The Walled Off Hotel, conceptualized by the enigmatic street artist Banksy, truly lives up to its name. This fully operational establishment, which welcomed its first guests on March 20, 2017, stands as a unique fusion of a boutique hotel, a protest statement, and an art gallery all rolled into one. Banksy's intention behind creating the Walled Off Hotel was not only to offer accommodation but also to inject vitality into Bethlehem by attracting tourists and generating job opportunities, particularly in the face of increasing Israeli restrictions on travel. Moreover, all profits generated by the hotel are reinvested into local initiatives.
The strategic timing of the hotel's opening in 2017 holds significance, as it coincides with the centennial anniversary of British involvement in Palestine, a period marked by perplexity and strife according to Banksy's statement on the hotel's website. With plans to remain operational for the entirety of the centenary year and potentially beyond, the Walled Off Hotel serves as a symbolic and lasting presence in the region.
Drawing inspiration from the prestigious Waldorf hotel chain, while also making a pointed reference to the nearby Israeli West Bank Wall, the Walled Off Hotel offers its guests a distinctive experience. Each room in the hotel provides a direct view of the imposing concrete barrier that separates Israel from the Palestinian territories, a feature that Banksy humorously touts as offering "the worst view of any hotel in the world."
Situated at 182 Caritas Street in Bethlehem, Palestine, the hotel's location in the northern part of the city places it in close proximity to the controversial West Bank wall. Guests have remarked on the wall's nearness, with some describing it as almost within arm's reach of the hotel's ironically named 'Scenic Wall Rooms.' The limited sunlight that filters into the rooms each day serves as a poignant reminder of the perpetual shadow cast by the wall on those who reside in its vicinity.
Given its location within a section of Bethlehem under Israeli security control, the Walled Off Hotel is accessible to both local Palestinians and Israelis. The hotel's inclusive ethos is underscored by its invitation for young Israelis to visit with an open heart, as articulated on its website by the Palestinian management and staff who extend a particularly warm welcome to all guests.
The hotel serves as a platform for fostering meaningful political dialogue at both a local and global level, engaging not only the throngs of Banksy enthusiasts who come to visit but also the surrounding community.
Reflecting on Banksy's Segregation Wall mural, which he created directly on the West Bank Wall in 2005, a local Palestinian resident expressed strong sentiments, stating, "We don’t want [the wall] to be beautiful. We hate this wall. Go home." Driven by a deep empathy for the plight of Palestinians and a dual desire to embellish and critique the West Bank Wall, Banksy may have physically left the region, but his artistic presence continues to make a lasting impact.
The hotel's gift shop, which opened six months after the launch of the Walled Off Hotel, introduced a range of edition merchandise featuring Banksy's creations. This marked a significant occasion, as it had been years since new Banksy artworks had been made available on the primary market.
Among the highly coveted items offered are edition sculptures inspired by the West Bank Wall, adorned with Banksy's iconic imagery. Crafted from resin and hand-painted, these sculptures incorporate genuine fragments from the West Bank separation wall as their bases, making them not just artistic pieces but also historical artifacts.