Where to Stay in Jordan 🇯🇴: Best Unique Places to Stay in Jordan

Updated on September 25, 2024
by Alex Miller

Jordan, a land of ancient wonders and modern marvels, offers travelers an unforgettable experience with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the vibrant streets of Amman to the otherworldly beauty of Petra, this Middle Eastern gem boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse attractions in the world. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the city near the Amman Citadel, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, or relax on the shores of the Dead Sea, Jordan has the perfect place for every type of traveler.

Our Pick of the Best Hotels

When it comes to finding the best places to stay in Jordan, visitors are spoiled for choice. Jabal Amman and Downtown Amman offer a central location with easy access to main attractions like the Temple of Hercules and the National Gallery of Fine Arts. For those seeking luxury, the Kempinski Hotel and Mövenpick Resort provide opulent accommodations with stunning views and private beaches. Adventure seekers can spend the night in a Bedouin camp or luxury camp in Wadi Rum, while history buffs might prefer to stay near Petra in Wadi Musa. From budget-friendly options to high-end resorts with outdoor pools and spas, Jordan’s diverse range of accommodations ensures that every traveler can find their ideal home away from home.

The Best Places to Stay: Quick Guide

  • 🏙️ For first-time visitors, urban explorers, and culture enthusiasts: Amman
  • 🏜️ For desert adventurers and stargazers: Wadi Rum
  • 🏛️ For history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts: Petra
  • 🌊 For wellness seekers and relaxation: Dead Sea
  • 🎭 For Roman history lovers and festival-goers: Jerash
  • 🐠 For beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts: Aqaba

 1. Amman: The Vibrant Capital of Jordan 🏙️

🏛️ Historical Richness: Amman is a city where ancient history and modernity coexist harmoniously. The city is built on seven hills, each offering a unique glimpse into Jordan’s past. From Roman ruins to Ottoman-era buildings, Amman’s historical sites are a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

🍽️ Culinary Delights: Amman is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. From traditional Jordanian dishes to international cuisines, the city’s food scene is vibrant and ever-evolving. Street food stalls, local markets, and high-end restaurants all contribute to Amman’s reputation as a gastronomic hub.

🛍️ Shopping Haven: Amman is a shopper’s delight, blending traditional souks with modern malls. The city offers everything from handcrafted souvenirs and local textiles to international brands. The bustling downtown area and upscale neighborhoods like Abdali provide diverse shopping experiences for all tastes and budgets.

🏛️ The Best Sights

  • Amman Citadel: An ancient hilltop fortress with panoramic city views.
  • Roman Theater: A well-preserved 2nd-century amphitheater.
  • King Abdullah I Mosque: A stunning blue-domed mosque.
  • Royal Automobile Museum: Showcasing Jordan’s automotive history.
  • Rainbow Street: A vibrant street known for its cafes and shops.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat in Amman

  • Hashem Restaurant: Famous for its falafel and hummus.
  • Sufra Restaurant: Offers traditional Jordanian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
  • Fakhreldin Restaurant: Upscale Lebanese dining.
  • Shams El Balad: Known for its organic and locally-sourced menu.
  • Levant Restaurant: Serves delicious Levantine cuisine with a modern twist.

🚕 Navigating the City: Amman’s public transportation system includes buses and shared taxis, but they can be confusing for tourists. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for getting around. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic in the city center.

🏨 Where to Stay in Amman

⭐ Best Hotels in Amman

  • The St. Regis Amman: Luxurious 5-star hotel featuring elegant rooms with butler service, multiple dining venues, a tea lounge, spa facilities, and a fitness center. Located in the upscale Abdoun area.
  • Fairmont Amman: A luxurious hotel offering spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. Features a variety of restaurants, a Willow Stream Spa, and a rooftop pool with stunning city views.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Amman: Prestigious hotel set atop one of Amman’s hills, offering panoramic city views. Features newly renovated rooms, fine dining options, and a spa with Dead Sea treatments.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Amman International Hotel: Comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options. Conveniently located near the University of Jordan and major attractions.
  • The House Boutique Suites: Offers stylish suites with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. Located in the heart of Amman, providing easy access to shopping and cultural sites.
  • Kempinski Hotel Amman: Elegant hotel featuring modern rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of dining options. Located in the Shmeisani area, close to business and shopping districts.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Carob Hostel: Cozy hostel offering dormitory and private rooms with shared facilities. Features a communal kitchen, a garden, and a terrace. Located near Rainbow Street.
  • Darna Hostel: Budget-friendly hostel with a welcoming atmosphere. Provides basic amenities, a shared kitchen, and a common lounge. Situated in the city center, close to major attractions.
  • The Castle Star: Offers simple accommodations with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace. Located near the Citadel and other historical sites.

