4. The
Tourist Facilities in Jordan
4.1. Transportation
a) Flight Connections
There are two international airports in Jordan: Amman and Aqaba. Amman's Queen
Alia International Airport is located 32 km south of Amman and is served by
taxi and bus transport. Another small airport is at Marqa, one of the old
areas of Amman. The national carrier, Royal Jordanian Airways, supplies direct
passenger and freight service and links Amman with most capitals throughout
Europe, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East.
Other airlines serving Jordan from Europe for example are: Air France, KLM,
Austrian Airways, Lufthansa, Egypt Air, Alitalia, Tarom, CSA, Turkish Airlines
and charter flights.
Early in 1996 a private Jordanian airline, "Arab Wings", started
operating between Amman and Aqaba several times a day. The price for a one-way
ticket is 25 JD for Jordanians and 30 JD for tourists. There are daily connections
with Arab Wings between Amman and Tel Aviv ($ 77 one-way and $ 144 return).
Arab Wings departs from the airport in Marqa.
The latest project of Arab Wings is a helicopter charter service. Their fleet
increased by 2 helicopters that offer 20 seats for passengers.
b) Tourist Buses
For many years JETT (Jordan Express Travel & Tourism) Bus Company had
had the monopoly for tourist transport in Jordan. However a few years ago
two new bus companies, "Alpha bus" and "Petra Bus", were
established. These new companies offer new luxurious buses and forced JETT
Company to improve its service.
Unfortunately these new companies had some difficulties in competing with
JETT Company. In the beginning of 1998 the 3 bus companies were reunited under
the management of JETT Company. A new kind of monopoly started and the rates
drastically increased.
c) Bus, Train and Ferry
Connections
JETT Company offers regular bus connections to Damascus, Cairo, Iraq, Aqaba,
Petra, Zarqa Ma'in and to Allenby Bridge.
Taxis: Yellow taxis, with meters, are relatively inexpensive and a convenient
way to move around. White service taxis set routes with standard fares, stopping
on request.
Amman is connected with the neighbouring countries by following lines:
Amman-Damascus: Twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) by train and twice a day by JETT bus. Service taxis are serving this destination as well.
Amman-Allenby Bridge: Every day, with the exception when the bridge is closed, JETT bus is operating early in the morning. You can use service taxis as well.
Egypt (Nuweiba & Cairo):
There is a ferry boat and a speed boat operating between Aqaba and Nuweiba
. The departure of the ferry is at 12.00h and 18.00h and the speed boat leaves
at 12.00h; the tickets of the ferry cost $ 21 and the speed boat $ 28.
JETT Company is offering twice per week (Saturday/Tuesday) a trip from Amman
to Cairo.
Amman-Baghdad: There are several daily bus connections and service taxis between Amman and Baghdad.
Domestic connections: Unfortunately not all tourist sites in Jordan can be reached by public transportation. JETT bus only is operating four times a day between Amman and Aqaba, once a day from Amman to Petra and once a day to the hot springs in Zarqa Ma'in. The line between Aqaba and Petra has been cancelled. From Aqaba Petra can only be reached by taxi or service taxi, which is mainly only used by Jordanians. You can also rent a car or you can visit Petra with an organised tour.
e) Car Rental and Driving
in Jordan
Amman and the main towns and villages in Jordan are linked by good roads and
most of the tourist sites can also be reached by car. Roads are marked by
Arabic and English international road signs. Vehicles drive on the right.
A license valid in the holder´s country of origin is usually acceptable
if it has been held for at least one year.
Car rental in Jordan is rather expensive as taxes for imported cars are incredibly
high.
Those rented cars arranged by Ashtar Tours are fully insured. In case of an
accident, the customer shall inform the nearest police station within 24 hours
and shall obtain a police report of the accident. Personal Liability in case
of an accident will be 200 JD. Even if the accident was not your fault you
might be charged: the other person might not be insured and may have no financial
resources. Or in case you don´t obtain a police report.
Personal liability of 200 JD can be avoided if you book a special insurance.
4.2. Communication
Courier services are available
in Amman through Arames International, D.H.L. Worldwide Express, T.N.T. Express
Worldwide and Z.W.A. Aviation and International Trading.
Fax and e-mail facilities are available in all major hotels. Telegrams can
be sent from Amman post offices, and telexes from various telephone offices
in the city.
Postal services are available at the central post office in downtown Amman
and in branches throughout the city. Most four and five star hotels also offer
services. Hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and 7:00 AM to 5:00
PM in winter.
There is international direct dialling between Jordan and most of the major
countries in the world. In most of the hotels there are direct dial telephones
in each room. Amman and main towns in Jordan are connected by automatic dialling,
Jordan is linked by telstar to Europe and North/South America. For directory
assistance call 121 or 640444.
Since 1995 Jordan has implemented a network for mobile telephones however
just since 1997 European G.S.M. cards do work in the net.
The "Jordan Times", a Jordanian newspaper published in English,
and the international TV and radio station will inform visitors to Jordan
about the latest events. The news in TV and radio are broadcasted in English
and French. The major hotels offer satellite TV reception.
4.3. Sports
Jordan has extensive indoor
and outdoor sports and leisure facilities which can be used throughout the
year, such as go-carting, shooting, archery, bowling, basketball, volleyball,
squash, swimming-pools, tennis and even roller-skating. "Al Hussein Sport
City" is a modern and huge sports centre in Amman however for members
only. Tourists have good access to sports facilities offered by the hotels.
