Visiting Jordan

Posted by Hugh Taylor Apr 27, 2007

If you are thinking about visiting Jordan then this is a good time of the year to do it. The winter rains are past and it is not too hot. Jordan is a very easy country to get to and entry requirements are simple and inexpensive. To help with your trip planning I’ve written an article detailing customs and health requirements, how to get there by air, sea and rail and how to get a visitors visa.

I am also planning a series of articles to help you get the most out of your visit including Getting Around, Where to Stay, Where to Eat and What to See so bookmark this page and check it regularly.

In the meantime here are a couple of suggestions for places to stay. One is probably the best small hotel in Jordan and the other one of the most luxurious.

The Mariam Hotel in Jordan is a family owned and operated hotel. Charl al Twal the proprietor is a member of one of the oldest families in Madaba and what he doesn’t know about the town is probably not worth knowing. For a small charge he will pick you up from Amman airport.

It has clean, well appointed rooms with ceiling fans, TV and free Wi Fi. There’s an excellent outdoor pool and beside it a bar and restaurant. And it is remarkably priced.

Not far away on the shores of the Dead Sea the Kempinski Ishtar competes with its neighbour The Mövenpick for the title ‘The Lowest Hotel on Earth’. It would take a surveyor to decide as there can only be an inch or two in it.

This was designed in tribute to one of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World theHanging Gardens of Babylon The second phase of the building development is now complete and officially opens next month. There are 201 new rooms and suites each with a patio or balcony with superb views over the Dead Sea. Just the place to sit at the end of the day enjoying a cool drink as the sun disappears over the horizon and the lights of Jericho appear on the West Bank.

Unlike the Mariam it is not a budget option but incredibly good value for money. It’s a favourite of Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Beatrix Potter actress Renee Zellwegger.