From ancient city ruins to spectacular desert vistas, the sights of Jordan will blow you away Visits to historical sites provide glimpses of the majestic art and architectural masterpieces of great ancient civilizations. Unique natural land formations awe those who visit them. Major cities reveal yet another face of Jordan, as a modern country infused with the vivacity of traditional culture. Many of these attractions are still relatively undiscovered though, making it financially possible to cover the range of experiences available.
Flights
Many airlines provide service to Jordan’s international airport in Amman, Queen Alia International Airport. Rates are similar throughout the year, generally ranging from around $730 in the winter to around $860 in the fall and spring (with summer falling somewhere in the middle). Once in the country transportation is somewhat variable. Taxis don’t have meters, so fares are negotiated between the passenger and driver. Payment is expected in Jordanian dinars. One dinar, composed of 100 piasters and 1000 fils, is roughly equal to 1.4 American dollars in a fixed exchange rate. Money can be changed at major banks, exchange booths, and most hotels.
Accommodations
Accommodations in Jordan are fairly affordable as well. In Amman, the Grand Hyatt offers rooms for an average rate of $169. It is comfortable, clean, family-friendly, and the staff is very attentive and personable. The amenities are impressive as well, with beautiful swimming pools, delicious food, and internet access in every room.
In Aqaba, Moevenpick Resort is widely acknowledged to be of the highest quality. An average rate of $200 a night provides spacious rooms with gorgeous views of the city, mountains, and the Red Sea. Both the pools and the beach, from which a variety of water sports can be enjoyed, are beautiful but not overwhelmingly crowded. Several different restaurants cater to a variety of tastes. The location is ideal as well, just a short distance from historical ruins, the oldest church in the world, and several shopping centers. The architecture of the building itself is elegant and traditionally Jordanian, reflecting the setting well. While Moevenpick is a great option for business, they take great care to provide services for families as well. While the Golden Tulip may not have quite the majesty the Moevenpick commands, it is a nevertheless luxurious and much less expensive option in Aqaba, costing an average of $80 a night. The staff is attentive, friendly, and able to accommodate both business travelers and families well. The clean, comfortable rooms all have a vine-hung atrium in the entrance and a balcony with a gorgeous view of the bay. Within the hotel there is an excellent spa, pool, and fitness center, and with restaurants, shops, dive centers, and the beach all nearby, virtually any activity is at the guests’ fingertips.
In the Dead Sea area, the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa is an excellent choice. The treatments are renowned throughout the country and the views of the Dead Sea are unparalleled, especially at sunrise and sunset. Not only can you treat your body to the luxuries of the spa but great food as well, appealing to a variety of tastes and included in the room price of an average of $120. Leisure activities are widely appealing too with a grand pool complex (three outdoor and two indoor, one of which is filled with water from the Dead Sea), tennis courts, movie theaters, and a lively nightlife. The hotel also provides not only direct access to the Dead Sea but inviting beachfront terraces and free cosmetic mud in the beach area too.
If the sights of Madaba are your destination, the Mariam Hotel offers cozy, friendly, inexpensive accommodations for just $30 a night. Its most valuable feature is its proximity to many major sights in the area and the wealth of information about them that the friendly staff readily provides. In Petra, the Crowne Plaza Resort offers comfortable accommodations for just $60 a night. The city attractions are easily accessible from and the food and service are excellent.