Aqaba offers a wide variety of water sports such as water-skiing, diving,
surfing, horseback riding and boat rental.
a) Aquatic Sports and
Diving
There are no public swimming-pools in Jordan, except of the indoor and outdoor
swimming-pools at "Al Hussein Sport City", however admission is
for members only. Therefore some hotels allow access to their swimming pools
by paying an entrance fee.
Public beaches you only can use at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba. You will find
relaxation in the mineral waters of the hot springs at Hemma and Zarqa Ma'in.
The public beach at the Dead Sea offers showers, dressing rooms, a children's
playground and a restaurant. Since July 1990 the hotel management of the new
spa hotel "Salt Land Village" has allowed access to their beach
by paying entrance fees.
The best area for swimming and aquatic sports is the beach of Aqaba. Almost
all classified tourist hotels in Aqaba have a private swimming pool however
only few hotels are beach hotels.
In the south of Aqaba, on the southern shore near the Royal Diving Centre,
you will find a public beach with showers.
Aqaba with its amazing fish and coral gardens, make the place a haven for
divers and underwater photographers. Common species are branch coral, fungia,
and montipora, and the rare archelia, a black, tree-like specimen found at
great depths and first discovered by His Late Majesty King Hussein himself.
Darting through the reef are clownfish, Picasso triggerfish, goby, sea anemone,
parrotfish, pipefish, and countless others. Two of the most intriguing are
the harmless, plankton-eating whale shark, the largest fish in the world,
and the willowy garden eel, almost invisible in the sea grass.
You will find fourteen fascinating diving grounds and the special attraction
is the old wreck which was especially sunk for divers some years ago.
Diving courses (C.M.A.S. and Padi) can be arranged at Aquamarina Hotel Club
where you can also rent all kinds of boats, surf boards, water skiing, as
well as diving and snorkelling equipment. Another diving club you will find
at the Alcazar Hotel (B.S.A.C. and Padi).
The best diving club in the Middle East is called "Royal Diving Centre"
(C.M.A.S., B.S.A.C. and Padi) and is located at the southern beach, where
you will find the best corral reefs for snorkelling and diving.
The hospital in Aqaba is well equipped in case of diving-accidents.
For those who prefer their marine life at arms´ length, Aqaba offers
many of glass-bottomed boats.
b) Horseback Riding and
Camel Trips
Horses can be rented in Amman, Aqaba and Petra. Riding clubs and the Jordan
army offer riding lessons. It is possible to see the Royal Stalls, but not
to rent horses there. Camels for Safaris can be hired in Petra and in Wadi
Rum.
We organise overnight camel safaris for small groups (individuals can ride,
too, but it is a little expensive) in Wadi Rum, in Petra or from Petra to
Wadi Rum. Camels for these safaris can be hired in Petra and Wadi Rum. Camel
trips are also offered from Mt. Nebo to the Dead Sea.
c) Ballooning
On the occasion of King Hussein's birthday in 1993 a ballooning competition
was held. Ever since that day balloon rides have been offered. At first only
in Wadi Rum, but later over Petra. Rides at the present are cancelled. There
used to be two rides a day: at sunrise and at sunset, and not in summer and
winter. There is space for eight people per ride. In 1995 the price for one
hour was 110 JD, 65 JD for twenty minutes. The balloon used was a "Lindstrand
240" hot air balloon. At present it is not known when the balloon rides
might start again.
d) Climbing and Hang-gliding
Jordan's countryside is beautiful and most suitable for trekking and climbing,
but these sports are not yet very common. Especially the mountains of Wadi
Rum are inviting for climbing and hang-gliding, but the equipment is not available
in Jordan and has to be taken by the visitor himself.
Climbing in Petra is not recommended, as the historical sites and tombs are
in danger of being damaged.
e) Golfing
Jordan´s golf course is located on the airport highway, behind the National
Park. The 9 hole "brown" course offers caddie services, equipment
rentals and training by professionals.
4.4. Culture and Entertainment
Jordanians are convinced that there is not much entertainment in this country however visitors to Jordan will never feel bored. There are a lot of historical sites, museums and galleries ... more than you ever can visit during your holidays in Jordan.
a) Museums and Galleries
As a country with such an old history Jordan possesses several interesting
museums, most of them in Amman. The Jordan Archaeological Museum contains
antiquities of Jordan dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century (Citadel
Hill, Amman). The Jordan National Gallery has an excellent collection of contemporary
Jordanian fine art as well as one of the largest collections of contemporary
works by artists from other Middle Eastern and Moslem countries. Other museums
in Amman are: the Abdel Hamid Shoman Gallery, the Jordan Folklore Museum,
Jordan Popular Museum of Costumes and Jewelry and the Martyrs Memorial. Some
additional small museums you will find in Madaba, Karak, Umm Qeis and Petra.
b) Festivals & Events
Four major festivals are celebrated every year in Jordan. The Jerash Festival
for Culture and Arts takes place in the 2000 year old Roman city during a
two week period every August and includes daily performances by Jordanian,
Arab and international folklore groups and performing artists. The other annual
festival of interest to visitors is the Aqaba water sports festival that takes
place every year in mid-November, and which includes international-class competition
in water skiing and other aquatic sports.
An "Opera Gala" at the Roman Theatre of Amman in conjunction with
a commemoration of King Hussein was celebrated for the first time on "9/9/99",
the ONLY date of the past century to contain five 9´s. Nine was the
lucky number of the late King Hussein, and played an important role in his
life. Starting "9/9/99", a concert will be held in the Roman theatre
of Amman on September, 9th every year. An additional concert with highlights
of famous musical- and film melodies is held at the Roman Theatre of Petra
on September, 7th.
