Beit Elfarasha is far more than just a hotel. “We believe that by bringing people together, and encouraging small, intimate interactions, we can drive a much broader change and encourage friendships and respect between the local residents of the Old City and our guests,” owner Nura Kurdi writes on the website. Towards that goal, she built a state-of-the-art kitchen for workshops led by local cooks; and regularly sponsors cultural programs in the inn’s large living room. These are open to all comers, though staying in this evocative, newly-renovated Ottoman building (opened in December of 2020), is a special experience. The 200-year-old house (with a few elements dating back to the Crusader era), is situated in a picturesque alley in the heart of the Old City of Akko, overlooking the sea. Guest suites are prettily colorful and all have sleeapable sofas as well as beds, plus such niceties as TV’s that can stream Netflix,  beamed ceilings, fine bath products, and access to the  handsome rooftop terrace.