Banksy Just Opened a Hotel in Bethlehem with the "Worst View in the World"
Banksy — the famed graffiti artist and political activist known for painting murals around the world — has unveiled a new art installation and it's not just a scandalous image in London, New York or LA. This time, the artist, whose identity remains a mystery, has opened a hotel in the West Bank. Specifically, he's launched Walled Off Hotel in the town of Bethlehem in the middle of disputed territory.
The fully functioning property was primarily designed and financed by Banksy himself. The hotel name comes from its surroundings — it's adjacent to a 30-foot wall that separates Israel and Palestinian territory. Over the years, Banksy has decorated the wall with murals depicting protestors throwing a bouquet of flowers and a peace dove wearing a bullet proof vest with a target on its chest.
All nine rooms at The Walled Off Hotel have views of the massive concrete barrier, which inspired the media-friendly mock feature "Worst View In the World."
Seven of the rooms were decorated with unique artwork by Banksy, while two were reserved for other artists, including Dominique Pétrin and Sami Musa. Construction of the property took 14 months to complete and the entire project was shrouded in secrecy.
Accommodations range from basic to opulent. The 'Presidential' room provides you with "everything a corrupt head of state would need — a plunge bath able to accommodate up to four revelers, original artwork, library, home cinema, roof garden, tiki bar and a water feature made from a bullet riddled water tank."
If you're on a tight budget, you can stay in a dorm-style room for $30 per night that's outfitted with surplus items from Israeli military barracks.
The hotel gym was replaced with a museum exploring the history of the separation barrier and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Guests can relax at the 1917-themed hotel piano bar and admire the variety of Banksy pieces including everything from a cherub on life support to statues choking on tear gas fumes. Soon, an independent art gallery will open with rotating works from notable Palestinian and Israeli artists.
According to CNN, The Walled Off Hotel is located in Area C, an area of the West Bank under Israeli control. It's open to both Israelis and Palestinians and hopes to be a "safe space for discussion." The hotel does not take any sides in the conflict but acknowledges that both have concerns.
The hotel's website says "Depending on who you talk to it's either a vital security measure or an instrument of apartheid. Its route is highly controversial and it has a dramatic impact on the daily lives of a lot of people. The one thing beyond dispute is that everything here is under dispute."
Elton John provided entertainment for the hotel's opening party via livestream from a different location, and the hotel's website says legendary DJ Fat Boy Slim will play a street party on March 13. Each night an automated piano plays an exclusive recital, currently featuring Massive Attack. Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers are said to be creating material for future hotel recitals.
The property will open for bookings on March 11 and is independently owned and operated by locals — so you won't be redeeming points here any time soon.
H/T: CNN
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.