The Drisco Hotel

Historically known as the Jerusalem Hotel, this exquisite building is located within the American Colony of Tel Aviv bordering on Jaffa. The hotel was built at the end of the 19th century by the Drisco brothers, American settlers who recognized the touristic potential in the Holy Land just waiting to be recognized. Jaffa in particular, caught their eye being the closest port city to Jerusalem and the main route taken by tourists, new immigrants and religious pilgrims in those days. This hotel was called “Le Grand Hotel”. In 1870, along with the transition of becoming a German Colony, the hotel was purchased by a Templer and the establishment name was changed to “The Jerusalem Hotel”. Under the management of Ernest Hardegg the hotel became a prestigious hotel for the rich and famous.
Years later the hotel was converted to the headquarters of the British mandate government. When the State of Israel was established, the building was used as a temporary home for Jewish refugees.