2. Wadi Rum: The Valley of the Moon 🏜️

🌄 Otherworldly Landscape: Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a vast desert wilderness of dramatic beauty. Its red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient rock carvings create an almost Martian landscape that has been used as a backdrop for numerous films.

🌟 Stargazing Paradise: With its clear desert skies and minimal light pollution, Wadi Rum offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The night sky here is a breathtaking canvas of stars, planets, and the Milky Way.

🐪 Bedouin Experience: Wadi Rum provides an authentic Bedouin experience. Visitors can stay in traditional Bedouin camps, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about the desert way of life from the local inhabitants who have called this harsh landscape home for generations.

🏞️ The Best Sights

  • Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A rock formation named after T.E. Lawrence’s book.
  • Lawrence’s Spring: A natural spring with Nabataean inscriptions.
  • Khazali Canyon: Known for its ancient petroglyphs.
  • Um Frouth Rock Bridge: A natural arch perfect for photos.
  • Burdah Rock Bridge: One of the highest natural arches in Wadi Rum.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat in Wadi Rum

  • Sun City Camp: Offers traditional Bedouin meals in a unique setting.
  • Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp: Known for its gourmet desert dining.
  • Memories Aicha Luxury Camp: Serves Bedouin-style barbecue.
  • Rahayeb Desert Camp: Offers authentic Jordanian cuisine.
  • Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp: Known for its traditional zarb (underground oven) cooking.

🚙 Venturing into the Desert: The best way to explore Wadi Rum is through organized tours. Most visitors opt for 4×4 jeep tours, which allow you to cover large distances and see multiple sites. Camel treks and hot air balloon rides are also popular options for experiencing the desert’s vastness and beauty.

🏨 Where to Stay in Wadi Rum

⭐ Best Hotels in Wadi Rum

  • Memories Aicha Luxury Camp: Located in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, this luxury camp offers unique tent accommodations with stunning desert views. Features activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and themed dinners, making it popular for family stays.
  • Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel: Offers futuristic “bubble” rooms with panoramic views of the desert landscape. Includes a restaurant and activities like hiking and cultural tours. Known for its unique design and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Hasan Zawaideh Camp: Provides traditional Bedouin-style accommodations with modern amenities. Offers desert tours, camel rides, and cultural experiences, making it a great choice for those seeking an authentic stay.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel: Features unique bubble tents with clear ceilings for stargazing. Offers a blend of comfort and adventure with activities like desert tours and hiking.
  • Wadi Rum Quiet Village Camp: Offers simple yet comfortable accommodations with a focus on tranquility and desert exploration. Provides guided tours and traditional meals.
  • Wadi Rum Desert Dreams Camp: Known for its friendly service and authentic Bedouin experience. Offers traditional tents, local cuisine, and various desert activities.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Wadi Rum Oryx Hostel & Tours: Provides affordable accommodations with a range of activities including cycling, hiking, and cultural tours. Offers a restaurant and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Wadi Rum Village Lodge: Offers budget-friendly accommodations with easy access to desert tours and local attractions. Known for its friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
  • Star City Camp Wadi Rum: Provides a unique desert camping experience with traditional tents and modern amenities. Offers guided tours and cultural experiences.

3. Petra: The Rose City 🏺

🗿 Ancient Wonder: Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Carved into rose-red cliff faces, this ancient Nabataean city is a marvel of engineering and artistry. The Treasury, Petra’s most iconic structure, is just the beginning of what this vast city has to offer.

🏜️ Desert Landscape: Surrounded by rugged desert canyons and mountains, Petra offers breathtaking natural beauty alongside its historical wonders. The contrast between the red rock formations and the blue sky creates a stunning visual spectacle that changes with the light throughout the day.