Her Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein, the mother of His Majesty King Abdullah
II, is the honorary patron of this very special Music Event. The organiser
of the concerts at the Roman Theatres of Petra and Amman is Ashtar Tours International
.
In May 2002 a new event will be presented for the first time by Ashtar Tours
International: "The Lawrence Festival"!
In May 2002 it will be 40 years to the shooting of the famous film "Lawrence
of Arabia"!
c) Other Entertainment
There are a few cinemas showing English and American movies in the original
version. The Jordan TV and radio station offers an English-speaking program.
The English newspaper "Jordan Times" gives information about events,
for examples concerts and camel races.
Shows, exhibitions, concerts and balls are taking place in the cultural centres
of Amman (Goethe Institute, American Centre) and in bigger hotels. Most of
these hotels have night-clubs, however only a few hotels have discotheques.
4.5. The Restaurants
Jordan offers a large
number of fine restaurants. About 20 % of them are located in hotels. In the
streets you can find plenty of little snack bars, where mostly locals eat
traditional food.
International cuisine is available in hotels and in a wide range of restaurants.
Beside Arabic food you can indulge in Italian, Chinese, Mexican, American,
Swiss, Indian, and Turkish cuisine. However not all restaurants serve alcohol.
An alcohol license is needed and only restaurants that are classified at least
with three stars (the highest classification is five stars) will obtain this
permission.
There are many fine Arabic restaurants and hotels that serve a mixed menu
of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
A very unique restaurant is the "Kan Zeman Village" south of Amman.
It is an antique caravansary turned into a luxury Arabic restaurant.
Very enjoyable within gardens and Bedouin-tents, is the "Reem al Bawadi
Restaurant" in Amman.
Other beautiful Arabic restaurants are Haret Jdoutna in Madaba, Kan Karak
Zeman in Karak and Green Valley Restaurant in Jerash.
Recommended fish restaurants in Aqaba are Mena House, a floating restaurant,
Ali Baba Restaurant and the new Beach Restaurant of Mövenpick Hotel and
Captain´s Restaurant which is situated close to Golden Tulip Hotel in
the centre of Aqaba.
4.6. Shopping and Souvenirs
Jordanian handicrafts
represent a tradition of skilled workmanship and folk art that dates back
many thousands of years. The most common Jordanian handmade items are Madaba
rugs, carved olive wood, mother-of-pearl, cross-stitch embroidery, Palestine
pottery, Hebron glass, silver jewellery, carved stone animals, Bedouin jewellery
and artifacts, old sword and turn-of-the-century rifles, sheepskin and leather
goods and Aqaba's coloured sand bottles. A walk through a downtown souq will
bring you in touch with hundreds of small everyday items that you may wish
to take home as a souvenir of your visit to Jordan.
Souvenir shops can be found in most hotels and at tourist attractions. There
are no export restrictions when leaving Jordan except for antiques (items
more than 100 years old). Shopkeepers can often post your purchases to the
United States, Europe and other destinations.
4.7. Tourist Guides
Guides in Jordan are mostly
freelancers, tour operators contract them for services when required. The
languages spoken are Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
All guides have to be licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
Groups are not allowed to travel through the country without a licensed guide.
In certain cases special permissions could be obtained from the Ministry of
Tourism.
For individual travellers English speaking local guides can be hired in Petra
and Jerash.
4.8. Accommodation
In 1950, Jordan had only
8 hotels and 4 boarding houses with a total of only 562 beds. By the end of
1995 there were 148 classified and 146 unclassified hotels with altogether
more than 20,000 beds in Jordan. Most of these hotels (about 200 hotels with
about 13,500 beds) are concentrated in the capital Amman.
As Jordan is quite a small country most of the tourist sites in the north
can be explored on a day-trip from Amman. Only a few hotels can be found at
other major tourist attractions outside Amman, Aqaba and Petra.
Aqaba, the water sports metropolis had 27 classified hotels with more than
3,000 beds and 9 unclassified hotels with less than 500 beds in 1995.
Early in 1996 only 8 hotels with a capacity of 1,348 beds and 11 unclassified
hotels with a total of 563 beds existed in Petra, however there are new ones
opening every day. The new five-star hotels Taybet Zaman, Petra Plaza (soon
Marriott Hotel), Mövenpick Hotel and the Mövenpick Nabatean Castle
were inaugurated in the last few years and Beit Zaman just started operation
late in 2000. The four-star hotels Kings Way Inn, Grand View Hotel and Panorama
Hotel started operation. Quality middle class hotels are also available.
It is estimated that Petra now has about 3,000 beds and the problems of over-bookings
and shortage in rooms has been solved.
In 1988 the first spa hotel opened in Jordan in the mountains of Zarqa Ma´in.
This location is at the hot springs and close to the Dead Sea. There is a
shortage of hotels at the Dead Sea. Beside the spa hotels there only is the
Government-owned Dead Sea Resthouse which urgently needs to be refurbished.
Over-bookings occur during high season, especially at Easter and more hotels
at the Dead Sea urgently are needed.
In 1990 the first spa hotel at the Dead Sea - Salt Land Village Dead Sea Spa
- started operation, followed by Mövenpick Hotel early in 1999. Soon
Marriott Hotel will open at the Dead Sea and Mövenpick Hotel started
the constructions on the land between Mövenpick Hotel and Salt Land Village
Dead Sea Spa to extend the capacity of their rooms.
Enclosed you will find
our selection of recommended hotels. Of course we can confirm your reservations
as well in any other hotels.
