I've always wondered what hotels do when guests refuse to check out. As I write this from a balcony overlooking the Jaffa skyline with the sea in the distance, I find myself curious.
Market House is a member of the Atlas Hotel chain, a group of affordable boutique hotels. The design is welcoming and eclectic. The lobby has a library, armchairs, a chessboard, and a white and black tiled floor. But the most interesting thing is what lies under the floor.
The hotel is built on Byzantine ruins, probably a church. Most of the floor is made of glass, and you can see the ruins directly below. The hotel now uses the ruins as a wine cellar.
The hotel is located just a stone's throw from Shuk Hapishpishim, in the heart of Jaffa's delightful Baragan. I came to the hotel to celebrate my favorite daughter's 30th birthday. How she can be 30 years old while I'm only 29 is a mind-boggling mystery.
We are both early risers, so as we took an early morning walk to the beach, we came across a merchant wearing a black kippah setting up shop at Shuk Hapishpishim.
“Is the economy good?” I asked, expecting a story about how the war in Gaza had made things difficult.
“Thank God,” he replied. “Everything, good or bad, comes from God. My father passed away two years ago and left this store to me. I feel his presence in the miracles that happen every day.”
There's a lot to absorb before your morning coffee.
Speaking of coffee, the hotel serves great coffee. I'm a bit of a coffee fan, and I often find hotel coffee to be too weak. Market House's coffee was strong and delicious.
Happy hour and socialize
All Atlas hotels offer happy hour with complimentary wine, beer, arrack, and snacks. In our case, it includes some delicious bread with dip, some chopped veggies, a jar of pretzels, and some nuts. Perfect for a day of sightseeing and brings a wonderful mood to your guests. It also encourages guests to strike up conversations with strangers, making solo travel feel somewhat less lonely.
The hotel does not serve dinner, but there are many restaurants nearby.
The room is small, but with a large and comfortable bed. There was a small table and chairs on the balcony, which was a nice treat. There is an espresso machine and a small fridge with complimentary water and soft drinks, which is a nice touch.
From the moment we checked in, the service was excellent. In honor of her daughter's birthday, she brought us a small box of chocolates with balloons at breakfast the next morning. It was a very nice consideration.
Breakfast was excellent, with a good selection of salads, cheeses, fresh bread, and even lox. There is also a menu that you can order, and I chose the green shakshuka with spinach and cream. They also have freshly squeezed juices and very good coffee.
The service was excellent. It wasn't an expensive hotel by any means, but I felt that the staff really cared about their guests and went out of their way to make them happy. You can also rent bicycles if you want to explore around Jaffa.
market house5 Beit Eshel, JaffaPhone number: (03) 797-4000The author was a guest at Market House.