🐪 Bedouin Culture: Petra provides a unique opportunity to experience Bedouin culture. From traditional music and dance to camel rides and tea ceremonies, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Jordan’s desert dwellers.

🏛️ The Best Sights

  • The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Petra’s most famous facade.
  • The Monastery (Ad-Deir): A massive mountaintop temple.
  • Street of Facades: A row of monumental Nabataean tombs.
  • Royal Tombs: Impressive burial chambers carved into the cliff face.
  • Siq: The narrow gorge leading to the Treasury.
Petra: The Rose City
Petra: The Rose City
Petra: The Rose City

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat in Petra

  • Basin Restaurant: Located inside Petra, offering a buffet lunch.
  • My Mom’s Recipe Restaurant: Serves traditional Jordanian dishes.
  • Al Wadi Restaurant: Known for its Arabic and international cuisine.
  • Petra Night Restaurant: Offers dinner with a view of Petra by night.
  • Cave Bar: A unique bar set in a 2000-year-old Nabataean tomb.

🚶‍♂️ Exploring the Site: Petra is vast, covering about 60 square kilometers. While walking is the primary mode of transportation within the site, horse-drawn carriages and donkey rides are available for those who need assistance. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as exploring Petra involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain.

🏨 Where to Stay in Petra

⭐ Best Hotels in Petra

  • Petra Moon Luxury Hotel: Located just steps away from the entrance to Petra, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with modern amenities. Features a rooftop terrace with stunning views, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
  • Mövenpick Resort Petra: Situated at the entrance to Petra, this resort offers elegant accommodations with traditional decor. Features multiple dining options, a rooftop garden, and a wellness center.
  • Petra Marriott Hotel: Offers stunning views of the Petra Valley with luxurious rooms and suites. Includes a spa, outdoor pool, and several dining options. Known for its excellent service and proximity to Petra.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Petra Plaza Hotel: Provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Located close to Petra’s entrance, it offers a restaurant, terrace, and friendly service.
  • Petra Heart Hotel: Known for its cozy atmosphere and convenient location. Offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to Petra’s main attractions.
  • Town Season Hotel: Offers modern accommodations with a focus on comfort and convenience. Features a restaurant, terrace, and tour assistance for exploring Petra.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Rafiki Hostel: Provides budget-friendly accommodations with a social atmosphere. Offers shared dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and organized tours.
  • Petra Cabin Hostel: Features simple yet comfortable accommodations with a focus on community. Offers a restaurant, shared kitchen, and easy access to Petra.
  • Petra Cabin Inn Hostel&Resturant: Offers traditional Bedouin-style accommodations with modern amenities. Provides a restaurant, shared lounge, and cultural experiences.

 4. Dead Sea: The Lowest Point on Earth 🌊

💆‍♀️ Wellness Destination: The Dead Sea, known for its mineral-rich waters and mud, is a world-renowned wellness destination. The high salt content makes floating effortless, while the minerals are believed to have therapeutic properties for various skin conditions.

🌅 Stunning Scenery: The Dead Sea offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The contrast between the blue waters, the surrounding desert landscape, and the mountains of Israel and Palestine on the opposite shore creates a mesmerizing panorama.

🧂 Unique Ecosystem: The Dead Sea’s extreme salinity creates a unique ecosystem. While it’s too salty for most organisms, it supports certain types of bacteria and algae, contributing to the sea’s distinctive properties and appearance.

🏖️ The Best Sights

  • Amman Beach: A public beach with facilities for day visitors.
  • Mujib Nature Reserve: Offers hiking and canyoning near the Dead Sea.
  • Lot’s Cave: An archaeological site with biblical connections.
  • Baptism Site: Where Jesus was believed to be baptized, near the Dead Sea.
  • Dead Sea Panoramic Complex: Offers stunning views of the Dead Sea.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat near the Dead Sea

  • Ashur Pizza & Restaurant: Offers a variety of cuisines with a view.
  • Rover’s Return: British pub-style food with a Dead Sea view.
  • Infinity Restaurant at Mövenpick Resort: Fine dining with panoramic views.
  • Al Deera Restaurant: Serves local and international dishes.
  • Sunset Oasis: Offers light meals and drinks with a view of the sunset.