For your information: hotels classified with three stars can usually obtain
a license to serve alcohol. If there are any exceptions it will be mentioned
in our following descriptions.
a) Hotels in Amman
Hotel Grand Hyatt *****
Situated in Amman´s business and diplomatic district, Grand Hyatt is
one of the city´s most stylish addresses.
All 316 rooms are beautifully furnished with spacious bathrooms. Standard
features include air-conditioning, mini bar, radio and television.
The hotel has several restaurants, bars, a discotheque, shops, a health club,
an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.
Hotel Le Méridien
*****
The former Forte Grand Hotel now part of Le Méridien´s international
collection of luxury hotels, which provides the highest standards of comfort,
service and cuisine. The hotel is situated in the heart of Jordan's capital
city, Amman.
The 271 bedrooms all offer modern facilities expected of a world class hotel.
Each spacious and beautifully furnished room has an Italian marble bathroom.
Standard features include air-conditioning, separate lounge and dressing area,
mini bar and television.
The hotel's several bars, conference and banquet facilities, restaurants and
coffee shop include Oriental, Arabic, or European cuisine and live entertainment
at the night club.
Leisure facilities include the hotel's outdoor swimming pool and a health
club equipped with a fitness centre, sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. A tennis
club with three floodlight courts is also available.
Radisson SAS Hotel
*****
The hotel is centrally located in the heart of the diplomatic and government
area, only a 4 minutes drive from the city centre and 40 minutes drive from
Queen Alia International Airport. All 210 air-conditioned spacious guest rooms,
most of them newly renovated, are equipped with every modern facilities such
as direct dial telephones, satellite colour television, video channel, radio,
mini-bar and private bathroom. The executive floor is equipped with hair dryers.
Additional services include: 24 hours room service and dining room service,
same day laundry and dry cleaning services, a secretarial and business centre
service, free safety deposit boxes, free private safe in suites..
The hotel has several restaurants, conference and banquet facilities, coffee
shop, bars, a health centre and outdoor swimming pool. Daily live entertainment
is available in the lobby.
Marriott Hotel *****
Situated near the financial and business centres in Shmeisani and Jabal Al-Hussein,
close to the Sports City and the Royal Cultural Centre, five minutes drive
from city centre.
All 296 fully air-conditioned guest rooms and suites have private bathrooms,
direct-dial telephones, radio, TV, colour in-house movies, mini-bar, 24-hour
room service, laundry and valet. Leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor
swimming pools, 2 tennis courts and a health club. The hotel has several restaurants,
coffee shops, conference and banquet facilities, and bars.
Additional facilities include shopping, an arcade, a tourist and travel office,
car rental and taxi service, business services, beauty salon/barber, gift
shop, Antique Gallery and parking.
Holiday Inn *****
This new hotel was opened in 1999 in Western Amman´s famous new shopping
area.
The 240 modern guest rooms, including 18 suites are comfortably equipped with
direct-dial telephones, radio, TV (multiple satellite channels), mini-bar
and air-conditioning. Facilities for disabled are available.
The hotel has 3 restaurants, the Lobby Café, a summer terrace with
pool-bar, shops, hairdresser & beauty salon, barber´s shop, meeting
facilities, an outdoor swimming-pool and a fitness centre including sauna,
steam room and jacuzzi.
Jordan Intercontinental
*****
Situated in the heart of the diplomatic, governmental and residential area,
a few minutes drive from city centre. All 400 guest rooms and suites have
air-conditioning, private bathroom, direct-dial telephone, radio, colour TV,
in-house movies, mini-bar, 24-hour room-service, laundry and valet. Leisure
facilities include outdoor swimming pool, children's pool and tennis-courts.
The hotel has several restaurants, conference and banquet facilities, and
coffee shop, bars and a discotheque.
Additional facilities: Shopping arcade, travel agency, airline office, secretarial
services, souvenir shop, pharmacy, car rental, taxi service and parking. Ashtar
Tours office is situated just across the street.
Amra Forum Hotel ****
Situated in Amman's main residential area, near the airport highway (25 minutes
by taxi to the Queen Alia International Airport) and 10 minutes from the city
centre. All 283 guest rooms and suites have air-conditioning, private bathroom,
direct-dial telephone, radio, colour TV, in-house movies, mini-bar, 24-hour
room service, laundry and valet. Leisure facilities include outdoor swimming
pool, health club and tennis courts.
The restaurants and coffee shop serve international cuisine and for entertainment
there are bars and the discotheque.
Additional facilities: Shopping arcade, travel desk, car rental, taxi service,
business service, conference and banquet facilities and parking.
Safir Imperial Palace
Hotel ****
This beautiful new first class hotel is situated in the heart of the diplomatic,
governmental and residential area, only a few minutes drive from city centre.
The elegant and luxurious guest-rooms portray the intimacy and style of the
hotel. All rooms and suites have air-conditioning, private bathroom with hair
dryer, direct-dial telephone, radio, colour TV, in-house movies, mini-bar,
24-hour room service, laundry and valet. Leisure facilities include outdoor
swimming pool, health club with jacuzzi, massages and beauty and wellness
centre.
The main restaurants and terrace restaurant serve international cuisine.
Additional facilities: Bar in the impressing main lobby, shopping arcade,
business service, car rental, 4 stories of free parking, conference and banquet
facilities.
Ammon Hotel ****
Previously a 3-star hotel, the Ammon Hotel received its 4th star as a result
of its recent renovations. Located in a quiet diplomatic area at the centre
of Jabal Amman, a few minutes from downtown, all 62 luxurious rooms combine
the ultimate in comfort with tasteful style and elegance. Each room comes
equipped with a mini-bar, safety deposit box, TV, telephone, air-conditioning
and private bathroom. In addition, this superior middle class hotel has a
bar, conference and banquet facilities and coffee shop. At the pool-side is
a cosy and inviting outdoor terrace restaurant. A variety of activities are
available including swimming pool and tennis.
