Ahh hotels. They’re often the largest expense a trip will carry, but like anything else in life, there’s moments you should go big, or go home. Walking from dusk until dawn in an urban city may have you thinking, “Me want bed;” whereas, a hotel in a stunning location can be your ticket to an experience that will burn in your memory for a lifetime. Knowing when to drop that extra cash for that elevated experience, or not, is crucial. The below are my reviews to help you make that intelligent decision.
Ratings are based on location, from best to worst:
5) Ya only live once
4) Serious
3) Not too shabby
2) I’ve had better
1) What are ya, kidding me?
DEAD SEA (SWEIMEH)
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa
(Rating: Ya only live once)
Having stayed here earlier last year, I returned to find my Hilton experience even better than before. Let’s start with the views of the Dead Sea from the lobby and restaurants; they're absolutely brilliant and will simply never get old to view. Rooms are designed in contemporary decor, with lovely beds and the best rain shower head in the region. Speaking of rooms, I can recommend the King Deluxe Room with a Sea View for any single, couple or small family. The key here is the sea view. Most hotels don't offer a proper sea and sunset view from the room, and it’s simply worth the upgrade. Other benefits of the Hilton include elevator access to the beach, a sandy beach with alcoholic drinks delivered to your lounge chair (believe the only hotel to offer both options) and the best mud station you can find. The mud stations are in front of sizable mirrors, were you can Michelangelo yourself to greatness. For mud removal, there are mirrors and a water hose which are helpful to access those hard to reach areas of the body. The only chink in Hilton’s armor is the sea floor at the beach. Alternative beaches offer tremendous water clarity; however, as the sea floor of the Hilton is mostly made of mud, water visibility suffers. This Hilton remains as one of the top choices for any Dead Sea stay.
(Updated: Nov 2018)
(Reviewed: Mar 2018)
This new kid on the block is a modern behemoth, with an expansive view of the sea directly from the lobby. Entering the Dead Sea market in 2017, it arrived with guns blazing. Want an elevator to the Dead Sea? How about one of the widest beaches of sand (a rarity)? The Hilton delivers and to assist in the struggles of beach life, drinks can even be delivered to and if more comfort is required, head over to the beachside (mud) masseuse. The upper portion is far from slacking, with both a nice pool bar and an excellent gym. Rooms are decked out in contemporary style and sport a fantastic rain shower head. I felt as if the resort catered to a younger crowd; however, loads of families were in attendance and there’s even a dedicated child facility. The Hilton is indeed a great addition to the Dead Sea resort family.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
(Rating: Serious)
This Mövenpick brings many unique features. Let's start from the beginning, where on your arrival, a valet driver off-loads your bags and parks your car with no hesitation. Shortly after check-in, you’re whisked away to your room via golf cart, perhaps the single best way to arrive to your room. During your ride, you'll catch glimpses of how expansive this hotel terrain actually is, and more importantly, its lushness. I was upgraded to a Superior room which came with a sofa, loads of space and will satisfy any singles, couples and small families. However, I did notice the room appeared to be a bit dated, in particular there was paint on the wall that was bubbling, presumingly moisture was the culprit. Leaving your room is a different story though, as you feel as if you’ve step into a traditional village; it's fantastic. The upper portion of the hotel is filled with spectacular gardens, all impeccably and beautifully laid out. It’s actually impressive to see how much greenery can impact your experience. Along with the shrubbery, there are fountains and pools located throughout, with some hosting koi fish and others sporting a flock of ducks. The swimming pools are fantastic as well and once again, unique. One resembles a beach with its own sand, while another is heated which is fantastic for when the weather is cooler. The beach area is ok, sporting crystal clear water; however, I found it lacking in conveniences when comparing to other hotels in the area. For food, there is the Grill Restaurant that served the most out of control Australian Prime Beef steak, absolutely amazing. After dinner, you can walk over to the open-air valley café, where you can relax, smoke shisha and watch some belly dancers. Overall, a great choice for your Dead Sea stay.
(Reviewed: Mar 2018)
Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa
(Rating: Serious)
The tried and true. Built in 2003 and first visited in 2008, I was excited to return to this beautiful hotel. Passing the entrance, you are engulfed in a unique lush landscape that ripples down to the Dead Sea. Quickly upon check-in, I was offered a complimentary juice (of which its competitor did not), but the kicker was how a member of staff (Ahmed Nawaji) started to converse with me and even offered a cappuccino from the café, pretty fantastic. I’d come to find out that the human touch is what sets this place apart. Everyone was extremely nice and helpful, with a genuine feeling that they enjoyed working there. You’ll find three levels of pools, each catering to a different clientele. The initial pools are certainly more family oriented with an excellent entertainment setup for kids, whereas the final pool is more for older folks, with a DJ to teleport you during the sun bathing effort. The beachfront is smaller then its neighbors; however, the upside is it offers a greater possibility to meet people and cohesively enjoy both the "I shouldn't be enjoying this but I am" sensation of mud application, and the amazing feeling of floating in space, while in the Dead Sea. Keep doing what you’re doing Marriott, you’re just as lovely as I last left you.
