Unique Jordan Hotels – A Jordan Trip Guide
Jordan, a captivating country nestled in the heart of the Middle East, is a land where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in a rich tapestry of experiences. From the world-renowned archaeological site of Petra to the serene beauty of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every type of traveler. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of traveling in Jordan, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.
Best Time to Visit: Jordan enjoys a variety of climates depending on the region. The best time to visit is typically from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer months can be extremely hot, especially in desert areas, while winter temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in northern regions.
Visa Requirements: Most travelers will need a visa to enter Jordan. However, many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate. The Jordan Pass, which includes visa fees and entrance fees to many attractions, can be a cost-effective option for tourists planning to explore multiple sites.
It took us decades to decide to make the dream of Jordan travel come to reality. From the capital city of Amman, one of the oldest cities in the world, to the Mars like desert of Wadi Rum, the places to visit in Jordan are incredibly diverse. Just as varied are the choice of Jordan hotels. From Wadi Rum luxury night camps to Bedouin tents, from the spa resorts of Aqaba to sparsely furnished chalets on the Dead Sea.
Finding the best places to stay in Jordan is becoming more challenging as Jordan tourism is experiencing large growth. The high seasons (March to May) and (September to October) we recommend to book any hotels in Jordan well in advance. Aqaba hotels, with its higher temperatures in the south of the country, will be heavily booked throughout the winter months.
Where to stay in Amman?
While the five star Four Seasons Amman and Grand Hyatt occupy a modern area of the capital city, the Art Hotel nestles in the heart of bustling downtown Amman. Small shops and restaurants line the streets as call to prayer echoes above all.
The rooms, each with an art theme, are clean and sparsely furnished. Arriving late at night, and wondering where in the world we were being dropped off to, the staff went above and beyond to get us settled and feel welcomed.
Of all hotels in Amman this may be the best located for those wishing to walk Jordan tourist attractions. The Roman amphitheater is approximately a 10 minute stroll as well as the Citadel being near by. There are no shortage of things to do in Amman, and in this case plenty from the front door of this hotel.
Which Madaba hotel to choose?
Madaba may be well known as one of the most famous places in the Holy Land, the city of Mosaics. Visitors have likely come to visit the contemporary Greek Orthodox Church of St George. Housing a two million piece, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites it is a much sought after destination for those who visit Jordan.
A five minute walk from the the Mosaic City Hotel, finds you in front of the oldest map of the Holy Land. Scale of importance rather than distance. Jerusalem is the largest and most detailed as is the most important city for Christianity, Judaism, Muslims
Map in Latin and Greek
Madaba is considered a Christian city, so liquor stores are a more common sight than in other locations in Jordan. A full liquor menu is available at dinner. As elsewhere in Jordan, the prices are shocking by North American standards.
Ma’in Hot Springs Resort and Spa
74 miles south of Amman and 264 metres (866 feet) below sea level, an oasis of Jordan hot springs greets dusty visitors. In our case sweaty cyclists, as we arrive at the mineral waterfalls and hots springs, in the same location where it is said Herod the Great once bathed.
As water ranging from 43 C (109 F) to 65 C (149 F) pours off the surrounding hillsides. the Ma’in Hot Springs Resort and Spa collects and cools the element rich water in assorted pools. Although I am not typically one to laze about in hot pools, after several days of cycling, I almost had to be dragged away from the soothing soak.
From the pool area various birds hover and swirl above the waterfall as if putting on a show for those on a Jordan holidays. Of all the things to do in Jordan, this oasis experience may be one of the most unique and peaceful.
Dead Sea Mujib Chalets
Bordering the Dead Sea, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest nature reserve in the world. At 420 meters (1378 feet) below sea level, Wadi Mujib, with its rivers and canyons and extraordinary hiking, is recognized internationally as a staging ground for migratory birds.
A short walk from the Reserve’s adventure center, the Mujib Chalets offer stunning views of the Dead Sea. Each of the fifteen simple cabins has air conditioning, a covered terrace, hammock and private shower and toilet.
We did not stay overnight here but used one of the chalets for changing and showering while taking a swim in the Dead Sea. My one caution would be to bring sandals or water shoes as the path into the sea is a rocky one.
Dana Biosphere Reserve – Dana Jordan
Throwing open the curtains covering the patio windows I let out a wee gasp. Should one be prone to vertigo, a room at Dana Guesthouse Jordan may induce dizziness. Clinging to the edge of the cliffs of Wadi Dana, the 24 room guesthouse is a part of Dana village, an area occupied since 4,000 BC.
Covering 320 square kilometers ( 198 miles), the Dana Biosphere Reserve is the largest in Jordan. Considered a melting pot of plant and animal life from Europe, Asia and Africa, the species in Dana Jordan are considered quite rare. Thus far 700 plant species, 190 bird species, 37 mammal species and 36 reptile species have been documented in the area.
Our time in Dana was spent as a stopover on our cycling journey, however this Jordan hotel would make an excellent base for days of hiking and exploring.
Where to stay in Petra Jordan?
To visit Petra has been on my dream list for decades. The thing I had never considered is that travel to Petra means exploring 60 square kilometers (37 miles). Wandering along river beds, up mountains and through canyons, the giant sized ruins lure even the exhausted onward.
There is no shortage of Petra hotels to choose from as this is one of the most visited sites in all of the Middle East. The Petra Moon Hotel is thankfully within crawling distance of the entrance gate, 150 meters (492 feet). Location in this case of complete fatigue, is everything.
The air conditioned rooms are soundproofed, which at this popular Petra accommodation is welcome from the busy buffet dining room. The roof terrace of this hotel in Jordan is a perfect spot for moonlight cocktails as you gaze toward the gates of Petra.
Wadi Rum Jordan – Sun City Camp
Are we on Mars? No, however Wadi Rum feels like being on another planet. Apparently Hollywood thinks so too. Twelve movies have been filmed here including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and Star Wars Rogue One. The red sand goes on endlessly until it runs into rock formations molded by the forces of nature.
Our Martian style glamping tents at Sun City Camp are an oasis complete with air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, kind size bed and curtains pulling back to back to reveal an incredible Wadi Rum night sky. This Wadi Rum accommodation provides choices of traditional Bedouin tents, family suites and our pick the Martian domes. Of all of the Jordan hotels, this one we declare the most unique.
There is no Wadi Rum hotel and most visitors prefer to stay in a Wadi Rum luxury camp or are more traditional Bedouin camp. Gazing at the landscape, taking a camel ride at dawn or a sunset jeep ride are options from the Sun City Camp.
Movenpick Aqaba – On Jordan’s Red Sea
Bordering Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Jordan’s only coastal city of Aqaba lies at the tip of the Red Sea. The Movenpick Tala Bay Aqaba, with its private Red Sea beach is a stunner to be sure. With eight restaurants, four swimming pools and endless gardens it is a jaw dropping five-star luxury resort.
Perhaps since it was the end of our Jordan trip, a feeling of melancholy overtook me in Tala Bay. One could find little to complain about in this pristine, palm lined resort. Yet I longed for the dusty red sand, the traditional clothing and a language I could not understand rather than the fluent English every staff member conversed in.
If one is choosing from Tala Bay Aqaba hotels certainly Movenpick has everything you could dream of. It just happens to resemble similar resorts in the Caribbean. You might not even realize you are in Jordan.
Jordan, a captivating country nestled in the heart of the Middle East, is a land where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in a rich tapestry of experiences. From the world-renowned archaeological site of Petra to the serene beauty of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers a diverse range of attractions that cater…
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