Jaffa is old. Like, really old. You can feel the weight of several millennia pressing down on the limestone alleys as you walk toward the corner of Yefet Street. It’s here, tucked away in a 19th-century building that used to be a convent and an asylum, that Soho House Tel Aviv decided to plant its flag. If you’ve spent any time in the creative world, you know the drill with these clubs. It’s usually a mix of expensive mid-century furniture, people on MacBooks looking busy, and a strict no-photo policy that everyone secretly hates but respects because they want to stay cool.
But the Tel Aviv outpost hits different. Honestly.
Most people assume it’s just another playground for the tech-rich crowd from Rothschild Boulevard. While there’s definitely a bit of that, the house manages to capture that weird, gritty, beautiful friction that makes Tel Aviv one of the most addictive cities on the planet. It’s not just a hotel. It’s not just a bar. It’s this weirdly curated ecosystem where the air smells like high-end Santal incense and salt from the Mediterranean, which is just a five-minute walk away.
The Architecture of an 1883 Convents-Turned-Club
Walking into the building is a trip. You aren't entering a polished corporate lobby. You’re entering a history lesson that’s been stripped back and dressed in velvet. The designers kept the original bones of the St. Joseph Convent. Think soaring ceilings, arched windows, and that specific type of weathered stone that radiates cool air even when the Israeli sun is trying to melt the pavement outside.
It's massive.
The House features 24 bedrooms, which, for a Soho House, is a decent size. Each room feels like it belongs in a very wealthy friend’s guest house—the kind of friend who collects rare ceramics and actually knows how to style a bookshelf. You’ve got the signature "House" beds (which are dangerously comfortable), but they’re grounded by local textures. They didn't just copy-paste the London aesthetic. They used local tiles, Israeli art, and colors that reflect the Jaffa landscape.
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The courtyard is the heart of the whole operation. It’s centered around a pool that looks like it was plucked out of a Slim Aarons photograph, surrounded by 300-year-old olive trees. Sitting there with a Picante de la Casa—their signature spicy tequila drink—is probably the most "Tel Aviv" experience you can have without actually being born in the neighborhood.
Who actually gets in?
Let's talk about the membership because that’s where the drama usually lies. Soho House Tel Aviv isn't looking for the person with the biggest bank account. They’ve made that clear since Nick Jones started the brand in 1995. They want "creative souls."
In Tel Aviv, that definition is broad. You’ll see fashion designers from the nearby Noga district, screenwriters working on the next Fauda-style hit, and a lot of people in the blooming Israeli tech-art crossover scene. The committee is notoriously picky. If you show up in a suit and start talking about your Series B funding, you might get a polite rejection. They want the vibe to stay loose.
There’s also the "Under 27" membership, which keeps the energy from getting too "old money." It’s a smart move. It ensures that on a Tuesday night, the bar is actually full of people who are doing interesting things, not just people who can afford the membership fee.
The Food: Is it just overpriced hummus?
You’d think a global club would play it safe with the menu. They don’t. While you can get your standard club burger or avocado toast, the kitchen leans heavily into Levantine flavors. We're talking fresh seafood caught in the Jaffa port, heavy pours of local olive oil, and herbs that actually taste like they grew in the sun.
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The restaurant, situated in that stunning arched dining room, serves food that rivals some of the top-tier spots in the city like HaBasta or North Abraxas.
It’s worth noting that the service style is very... Israeli. It’s friendly, a bit informal, and maybe a little slower than what you’d find in the New York or London houses. But that’s the charm. You’re in the Middle East. Relax. Have another pita. The staff knows everyone by name, and there’s a genuine sense of community that’s hard to manufacture.
Why Jaffa matters for the location
Location is everything. If the House had opened in the heart of the "White City" (the Bauhaus center of Tel Aviv), it would have felt like just another luxury hotel. By choosing Jaffa, they tapped into the soul of the region. Jaffa is the ancient port city that Tel Aviv eventually grew out of. It’s a mix of Jewish and Arab cultures, flea markets, high-end galleries, and some of the best bakery smells in the world (looking at you, Abulafia).
Staying at Soho House Tel Aviv gives you a base camp in the most interesting part of the city. You can spend your morning scouring the Shuk HaPishpishim (Flea Market) for vintage brass lamps and your afternoon lounging by the House pool. It’s that contrast—the ancient vs. the hyper-modern—that makes this specific location one of the most successful in the Soho House portfolio.
The Art Collection: A Love Letter to Israel
One thing people often overlook is the art. Every House has a massive art collection, and the Tel Aviv one is particularly impressive. They’ve curated a selection of works by local artists that reflect the complexities of living in Israel. It’s not just decorative; it’s provocative.
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Walking through the corridors is like visiting a private museum. You’ll see photography, painting, and mixed media that challenge the "bubble" mentality of Tel Aviv. It gives the space an intellectual weight that offsets the glitz of the poolside cabanas.
Real talk: The drawbacks
It's not all sunshine and spicy margaritas. There are some things you should know before you try to book a room or apply for a membership:
- The Price Tag: It’s expensive. Even for Tel Aviv, which is already one of the most expensive cities in the world. A night here or a full dinner will dent your wallet.
- The "Scene": If you hate the feeling of being "watched" or "judged" by a trendy crowd, you might find the atmosphere a bit stifling. It’s a place to see and be seen.
- The No-Photo Policy: They are serious about this. If you’re a "post every meal to Instagram" kind of person, you’re going to struggle. They want to protect the privacy of members, which is great, but it can feel restrictive to some.
- Availability: Getting a room can be a nightmare during peak season (spring and fall). You often need to book months in advance.
Making the most of your visit
If you manage to get through the doors, don't just sit in the corner. The House hosts incredible events. From rooftop DJ sets to talks by local filmmakers and intimate workshops, the programming is where the real value lies.
Don't skip the gym, either. It’s not your typical windowless hotel basement. It’s a fully equipped space that actually makes you want to work out. And the outdoor spaces? Use them. Even if you aren't staying there, try to snag a guest pass from a member friend for a sunset drink on the terrace. The way the light hits the Jaffa stones as the sun goes down over the sea is something you won't forget.
Actionable Steps for the Soho House Hopeful
If you’re looking to experience Soho House Tel Aviv, here is how you actually make it happen:
- For Non-Members: The easiest way in is to book a bedroom. You don't have to be a member to stay in the hotel portion, and staying there gives you full access to the club facilities during your stay. This is the "cheat code" to seeing if the membership is actually for you.
- The Application: If you’re applying for membership, skip the corporate resume. Highlight your creative side. Do you paint? Do you write a niche newsletter? Do you run a non-profit for the arts? That’s what the committee cares about.
- The Neighborhood: When you leave the House, turn left and walk toward the Flea Market. Grab a coffee at Cafelix and just wander. The magic of Jaffa is in the side streets, not just the main tourist drags.
- The Timing: Aim for a visit in May or October. The weather is perfection—warm enough for the pool but not the "wet heat" that hits Tel Aviv in August.
Soho House Tel Aviv managed to do something difficult: they took a global brand and made it feel intensely local. It’s a sanctuary in a city that never stops moving, a piece of history repurposed for the modern creative. Whether you love the "private club" vibe or find it a bit much, there's no denying that they've created one of the most beautiful spaces in the Middle East. It’s a testament to the fact that when you respect the history of a building, the result is something that feels timeless rather than trendy.