(Reviewed: Mar 2018)
PETRA (WADI MUSA)
Mövenpick Resort Petra
(Rating: Ya only live once)
Located on the final street corner and less than 250 m (820 ft) from the entrance of Petra, lies the Mövenpick, the finest accommodation in town. As expected, this takes everything to another level. As you walk in, you're confronted with this beautiful indoor courtyard, used for socialization or eating. Throughout the ground level, you will note the interior design is quite impressive and gorgeous. Anticipating the power walking marathon of Petra, you'll want to fuel up at the breakfast buffet, and fortunately, it's brilliantly delicious. If you're around for lunch, you can take it within the courtyard, where I still have memories of their lemon mint juice, it's just that out of control. For dinner, several options are available, including a rooftop venue (unfortunately closed at the time due to the cold) and a fine dining option is available at the ground level, that appeared exquisite. The rooms and toilets were clean, comfortable, extremely spacious and just classy. Finally, the staff were nice, funny and quick to offer any assistance. If you want one of the closest stays to the entrance of Petra, and the finest choice while visiting, this is your baby.
(Reviewed: Apr 2018)
Petra Moon Hotel
(Rating: Serious)
Located 350 m (0.2 mi) from the entrance of Petra, the Petra Moon Hotel is one of the nearest and best economical choices to stay in while experiencing Petra. Exploring the historical sites involves a serious day of walking, with distances covering up to 11kms or more, thus making a stay near the entrance a bonus. Rooms are clean and sizeable, with a free breakfast at your disposal. Rooftop dining options are also available, with nice restaurant choices simply a short walk away. The staff are professional, courteous and helpful, and even on the last night, there was a slight error with my reservation, and I was instantly upgraded to a sister property, the Old Village Hotel & Resort. While further away, 3 kms (1.9 mi), this beautiful resort (former village) has an exceptional evening buffet (with a brilliant Umm Ali), killer views and a seriously spacious room. The Petra Moon Hotel is an excellent budget option to be based out of during your Petra marathon.
(Reviewed: Mar 2018)
JERASH
Airbnb: Haven of Tranquility (Ruth)
(Rating: Serious)
As my first Airbnb experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After speaking to Ruth, I met her husband Nasser, who co-owns the family run Old Roman restaurant, located across the entrance from the Jerash ruins. Almost immediately, I knew this experience was going to be special. Nasser was an extremely kind and attentive individual, quick to recommend key sites near Jerash, such as the spectacular Al Joun castle and the beautiful views of Umm Qais. In addition, the restaurant served as an exceptional hub when exploring the Jerash ruins. The house is located a few minutes away, with a large, clean and well-organized room, with a complimentary water bottle. Toilet and (warm) showers were equally impressive. But what I remember the most is the attention they provided. Breakfast was free at the restaurant, and lunch / dinner options were also available. I was guided to and from their home, until I knew my way around. Frankly, I felt like their adopted son for two nights. If you’re interested in exploring Jerash and wish to spend the night (heavily recommended to beat the crowds), this is the best and most economical option. Thank you Nasser and Ruth for being my adoptive Jerash parents and wish you well in your Airbnb future. You two have sent the benchmark exceptional high.
(Reviewed: Apr 2018)
AMMAN
Airbnb: Private Apartment in Great Quiet Location (Riad)
(Rating: Serious)
When considering accommodation options in Amman, I was confronted with impressive luxurious choices or economical ones, which appeared just ok. I returned to Airbnb, after the overwhelming success in Jerash. I found an option where a room wasn’t offered but instead, an entire clean apartment filled with a kitchen, hot shower and even a washer. If that wasn’t enough, the apt rental was roughly half the cost from the economical rooms available. Located in a quiet area within Amman and bordering a neighbor with a stellar Rolls-Royce, this was an exceptional place to stay and would not hesitate in returning.
(Reviewed: Apr 2018)
MADABA
Mosaic City Hotel
(Rating: Serious)
Value for money. This hotel epitomizes the phrase. The single (standard) room has plenty of space for any single traveler or party of two. Rooms are clean and even accessed with a modern RFID keycard. The lobby leads you to a surprisingly sized and well appointed bar, stocked with a pool table, and the dining area serves early morning breakfast for free. Driving a rental? No worries, there's a dedicated parking area off the main street. For the money, this is one of the best hotels I've experienced while visiting Jordan and serves as a great base for any Madaba excursions, outing to Wadi Mujib and visit to the Baptismal site. If that wasn't enough, it's closer to the Queen Alia Airport than central Amman. You simply can't go wrong with this exceptional family run hotel, and at a fraction of the cost of leading hoteliers within the Dead Sea and Amman, it's simply the cherry on the cake we'd all like to have.
(Updated: Nov 2018)
(Reviewed: Apr 2018)
If you’re looking for hotel options in Madaba or are considering using the city as a base for exploration of the Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib, then the Mosaic City Hotel is your answer. Less then a third of the cost of the Dead Sea resorts, this beautiful family run hotel is clean, safe and well appointed, and for its size, has a wonderful dining area (free breakfast) and even an impressive bar. The staff are courteous and helpful, and key restaurant choices are only a brisk walk away. Oh, and there’s even a parking lot on the side, to house your rental. An unexpected surprise, this hotel is a great choice for any Mt Nebo, Mosaics or even Dead Sea adventures.