Amman Journals

Exploring Jordan

Best of IgoUgo

A June 1998 trip to Amman by globetrots

Entrance to Petras ruins Photo - Ancient City of Petra, Petra, Jordan

Quote: Many travelers avoid Jordan because it's lumped in with the rest of the Middle East, but it offers more to visitors than most countries five times its size. Presented here are a few highlights.

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Exploring Jordan

Overview

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Petra is, of course, a true wonder of the world. This site alone is reason enough to make the journey to Jordan. Aqaba is a decent base to venture into the Red Sea and is the jumping off point to Wadi Rum--a desert valley. Amman is a very pleasant city and it's a good base for exploring the desert castles, the Dead Sea, and the ancient Roman city ruins of Jarash.Quick Tips: Best Way To Get Around: Public buses can be cramped, but are bearable. Long-haul minibuses are common and taxis are very reasonable. Car rentals are the best choice for seeing the far-flung attractions outside of the main towns and cities. This is also a country where an organized tour (in an A-C bus) can be a go...Read More

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Taybet Zamen

Hotel

Quote:

There are few hotels on Earth that are as interesting and magical as this one. You won't be overwhelmed by opulence, as you would at the nearby Movenpick, but it will be a stay you'll never forget. The hotel used the actual buildings and layout from an 19th century stone village. The common areas include a 'town square,' a pool overlooking the Petra valley, and a wonderful rustic restaurant, bakery, and bar. A luxurious Turkish bath is a must after hiking. Each former house has been turned into a large hotel room, with stone arches, sitting areas, heavy furniture, and spacious baths with touches of luxury. It's a very 'green' hotel, but is fit for a royalty--King Hussein himself stayed here several...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 16, 2000

Taybet Zamen

Amman, Jordan
6-857-677

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Marriott Amman

Hotel | "Marriott Hotel Amman"

Quote:

No surprises--was the best hotel in the city until the Hyatt opened, and now it's a toss-up. Americans who have to always feel like they're home will be happy here, since the property offers some of the same eating and drinking spots you'd find in Cleveland or Dallas. Rooms are average size and have average furniture, but it is all well-maintained. Has an indoor pool and gym, plus a wide range of excursion offerings.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 16, 2000

Marriott Amman
ISSAM AL AJLOUNI ST
Amman, Jordan
962-6-5607-607

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Ancient City of Petra

Attraction | "Hiking through Petra"

Quote:

These are some of the most atmospheric and mysterious ruins on the planet, and this is probably the most fascinating site in the whole Middle East. Hikers can find miles and miles of rock carvings beyond the first collection that all the tour bus crowds go to before turning around. You hike for a mile through a narrow canyon before even getting to these, then spend hours walking around the valley to see a fraction of what else is on offer. Carvings range from small tombs with 6-foot facades to giant carvings as large as a modern bank building, projects that took years of work from a whole team of skilled craftsmen. At some point, the people all vanished and the city was just a legendary place which on...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 16, 2000

Ancient City of Petra
Petra Gates To El Khasneh
Ma'an Governorate, Jordan

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The Desert Castles loop

Story/Tip

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It takes the better part of a day, but it's an interesting excursion to head out of Amman and make a loop through the 'desert castles.' Calling them castles is a bit of a stretch, but these 7th-century buildings are still worth a visit. They're as interesting for their cultural revelations as they are for their architecture. One was a former Roman fort that was converted to a pleasure palace for travelers. The second was a hunting lodge and bath house. The castle in Azraq was used a base by Lawrence of Arabia and this oasis town is full of both legitimate and shady merchants going to and from Iraq. The Amra castle (pictured here) is the best preserved, and gives an interesting history lesson. Here in ...Read More

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The Dead Sea

Story/Tip

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Visiting the Dead Sea is a bizarre experience: it's impossible to sink, nothing lives in the water, and you're so far below sea level that it can take hours to get sunburned. It's much better to experience the Dead Sea from Jordan than Israel--the water is much deeper here. You can paddle around in the water and even read a book or newspaper without needing a raft. If you're a woman that gets excited about mud packs at a spa or beauty salon, you can scoop up your own and get a major treatment here. It takes about an hour to get here from Amman, depending on whether you get lost leaving the city. There are a few hotels lining the shore if you have time to spend the night: the Movenpick Resort Hotel and...Read More