After 14 months of secrecy and planning, Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel will begin taking reservations on March 11, 2017. The hotel (a satirized version of New York’s upscale Waldorf) is located in Bethlehem, a Palestinian town in West Bank, and is within arm’s distance of the 708 km (440 mile) barrier that separates Israel and Palestine.
The 10-room hotel boasts 25 minutes of direct sunlight a day and offers the ‘world’s worst view’ says hotel operator Wisam Salsaa.
“Walls are hot right now, but I was into them long before Trump made it cool” – Banksy
Quips aside, the Walled Off Hotel is a legitimate lodging accepting reservations, and featuring a museum, gallery and live stream performances from musicians such as: Elton John, Fatboy Slim, Hans Zimmer, Massive Attack, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Banksy’s latest project stands as a hotel, museum, gallery and protest all in one. Below you will find out more about the hotel along with photos of the interior. For booking inquiries visit Banksy.co.uk
The Piano Bar
Britain got its hands on Palestine in 1917 and the piano bar is themed as a colonial outpost from those heady days. It is equipped with languid ceiling fans, leather bound couches and an air of undeserved authority. Guests can peruse a collection of Banksy artworks that include vandalised oil paintings and statues choking on tear gas fumes. Warm scones and freshly brewed tea are served daily on fine bone china
The Rooms
So far Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin have customised guest rooms, more to come..
‘Budget’ Rooms
Outfitted with surplus items from an Israeli military barracks, this room offers a bed from $30 a night. No frills, includes locker, personal safe, shared bathroom, complimentary earplugs
‘Scenic’ Rooms
The hotel boasts floor to ceiling views of graffiti-strewn concrete from almost every room. And for the exhibitionists amongst you – many are within range of the army watchtower. All scenic rooms are ensuite and equipped with wifi, fridge, radio, personal safe and air conditioning
‘Presidential’ Room
This palatial suite is equipped with everything a corrupt head of state would need – a plunge bath able to accommodate up to four revellers, original artwork, library, home cinema, roof garden, tiki bar and a water feature made from a bullet riddled water tank. Comes with a complete set of Dead Sea bath minerals and an in-room dining service available upon request. Sleeps up to six
The Museum
This home-made attraction is dedicated solely to the biography of the wall. It contains state-of-the-art audio visual presentations and a very old tree. Other highlights includes an animated history of the region, military pornography and original beach sculpture from Gaza. The cinema plays excerpts from the mighty Oscar nominated ‘Five Broken Cameras’ – and one of those very same bullet-damaged cameras is on display.
Curated in association with Dr Gavin Grindon from Essex University the museum contains almost fully fact-checked material and will be an ongoing repository for local stories, artefacts and testimonies.
The Gallery
This space enjoys complete autonomy from the rest of the hotel and is curated by the venerated historian and critic Ismal Duddera. He has assembled a permanent collection of real heft and significance. Many of the most notable Palestinian artists from the past 20 years are here – including Sliman Mansour with his iconic “And the Convoy Keeps Going”. An adjoining space is dedicated to temporary shows by upcoming artists. The gallery sells original work, prints and postcards.