🚗 Getting to the Shores: The Dead Sea area is easily accessible by car or organized tour from major cities like Amman. Most visitors stay at one of the resorts along the shore, which provide private beaches and spa facilities. Public beaches are also available for day trips, but facilities may be more limited.

🏨 Where to Stay in Dead Sea

⭐ Best Hotels in Dead Sea

  • Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: High-end seafront hotel featuring three restaurants, three bars, an infinity pool, and a gym. Offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Dead Sea.
  • Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa: Sophisticated resort with direct beach access, four restaurants, a spa, four outdoor pools, and three bars. Known for its elegant design and excellent service.
  • Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: Luxurious property along the Dead Sea offering dining, outdoor pools, and a sophisticated spa. Known for its opulent design and serene atmosphere.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea: Family-friendly resort on the Dead Sea shore featuring spacious rooms and suites, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, spa facilities, and various dining options.
  • Crowne Plaza Jordan - Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Polished, sprawling resort with a private beach, spa, dining options, pools, and a gym. Offers a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views of the Dead Sea.
  • Dead Sea Spa Hotel: Unpretentious resort on a Dead Sea beach, featuring a spa, five outdoor pools, and dining. Known for its relaxing environment and therapeutic treatments.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Laperla Chalet Villa di Lusso Deadsea: Offers luxurious chalet accommodations with modern amenities and stunning views of the Dead Sea. Known for its serene setting and personalized service.
  • The Precious Guesthouse: Provides comfortable accommodations with a focus on relaxation and tranquility. Offers personalized service and easy access to the Dead Sea’s attractions.
  • Apartment F14 - Samarah Resort: Features modern apartments with stunning views and access to resort amenities. Ideal for travelers seeking a home-like environment near the Dead Sea.

5. Jerash: The Pompeii of the East 🏛️

🏺 Roman Ruins: Jerash is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. The ancient city’s colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and public squares offer a remarkable glimpse into life in the Roman Empire.

🎭 Cultural Festivals: Jerash hosts the annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, a celebration of music, dance, literature, food, and handicrafts. This event brings the ancient ruins to life with performances set against the backdrop of historical monuments.

🌿 Natural Beauty: Beyond its archaeological wonders, Jerash is surrounded by lush countryside. The green hills and olive groves provide a stark contrast to the golden stone of the ruins, creating a picturesque setting.

🏛️ The Best Sights

  • Hadrian’s Arch: A grand entrance to the ancient city.
  • Hippodrome: An ancient sports field used for chariot races.
  • South Theater: A well-preserved Roman theater.
  • Temple of Zeus: Ruins of a grand temple on a hilltop.
  • Oval Plaza: A unique elliptical forum surrounded by columns.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat in Jerash

  • Lebanese House Restaurant: Offers traditional Lebanese cuisine.
  • Jerash Rest House: Serves local dishes with a view of the ruins.
  • Artemis Restaurant: Known for its grilled meats and mezze.
  • Green Valley Restaurant: Offers a mix of local and international dishes.
  • Hadrian’s Gate Restaurant: Serves Arabic cuisine near the ancient site.

🚶‍♂️ Exploring the Ruins: The archaeological site of Jerash is compact and easily explored on foot. A typical visit takes 2-3 hours. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the terrain can be uneven.

🏨 Where to Stay in Jerash

⭐ Best Hotels in Jerash

  • Alma Private Villa: Offers a private and luxurious villa experience surrounded by nature. Features modern amenities, spacious accommodations, and a serene environment for relaxation.
  • Panorama Jerash Hotel: Located near the ruins of Jerash, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a garden, and easy access to local attractions. Known for its excellent location and friendly service.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Royal Palace Farm: Provides a unique farm stay experience with modern amenities. Offers a swimming pool, game room, and walking tours, making it ideal for families and groups.
  • Greek Villa: Offers charming accommodations with a blend of traditional and modern design. Features a terrace, garden, and easy access to local attractions.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Nirvana Chalets: Provides chalet accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Offers a swimming pool, playground, and various recreational activities.
  • Jar AlQamar Chalet - شاليه جار القمر: Offers cozy chalet accommodations with modern amenities. Features a private pool, terrace, and easy access to local attractions.
  • Widian al-sham huts: Provides simple and rustic accommodations in a natural setting. Offers basic amenities and a unique experience for travelers seeking a no-frills stay.