Toledo Hotel ***(*)
Toledo Hotel, a superior middle class hotel, is situated in the heart of Amman
and celebrated its Grand Opening in 1998. The hotel is not yet finally classified
and it is expected to receive 4 stars. It offers an enchanting, fairy-tale-like
atmosphere reminiscent of "Arabian Nights."
Each one of the 92 guest rooms and suites are provided with all amenities
for your comfort. They are very tastefully furnished, air conditioned, with
bathrooms, TV, mini-bar, en-suite kitchenette and telephones. The honeymoon
suites are especially romantic, perfect for the newlywed couple, or those
desiring to re-kindle those honeymoon feelings! The hotel has a beautiful
Arabic style restaurant, a juice bar and a coffee shop (the hotel does not
yet offer alcohol; alcohol can be taken to the rooms; early in 2001 the alcohol
licence is expected to be ready) and conference and banquet facilities,. Also
available at the hotel are a big health spa equipped with all kinds of Ketteler
medical instruments for fitness and body building, sauna, jacuzzi and massage.
Abjar Hotel ***
This hotel opened in 1997 and is one of the leading middle class hotels in
Amman, ideally located close to the centre.
The hotel doesn't serve alcohol. However the management doesn´t mind
if you bring in alcohol from outside. A shop which sells alcohol is next door!
The 64 rooms are comfortably equipped with bathroom, TV, air-conditioning,
mini-bar and telephone.
The lobby has a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, the restaurant and coffee
shop provide casual Mediterranean and international cuisine and you can relax
with a cool dip in the swimming pool.
San Rock Hotel ***
This superior middle class hotel with 100 elegant guest-rooms and suites has
recently been renovated and became one of the leading middle class hotels
in Amman. The rooms are fully air-conditioned with private bath, TV, telephone
and mini-bar. The hotel also provides international and local cuisine, bar,
coffee-shop, restaurant, night club and shopping arcade with hairdresser,
gift shop and taxi office.
Carlton Hotel ***
This nice middle class hotel opened in 1995 and is located opposite the Jordan
Intercontinental Hotel and close to International Ashtar Tours office, in
one of the best areas of Amman.
The rooms are comfortably equipped with bathroom, T.V., air-conditioning,
mini-bar and telephone. The lobby has a cosy and comfortable atmosphere and
the hotel offers four-star-services however it doesn´t have a swimming
pool. The restaurant and the Terrace Café serve international cuisine.
Commodore Hotel ***
The Commodore Hotel is beautifully located in the residential area of Amman
over-looking the "Hussein Sport City" and close to the commercial
centre.
A very beautiful 3-star hotel with 96 guest-rooms and suites that are fully
air-conditioned with private bath, radio, TV, telephone and mini-bar. The
hotel also provides international and local cuisine, bar, coffee-shop, restaurant,
night club, discotheque and shopping arcade with hairdresser, gift shop and
taxi office.
The hotel has been recently renovated. The new rooms are very beautiful.
Middle East Hotel ***
The Middle East Hotel is beautifully located in the residential area of Amman,
twenty miles from the airport and close to the commercial centre. A 3-star
hotel with 100 guest rooms and suites that offers modern comfort. The hotel
rooms are fully air-conditioned with, private bath, radio, TV, telephone and
mini-bar.
The restaurant offers international and local cuisine. For entertainment there
is a bar and discotheque.
Additional facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, shopping arcade which includes
hairdresser and barber shop, gift shop, taxi office and an underground garage
offers space for 100 cars.
The hotel has been recently refurbished. "Talk in Town", one of
Amman´s favoured discotheques belongs to the Middle East Hotel.
Mirage Hotel ***
The Mirage Hotel is beautifully located in centre of Amman next to King Abdullah
Mosque and JETT Bus Station.
This new middle class hotel still in operation with 52 guest rooms will close
1 floor early in 2001. Half of the guest rooms will be turned into offices.
The rooms are fully air-conditioned with private bath, TV, telephone and mini-bar.
The hotel also provides international and local cuisine and a bar.
The hotel only requested to be classified with 2 stars but it offers three
star services.
Arab Wings Hotel ***
This new hotel was opened end of 1998 and is located close to the centre of
Amman. The hotel has 178 suites that have one or two bedrooms, a sitting room
with TV and kitchenette, telephone, air conditioning and bathroom.
The hotel has a restaurant and a coffee shop.
b) Hotels in Petra
Taybet Zaman Hotel
***** and Beit Zaman Hotel *****
9 km from the rose-red city of Petra, with a spectacular view of the ancient
site and surrounding mountains, lies the most beautiful and fantastic hotel
Petra has ever seen. Taybet Zaman is an old existing village, renovated in
the old Jordanian architecture of the time, that mediates the spirit of Arabian
Nights.
Taybet Zaman has 105 small houses and aims at offering its clients an experience
of the way of life in a typical Jordanian village. The Arts and Crafts Centre
displays traditional handmade products. One can enjoy an afternoon in the
town square, sipping freshly-made cardamon coffee, mint tea, smoking a water-pipe,
and indulging in a variety of pastries or Arabic sweets while watching the
daily entertainment show in warm weather. The main attractions of the village
are the other features including several small restaurants serving Arabic
food, a pastry shop, a garden bar, conference and banquet facilities, a museum
and a spice and vegetable shop.
