The Funland children's play area at the David Citadel Hotel integrates classic Jerusalem motifs into its design. Spanning 400 square meters, this exclusive kids' club is crafted with high-quality materials to ensure both durability and safety, offering a variety of play structures inspired by familiar city landmarks.
Designed to reflect the city’s iconic landscape, Funland features elements such as caves, market stalls, and windmills, creating unique and diverse play experiences for children. The cave area, inspired by Jerusalem's natural formations, allows kids to run, jump, and engage in various activities. Its façade, adorned with bas-reliefs, echoes Jerusalem's mountainous terrain. The market-themed play corner, reminiscent of the famous Mahane Yehuda market, includes fruit and vegetable displays on the playroom walls and wooden market carts for role-playing market transactions. Additionally, a hollow windmill sculpture, inspired by the city's historic windmills, provides a hiding spot for children. The central play area is filled with cozy lounging spots, diverse play zones, a TV for children's entertainment, and electronic play areas to enhance their enjoyment.
The play area was designed by Sarit Shani Hay, a multidisciplinary designer specializing in children's spaces. With degrees in art and philosophy of modern art, her studio is a pioneer in the field, operating for nearly three decades. Her design inspiration stems from viewing the world through a child's eyes and the experiences of daily life. At the David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem's architecture and the hotel's vision provided the basis for the design concept.
Originally developed about 15 years ago, the play area was a significant upgrade from its previous iteration. The hotel's owners sought Sarit to create a space for the diverse international clientele. The play area's success attracted tourists globally, received extensive international press coverage, and helped position the hotel as family-friendly. Due to its success, a whole floor was dedicated to the children's club, and the play area was further enhanced and diversified. Sarit Shani Hay receives feedback from families worldwide, and the play area has become a major attraction at the hotel. Two years ago, her studio won an international award in a prestigious lifestyle magazine for the David Citadel Hotel.
Beyond the hotel experience, many elements reflect Jerusalem’s essence. The lion, a symbol of the city, is a recurring motif throughout the play area’s design. Lions are featured in various forms, from niches to wooden benches. The Mahane Yehuda market theme is central, with a kitchen area designed in geometric architecture for market role-playing. Jerusalem-themed motifs are integrated into every detail, creating a sense of belonging and excitement for the children.
One challenge was addressing the mix of ages. The solution was to design a space divided yet interconnected through a keyhole-shaped passage, stimulating the imagination of both children and adults. For the rest of the family, there are athletic activities to expend energy, including a football field with a soft ball and table games for everyone. The play area is meticulously designed with attention to every detail, prioritizing the family experience to create an unforgettable visit.
The David Citadel Hotel, located in one of the city’s most coveted and central areas, lies at the intersection of modern and ancient Jerusalem, close to key cultural and tourist sites. It is adjacent to the upscale Mamilla Boulevard, a short walk from the Old City entrance, Jaffa Gate, and David’s Tower, as well as the bustling and rejuvenated Jaffa Street. The hotel features 385 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites, including large family-friendly superior rooms ideal for families. Amenities include a large, year-round heated outdoor pool, a shallow children’s pool, and the exclusive Funland kids' club. The David Citadel Hotel is a design masterpiece within a grand architectural vision, bridging the old and new city. Positioned perfectly with views of the city walls, the hotel is built from Jerusalem stone, speaking the language of the sacred, engaging with time and place. The hotel’s spa is now part of the prestigious AKASHA network, with locations in London, Amsterdam, and Paris. The hotel also offers four restaurants, including the Veranda restaurant by chef Kfir Misnikov, located on the hotel’s terrace with a breathtaking view of the Old City walls, offering a unique blend of stunning location and high-end grill cuisine.