What People are saying

Everything a Boutique Hotel Should Be

Michele Lon 26/06/2017 22:25

It speaks for itself that this is my third visit to the gorgeous Efendi Hotel. Occupying two exquisitely restored Ottoman palaces merged together, in a quiet side street, but still within easy access of the hustle and bustle of fascinating Acre. The hotel has 12 stylishly appointed rooms, with the most comfortable of beds, crisp bedlinens, downy feather pillows, complimentary water, Nespresso coffee making facilities and pretty coffee cups : I have now slept in three of the rooms, the first two were when the hotel still had SLH membership, so as a member I was upgraded to the larger rooms 8 and 11. These rooms, as well as the upstairs communal areas, have ceilings that have been beautifully painted by Italian artisans brought over especially to do the job. This visit my husband and I were in Room 6, my daughters in Room 7, and these rooms do not have painted ceilings, but they are high and vaulted, so still feel airy and spacious. I missed the Turkish Delight and other delicacies we were given on our first two visits, substituted this time by a silver dish of dates, but my husband didn't seem to mind and devoured most of them! The bathrooms are all well appointed, with Sabon toiletries, roomy showers, marble tiling and huge soft fluffy towels. The communal lounge areas have oversized linen sofas, leather arm chairs and an eclectic mix of antique pieces and modern comforts. The roof terrace is a fabulous place to have a sundowner, with great views over the Mediterranean. Breakfast is served in a ground floor room with exposed brickwork around a massive communal table - very busy the morning we were there - with a choice of eggs cooked to order or a healthier option of yoghurt and granola, together with lots of extras that make up a proper Israeli breakfast, and the staff work hard to make it a very personal experience. Indeed, they remembered us from previous visits, making us feel more like house guests than paying ones, probably the real test of a boutique hotel. My only gripe is that as returning guests we were not offered an upgrade, as reading other reviews it appears that other guests have been, although the hotel was very busy the night we stayed there. But then there is always next time......

Greatest place in Acre (Akko)

OttFamilyon 25/06/2017 22:30

A wonderful hotel with an amazing crew. Above and beyond all expectations!!! From ensuring that the room are the best match for our large group of 14 to taking care of dinner reservation and caring for our children while we were out. The staff at the efendi was wonderful. Waking up to the best of the already amazing Israeli style breakfast was a wonderful experience.

Excellent Boutique Hotel

Orit Bon 24/06/2017 18:14

We had a wonderful & enjoyable experience in the hotel. Our rooms were spacious, beautiful furnished with high painted ceiling and very clean. The Staff is exceptionally gracious and helpful. We had a fantastic Dinner at Uri Buri restaurant and an outstanding delicious Breakfast in the hotel. We also had very good massages. We highly recommend this hotel and hope to be back soon.

Boutique hotel with excellent service

Jonathan Son 22/06/2017 10:22

The Efendi is located in the old town of Acre. Access by vehicle is possible but not that easy, I was dropped a short distance away. The hotel is something of an oasis with well presented communal areas and a welcoming and hospitable foyer.

I was told that I had been upgraded. My room was a decent size and was comfortable although some of the furniture had seen better days and the build quality of the wardrobes and even the room door were not great, but this is nit picking. For Acre, this is a great hotel. There was a good view of the City from the windows which were on two sides as this was a corner room.

Arriving early in the morning, I was able to leave my bags and I was able to meet my guests in the foyer. We were given drinks without a charge being made, which was a nice and homely touch.

Communal spaces were excellent with books available and lots of spaces to sit. Similarly, there was a large balcony with views of the city just next to my room and a roof terrace with much better views.

But a hotel is not just about the facilities, it is about the staff too. I went out on the evening of my stay looking for some falafel to eat. After a couple of hours I had not found what I was looking for and so came back to the hotel to ask for advice. They said with it being Ramadan, all the places were closed and I was unlikely to find any. I then asked where the nearest shop was so that I could buy some food.

Without hesitation, the receptionist offered to make me something. I advised that I was a vegan and she said this was no problem, swiftly rustling up a delicious avocado salad for me, served with some fresh bread and dressed with her own recipe of Arabic dressing, made from olive oil, lemon juice and salt.

Next morning when I checked out, I asked for the bill for the dinner I had eaten. I was told there was no charge.

For me, this is the mark of a truly great hotel. This place was home from home. I was looked after well and everyone who visited me at the hotel was also treated hospitably.

The only downside was that the minaret from the mosque next door was literally outside my bedroom window and the muezzin was off at 3:53 am, followed by a dog howling in sympathy. But with so much to see in the immediate area, an early start is no bad thing.

It isn't exactly cheap ... but it is well worth it.

Beatiful Historic Building Converted into a Hotel

PeeTee56on 21/06/2017 06:10

This hotel is 2 old historic homes joined together and converted into a lovely small hotel. The hotel has beautiful furniture and decorations and is a lovely place to stay in Acco. The room we had was lovely and overlooked neighbourhood homes.
There a great views to be had from the roof. The hotel has an association with Uri Buri restaurant which is only a short walk away. Definitely have dinner there.
This is the hotel to stay at in Acco.