Jordanian Tourism Website

The standard of hotels in Jordan is very high, and often reasonably priced. As a result of the problems in the region top hotels have been forced to lower their prices often and often one can find very good rates. This section provides a number of recommendations by location. It is advisable that one books in advance.

The accommodation section in this sight is not specifically for those on low-budget/backpacking style visits. However, there is information on the internet for these. My advice, because of the large number of these type of hotels would be not to book in advance as there is bound to be availability and it gives you more flexibility. One should look to pay slightly less than you would in Europe.

Amman

At the top end of the scale are the Grand Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson SAS, Sheraton, Le Meridien and Inter-Continental hotels. All offer 5* accommodation and all the trimmings one would expect. These cost under GBP 100 per a night, which compared to European standards is very cheap.

Slightly down the scale is the Marmara. It is a small and quiet hotel, which gives it a more friendly feel. The food is good, as is the service. Rooms are under GBP 50 per night.  Other options are the Amra Forum and Grand Palace Hotel. I would advise against staying in a hotel downtown unless it is unavoidable. Downtown would be potentially more rowdy than these options and although unlikely to be much trouble in reality, it is sensible to be based outside the centre. However, it is very easy to get a taxi into downtown to see the sights there. It is best to go during the daytime.

Any travel to places like Madaba, Mount Nebo, Jerash and even the Dead Sea can be done from Amman easily. There are good hotels at the Dead Sea also if you wish to stay a few days.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has four hotels, which sell themselves as Spa centres as well. As with all hotels in Jordan, one pays around GBP 100 per a night in the top hotels and around GBP 50 in the smaller hotels. The Mövenpick, Marriott and Dead Sea Spa are all at the higher end of the scale. The Dead Sea Guest house is a more basic establishment and is popular with the Jordanians.

Petra

The town of Petra does not lack accommodation and caters for the top end to the backpacker hotels. The Marriott, Mövenpick, Grand View and Petra Forum are all well located for entrance to the sight. They offer a bit of luxury after a hard day exploring the ruins of Petra. My particular favorite is the Taybet Zaman resort. This hotel is set in old village and serves local cuisine and has  craft stalls which all contribute to the local community. It is however a bit of a distance from the sight and is slightly more expensive. However there is transport provided and one knows that it supports the local population.

At the lower end the Petra Palace and Petra Inn provide good accommodation at cheaper prices. Although the food is not the best , there are restaurants in the town that can be easily found.

Wadi Dana Nature Reserve

There are two accommodation options for staying at Wadi Dana. This is certainly a place one should visit if you have more time. The first is the Wadi Dana campsight, which is right in the nature reserve. Although perhaps not the most comfortable, it is a really worthwhile experience. The other option is the Dana Guest House. This is in a stunning location overlooking the reserve on the edges of an old village which hangs over the cliffs. There are only seven rooms in the Guest House and it is rarely busy. Like Taybet Zaman in Petra, it also has a craft centre, in which items are made and sold by the local community. These schemes are part of the Jordanian eco-tourism effort. As a result one may pay slightly more for than usual but it is a worthwhile cause and the experience is amasing.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum village has two options for accommodation, from which you can explore the desert with the beduin. First the rather primitive guest house and secondly the guesthouses campsight. Both of these are very cheap and allow you to explore the famous Wadi Rum desert. The other option is to actually camp in the desert with the beduin. This is often overpriced, however sleeping under the stars with these nomadic people is an experience one doesn't quickly forget. If you do take this option ensure you have an experienced and trust worthy guide and agree a price before entering the desert.

Aqaba

Aqaba is a city which has been taken over by the tourism business . Therefore it is very easy to find a huge range of hotels and restaurants. The top-end of the scale has the usual Mövenpick and Radisson SAS as well as some others good hotels. Both have nice beaches and swimming pools. Slightly down the scale is the Aqaba Gulf and the Aquamarina hotels. However, one to keep in mind is the Alcazar. It is perhaps not the pinnacle of the hotel industry but certainly has character and boasts arguably the best dive centre in Aqaba. It also has a brilliant beach centre, which can be snorkled from easily.