All public areas are accessible to the physically-disabled, as well as 3 fully-equipped
guest rooms. Taybet Zaman is the first environment-friendly establishment
of its kinds in the region.
All rooms are fully air-conditioned, with floor-heating, mini-bar, satellite
antenna, direct dialling, and fax on request. Every room has a sofa, its own
bathroom with basin and shower.
In November 2000 the shareholders of Taybet Zaman Hotel have opened a similar
hotel - Beit Zaman - in Wadi Musa/Petra. The facilities are the same like
in Taybet Zaman, but the swimming pool is an indoor one.
Mövenpick Hotel
*****
This new deluxe hotel is ideally located at the entrance of Petra.
Its 183 elegant guest rooms are comfortably equipped with bathroom, telephone,
TV, mini-bar and air-conditioning.
The hotel has several restaurants, conference and banquet facilities, a bar,
an outdoor pool, a health club with steam rooms, a billiard room and a roof
garden.
Mövenpick Nabatean
Castle *****
This new hotel was built in Islamic Architectural style that blends harmoniously
with the surrounding landscape. The hotel is situated on a scenic road overlooking
the rocky mountains of Petra.
The elegant guest-rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, TV, telephone,
mini-bar and bathroom.
The hotel has 2 restaurants, 3 bars, conference and banquet facilities, an
indoor swimming pool with adjoining sun terrace, a tennis court and a volley-ball
court.
Marriott Hotel *****
This new first class hotel was called Petra Plaza Hotel and was opened in
January 1996. Early in 2001 it will join the Marriott hotel chain.
It is located on the Panorama Road and offers an incomparable view of Petra.
The 100 elegant rooms are comfortably equipped with bathroom, telephone, TV,
mini-bar and air-conditioning. The hotel, including restaurant, coffee-shop,
bar and disco, health centre and swimming pool has been built in Arabic architecture.
Forum Hotel ***** and
Forum Resthouse ****
The Forum Hotel used to be the only first class hotel in Petra. It is situated
very close to the entrance of Petra.
The rooms are comfortably equipped and all have bathroom, TV, mini-bar, telephone
and air-conditioning. The restaurants offer Arabic and international cuisine.
Additional facilities are the bar and swimming pool.
Since 1996 the new wing of Petra Resthouse (situated directly at the entrance
of Petra) is part of Forum´s international collection of first class
hotels. The nice and friendly rooms are equipped with bathroom, hairdryer,
air-conditioning, TV, telephone and mini-bar.
The restaurant offers Arabian and international cuisine. Additional facilities
are the terrace café and the romantic bar which has been built into
a Nabatean cave.
The old wing of the Resthouse which used to be the first 3-star hotel in Petra
is closed and it is planned to be renovated and refurbished soon.
After renovations the Forum main building recently was classified with 5 stars
and was re-named "Forum Crowne Plaza".
Grand View Hotel ****
A new first class hotel located on the mountain peak with a cliff-top view
of mystical and magical Petra. The hotel has 150 spacious fully air-conditioned
rooms all with private bathroom, hairdryer, TV, telephone and mini-bar. Beside
the imposing lobby there are various leisure facilities: restaurant, coffee
shop, pool tables, bar and a large swimming pool.
Panorama Hotel ****
This new hotel is ideally located overlooking the rocky mountains of Petra.
The 130 guest rooms are comfortably equipped with air-conditioning, TV, telephone,
mini-bar and bathroom with hairdryer.
The facilities of the hotel include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar
and souvenir shops.
Kings´ Way Inn
****
The Kings´ Way Inn, opened in October 1994, is situated opposite the
famous Moses Spring and offers 55 twin and 20 single rooms, all comfortably
equipped with T.V., mini-bar, telephone, private bathroom and are fully air-conditioned.
The restaurant offers Oriental and continental food. Additional facilities
are the bar and discotheque and the swimming pool with sun terrace.
Petra Palace Hotel
***
Without any doubt Petra Palace is the leading middle class hotel in Petra.
It is located close to the entrance of Petra
The tastefully furnished guest rooms are equipped with bathroom, TV, air conditioning
and mini-bar. The restaurant provides Arabic and international cuisine.
Other facilities: Swimming pool and sun terrace with pool bar, gift shops
and a cosy bar.
Silk Road Hotel ***
The Silk Road Hotel was opened a few years ago as one of Petra´s leading
middle class hotels.
The spacious rooms are equipped with bathroom, TV, air conditioning and mini-bar.
The restaurant provides Arabic and international cuisine.
Other facilities: Shopping arcade and "hamman" (Turkish bath). The
hotel is located close to the entrance of Petra.
Petra Inn ***
This middle class hotel was opened in 1996. All the 53 rooms are equipped
with air-conditioning, telephone, T.V. and bathroom. The restaurant serves
Arabic and international cuisine.
The hotel is situated near the entrance of Petra.
Candles Hotel ***
Candles Hotel, a rather new small hotel has been refurbished and has opened
its new wing in Summer 1998 and was re-classified and obtained 3 stars. Candles
Hotel is ideally located close to the entrance of Petra.
All the rooms have a private bathroom, telephone, TV, mini bar, air conditioning
or fan.
Like in all other family run middle class hotels Candles Hotel also has small
bathrooms.
The Panorama Restaurant provides Arabic and international cuisine. A new bar
and disco were recently opened.
c) Hotels in Aqaba
Mövenpick Hotel
*****
This beautiful hotel was opened close to the beach in April 2000 and is Aqaba´s
leading hotel.
The main hotel building is on the Cornishe Street, linked to the beach side
by a two-story bridge, hosting a lap pool, café, health club and shops.
