Boutique luxury hotel opens in Bethlehem’s old city

The property was created by long-time friends Franco-Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan and Chilean-Palestinian entrepreneur Elizabeth Kassis Sabagh. Restoration work began in 2016, and is based on the traditional architecture of the city and its connection to Chile, where Kassis Sabagh’s father moved to nearly 80 years ago.

Interiors feature stained glass windows, stone flooring and arched ceilings, with neutral colour schemes. The six bedrooms offer a variety of sizes and styles including two deluxe doubles, one large suite with a kitchen and one without, and the two suites can be interconnected. They all feature furniture and textiles sourced from across Chile and Palestine. 

Communal spaces include the lobby and ground-floor outdoor patio, where meals are served using Palestinian produce, wine from the Ashkar Winery and craft beer from Taybeh, which is the first microbrewery in the Middle East. Later this year a rooftop bar and terrace will open, offering 360-degree views of the old city and key landmarks. 

Kattan said: “With Kassa, we reconnect Bethlehem’s history with our diaspora through a space of beauty and hospitality where we celebrate the crafts and tastes of Palestine.”

Room rates are between 250 USD and 380 USD per night.