Rooms without a view: Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel now open

The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, so named because all its rooms have views only of the West Bank security barrier, is now open for business.

The brainchild of British street artist Banksy, the three-story, ten-room hotel is only a few feet from the barrier separating Israel’s occupied West Bank from supposedly hostile territory. Every window looks out on the graffiti-covered 16-foot-tall wall.

The hotel opened for public exploration two weeks ago; it just started accepting overnight guests on March 20.

Accommodations range from a barracks-style room for backpackers on a budget to a “presidential suite” which can sleep six in what one would presume would be presidential luxury.

The hotel also has a bar and restaurant, all decorated with Banksy’s artwork.

Hotel manager Wissam Salsa says 18 guests are expected for the first night.

(Reuters)