The hotel has several bars and restaurants (buffet restaurant, speciality
restaurant, beach restaurant, pool bar, lobby bar, fun pub), conference and
banquet facilities, a health club, 3 swimming pools, water sports and a sandy
beach with jetty..
The 214 fine appointed rooms are equipped with bathroom, air-conditioning,
telephone, mini-bar, radio and TV.
Radisson SAS Hotel
****
The old wing (former Holiday Inn Hotel) of this beach hotel has 173 spacious
air-conditioned rooms and suites overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, all with two
queen size beds or large double beds, private bathroom, radio-clock, TV, mini-bar
and direct-dial telephone. All the rooms have been beautifully renovated.
The rooms in the new wing have a balcony and offer sea view or mountain view.
For sea view the hotel charges supplement.
The hotel recreational facilities boast the fresh water swimming pool, a variety
of water sports such as water skiing, surf riding, jet skiing, snorkelling
and a 16 foot private yacht for pleasure trips or fishing.
The restaurant and coffee shop serve continental and Oriental cuisine. Additional
facilities are the night club and the beach bar.
Golden Tulip Hotel
****
This beautiful new first class hotel opened early in the year 2000 and is
ideally situated in the city centre within walking distance to the sea.
The comfortable rooms are equipped with bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone,
mini-bar and TV. Other facilities are coffee-shop, restaurant, bar in the
impressing lobby and a swimming pool on the roof terrace with a beautiful
view across the Gulf of Aqaba..
Many Shops and other restaurants are nearby.
Crystal Hotel ***
Situated very close to the sea and only few walking minutes from the city
centre, this hotel was opened in 1996. The rooms are comfortably equipped
with bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone, mini-bar and TV.
Additional facilities: restaurant, coffee shop, and bar. The project of a
swimming-pool on the roof-terrace could not yet been realised. As soon as
the swimming pool opens Crystal Hotel might be upgraded to a 4 star hotel.
Petra International
*** & Aquamarina Hotel Club ***
The hotel club consists of 4 hotels: The beach hotel Aquamarina I, Aquamarina
II close to the city centre and about 10 walking minutes to the beach hotel,
the 1991 inaugurated Petra International and the Aquamarina III which opened
in 1994 next to Petra International Hotel, just a 10 minute walk from the
city centre and on top of the hill overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba.
Leisure facilities include diving-club, water-skiing, fishing, wind-surfing
and snorkelling, boat rental, squash, sauna, massage and swimming-pool in
each of the hotels.
The guest rooms and suites are air-conditioned and have private bathroom,
telephone, mini-bar and TV. The rooms of the Petra International are particularly
spacious. There are small bungalows belonging to Petra International Hotel,
actually suites with sitting-room and kitchenette.
Each Hotel has its own bar, coffee shop and restaurant which offers international
and local cuisine. Aquamarina I and Aquamarina II have their own discotheque
and Petra International has a night club and a health club including sauna.
The hotels do offer a free shuttle bus transfer to the beach hotel. The beach
at Aquamarina I however is not very large.
Miramar Hotel ***
Situated close to the Red Sea, two minutes from city centre and next door
to the new deluxe Mövenpick Hotel.
All 140 air-conditioned guest-rooms (which need to be refurbished) have private
bathroom, telephone, radio, colour TV, mini-bar, 12 hour room service, laundry,
and valet.
Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a health club. The
restaurant offers international and Oriental cuisine. Additional facilities
are coffee shop, bar and night club, as well as parking.
Shwaki Hotel **
A nice 2-star-hotel close to the city centre. The rooms of this little family-run
hotel are spacious and comfortably equipped with bathroom, air conditioning,
telephone, TV, and mini-bar. The restaurant does not serve alcohol.
d) The Spa Hotels
Salt Land Village Dead
Sea Spa Hotel ****
The Salt Land Village is situated in the "Basement of the world"
400 meters below sea level. The village consists of a main building "The
Dead Sea Spa Hotel", bungalows and the Medical Centre. The Village is
designed as a wide and open area with a free view of the sea and the impressive
surrounding landscape.
The hotel offers good middle class accommodations: Centrally air-conditioned
rooms, a restaurant with terrace, coffee shop, bar, shop, leisure room and
a private beach. All rooms have a private bath, telephone, central channel
music and TV. The bungalows also have central A/C and have the same facilities
as the hotel rooms.
Additional facilities: 2 tennis courts, squash court and two outdoor swimming
pools. The new health centre with a "Dead Sea Water" indoor-swimming
pool, and a new clinic.
For indications and treatment, please refer to chapter 3.7.
Mövenpick Dead
Sea Resort Hotel *****
Directly at the beach front the new Dead Sea Resort & Spa was opened early
in 1999. The main building and the bungalows are built on a large plot of
land. The landscape includes a man made fresh water river eventually meeting
up with the main swimming pool.
The 231 rooms and suites are comfortably equipped with all the amenities of
a 5 star hotel.
In the midst of the village square, the guests can take their time in deciding
to which one of the four restaurants and beverage outlets they should pay
a visit. At the open air amphitheatre guests can enjoy enchanting concerts.
The Resort is complemented by a state of the art spa including different body
treatment rooms, hydro-therapy mud suite, fitness studio, different indoor
and outdoor pools and medical facilities as well as various sport attractions
and conference and banquet facilities.
Mercure Hotel at Zarqa
Ma'in Hot Springs ****
For centuries, 60 sources of hot sulfurous mineral water (70°C) springing
from a depth of 1500 m have been used for regeneration. The village comprises
of several facilities among which the former Ashtar Hotel, now Mercure Hotel,
offers first class accommodations and several food and beverage outlets with
naturally hot pools and fresh water swimming pool as well as full clinic.
