem after two years

The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem – conceived by anonymous artist Banksy and infamous for offering “the worst view in the world”– has reopened to guests after being closed for more than two years.

The boutique property, built close to the Israeli separation barrier and 500 metres from the Jerusalem checkpoint, shut its doors following the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.

First opened in 2017, it was created as both a working hotel and a bold piece of installation art, aiming to draw attention to the politics and daily realities of life in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Artistic accommodation

Some rooms look out over army watchtowers. Heidi Levine for The National

Now welcoming visitors once again, the property features nine rooms ranging from bunk-style accommodation priced from $75 (Dh275) per night, to a presidential suite costing up to $600 (Dh2,204).

Several rooms feature custom designs by Banksy as well as artists Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin, each offering views of the graffiti-covered concrete barrier and surrounding area. Some rooms directly look out over army watchtowers.

Among its room categories is a barracks-style space, outfitted with surplus Israeli military furniture and shared facilities, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, the presidential suite includes a plunge bathtub, home cinema, library, tiki bar, rooftop area and original artwork, as well as a water feature crafted from a bullet-damaged tank.

The presidential suite in Banksy's Walled Off Hotel has a home cinema and library.