6. Aqaba: Jordan’s Window to the Red Sea 🏖️

🐠 Marine Wonderland: Aqaba is renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and diverse marine life. The warm waters of the Red Sea make it a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins frequently spotted.

🌴 Beach Resort: As Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba offers a relaxing beach resort atmosphere. Its sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and water sports facilities make it a popular destination for both local and international tourists seeking sun and sea.

🏰 Historical Significance: Despite its modern resort feel, Aqaba has a rich history. The 16th-century Aqaba Fort, also known as Mamluk Castle, stands as a testament to the city’s strategic importance throughout history.

🌊 The Best Sights

  • Aqaba Marine Park: Protected area with stunning coral reefs.
  • Aqaba Fort: A 16th-century castle with panoramic views.
  • Aqaba Archaeological Museum: Showcases the area’s rich history.
  • Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque: A beautiful modern mosque.
  • Wadi Rum Protected Area: Just a short drive from Aqaba.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat in Aqaba

  • Fish Fish: Known for its fresh seafood.
  • Royal Yacht Club: Offers fine dining with a sea view.
  • Ali Baba Restaurant: Serves traditional Jordanian cuisine.
  • Floka: Greek restaurant with a beautiful seaside setting.
  • Burj Al Hamam: Lebanese restaurant with stunning views.

🚤 Navigating the Coast: Aqaba is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are readily available for longer distances. For marine activities, numerous tour operators offer boat trips, diving excursions, and water sports equipment rental.

🏨 Where to Stay in Aqaba

⭐ Best Hotels in Aqaba

  • Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Aqaba: Posh hotel offering a private beach, a spa, and an infinity pool, plus three restaurants, a salon, and a gym. Known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Red Sea.
  • Hilton Aqaba: Offers modern accommodations with panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba. Features a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and a fitness center, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
  • Lacosta Hotel: Centrally located, this hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Includes a restaurant, fitness center, and easy access to Aqaba’s attractions and beaches.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Oryx Hotel Aqaba: Offers spacious rooms and suites with contemporary design. Features a rooftop pool, spa, and dining options, providing a comfortable stay at a moderate price.
  • Marina Plaza Hotel Tala Bay: Located in Tala Bay, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with access to a private beach, outdoor pools, and various water sports activities.
  • Aquavista Hotel & Suite: Provides modern rooms and suites with a focus on comfort and convenience. Features a restaurant, bar, and easy access to Aqaba’s beaches and attractions.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Friends Oasis: Offers a cozy and social atmosphere with comfortable dorms and private rooms. Provides communal spaces and organized activities for guests.
  • Extra Traveller: Known for its friendly environment and excellent service. Offers shared and private accommodations with easy access to local attractions.
  • Hakaia Community: Provides a unique hostel experience with a focus on community and co-working spaces. Offers comfortable accommodations and social events for travelers.

Where to Stay in Jordan

Jordan offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. From the bustling urban life and rich history of Amman to the breathtaking archaeological marvels of Petra, each destination provides a unique glimpse into the country’s cultural and natural wonders. Adventure seekers will find their paradise in the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum, while those seeking relaxation can rejuvenate at the tranquil Dead Sea. History enthusiasts will be captivated by the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, and beach lovers can indulge in the marine wonders of Aqaba. Each of these destinations not only highlights Jordan’s rich heritage but also showcases its warm hospitality and vibrant culture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Jordan?

The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like Petra and Wadi Rum.

Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

Yes, Jordan is considered a safe destination for travelers. The country is known for its hospitality and has a stable political environment. However, as with any travel, it’s important to stay informed about local conditions and follow any travel advisories.

What currency is used in Jordan, and can I use credit cards?

The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in rural areas.

How can I travel between the main attractions in Jordan?

Traveling between Jordan’s main attractions is relatively easy. You can rent a car, use public buses, or hire private taxis. There are also organized tours that cover popular destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.

Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?

Most travelers require a visa to enter Jordan, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at border crossings. It’s recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.