Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 2386090; almujeb_hotel@yahoo.com; King's Highway; s/d/tr incl breakfast JD30/
45/55; )
This sprawling, three-storey hotel has recently had a makeover with all rooms
refurbished. An assortment of interesting guests give the place character, especially when
huddled round the gas heater in the foyer on a cold winter's evening. The hotel is around
5km from Karak, by the junction on the road to Ar-Rabba. If you are driving, consider
parking here and taking a taxi (JD4 to JD5 one way) into town.
Qairwan Hotel$
( 2396122; fax 2396022; King's Highway; s/d/tr JD23/30/38, 5-bed Jacuzzi suite with
kitchen JD44; )
Also spelt
'
Cairwan
'
, this eccentric, family-run hotel, with its tiled
pitched roof and homely etceteras, is Karak's answer to a boutique hotel. Each of the nine
rooms is unique, with quirky decoration. Quite unexpectedly, stairs lead down to a cav-
ernous disco. The hotel is 500m from the bus station, outside the main town of Karak.
Breakfast (JD4) is not included. Wi-fi costs JD3.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Towers Castle Hotel$
HOTEL
( /fax 2354293; Al-Qala'a St; s/d/tr incl breakfast JD15/25/35)
Near to the castle, this
friendly budget hotel is a good meeting place for younger travellers. Don't be put off by
the dingy reception area: the rooms, with their floral motifs, are clean and many open onto
balconies with views across Wadi Karak. You can find help with onward travel from here.
Eating
Most restaurants are near the castle on Al-Mujamma St or near the statue of Saladin. Sh-
warma stands are clustered around Al-Jami St.
JORDANIAN
Kir Heres Restaurant$$
( 2355595; Al-Qala'a St; mains JD5-7; 9am-10pm; )
A cut above the rest, this
award-winning restaurant is a surprise find in Karak. The chef (and owner), Saddam, is
from Karak and he has a passion for food, reflected in the inventive menu. There are os-
trich steaks (JD10) and chicken dishes prepared with local herbs (JD7). Vegetarians can
choose from dishes including fried haloumi (salty cheese; JD3.500) and mushrooms with
garlic and thyme (JD3.100). The owner laments that people take fright at the smart table-
cloths, serviettes and tasteful interior of draped kilims and imagine the prices will be pro-