Also, private chalets and caravans, super market, public pool and hot baths,
a children's playground and a tennis court.
The hotel offers first class accommodation: Centrally air-conditioned, central
4 channel music, TV, in-house video, alarm clock, telephone, mini-bar, large
vanity and bath.
Additional facilities: several restaurants and lounges, private pool for hotel
guests, junior suites and apartments. Direct access to the clinic from the
guest rooms.
The hotel has three restaurants offering daily specialities, special diets,
deluxe cuisine, and a coffee shop with a large terrace. All outlets overlook
the waterfall. Sallama disco club, a bar lounge, the terrace roof bar, a bridge
room and a billiard room. An in-house guest relations department entertains
with a variety of programs.
The clinic specialises in rheumatism, arthritis, sinusitis, digestive diseases
etc. For further information, please, refer to chapter 3.7.
The village offers chalets and caravans for rent, a convenience store for
your needs with a coffee terrace centrally located as well as tennis, waterfall
splash, a guided walk, morning fitness, backgammon.
d) Other Hotels
Olive Branch Hotel
in Jerash ***
A new family run hotel which is situated in a beautiful olive tree garden
outside the town of Jerash. The 30 rooms are equipped with bathroom, telephone
and air conditioning. The hotel has a restaurant and a coffee shop. Other
facilities include bar, conference room, game room, swimming-pool and a camping
site complete with B.B.Q. pits, showers, picnic tables and tents.
Karak Resthouse ***
The former government-run Resthouse now is under private management. The hotel
is situated close to the Crusaders´ castle of Karak.
All the rooms are equipped with private bathroom, TV, mini-bar, telephone
and air-conditioning. The hotel is located next to the Crusader-castle and
offers a beautiful view from its restaurant. Karak Resthouse is a very small
and simple hotel, not suitable for big groups.
The Dead Sea Resthouse
***
This hotel was opened in 1995 and is situated on the beach. All rooms (need
to be refurbished!) are in small bungalows which are equipped with one or
two bedrooms, private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, TV and small
sitting-room including kitchenette with fridge.
Additional facilities are beach with outdoor-showers, swimming-pool and restaurant.
Dead Sea Resthouse is a favourite hotel for locals who enjoy spending the
weekends (Thursday/Friday) at the Dead Sea.
Camping is accepted in the garden of the resthouse. To use the facilities
a fee has to be paid.
e) Camping
Jordan has only few camping
sites. A large but always empty camping area is situated at Aqaba´s
south beach, close to the Royal Diving Center.
Camping is offered at Olive Branch Hotel in Jerash and Al Anbad Hotel in Petra.
Some traditional Bedouin camps can be found in Wadi Rum next to the Resthouse
and in the middle of the fascinating desert. A very nice standard with toilet
and shower facilities is offered at Captain´s Camp.
The National Park of Danaa offers small huts for rent, toilet facilities,
kitchen and an area for barbecue...
Contents of the Guide Book
| 1. | Welcome to Jordan |
| 2.. | The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan |
| 2.1. | Geography, Climate and Borders |
| 2.2. | Entry and Departure Procedures |
| 2.3 | Population |
| 2.4. | Currency |
| 2.5. | History |
| 2.6. |
Government |
| 2.7. | Economy |
| 3. | Jordan, where the Adventure awaits you |
| 3.2 | Amman, the Dynamic Capital City |
| 3.2. | The
Kings´Highway (Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Mukawir, Wadi Mujib, Karak, Shobak) |
| 3.3. | Petra, the Spectacular Rose-Red City |
| 3.4. | The Cities of Decapolis (Pella, Gadara, Abila, Philadelphia, Gerasa, Umm el Jimal) |
| 3.5.. |
Following
the Footsteps of "Lawrence of Arabia"; |
| 3.6. | Aqaba, Jordan´s year-round Red Sea Resort |
| 3.7. | The Dead Sea and Termal Spas; The healing power of the Dead Sea; The Hot Springs of Zarqa Ma´in |
| 3.8. | Biblical Sites in Jordan |
| 3.8.1. | The
Biblical Sites from North to South; Gadara, Anjara, Pella, Bethany, Machaerus, Madaba, Mt. Nebo, the Kings´Highway, Wadi Musa, Sodom & Gomorra, Ayla |
| 3.9. | Nature Reserves in Jordan; Wadi Rum, Dana, Zubia, Azraq, Shaumari |
| 4. | The Tourist Facilities in Jordan |
| 4.1. | Transportation;
Flight Connections, Tourist Buses, Bus-, Train-, Ferry-Connections; Car Rental and Driving in Jordan |
| 4.2. | Communication |
| 4.3. | Sports; Aquatic Sports and Diving; Horseback Riding and Camel Trips; Ballooning; Glimbing and Hang-gliding |
| 4.4. | Culture and Entertainment; Museums and Galleries; Festivals; Other Entertainments |
| 4.5. | Restaurants |
| 4.6. | Shopping and Souvenirs |
| 4.7. | Tourist Guides |
| 4.8. | Accommodation; |
| 5. | Incentive Travel |
| 5.1. | Incentive Special Events |
| 6. | Helpful Facts about Jordan |
| 6.1. | Best Time to Travel and Safty |
| 6.2. | Tipping (Bakshish) |
| 6.3. | Holidays, Ramadan, Business Hours |
| 6.4. | Local Customs - How to Dress? |
| 6.5. | Electric Current, Water Supply |