Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Aqaba Gulf Hotel$$$
HOTEL
( 2016636;
www.aqabagulf.com
;
King Hussein St; r JD130; )
This excel-
lent hotel (the only one in Aqaba with a tennis court) is just across the road from the
Aqaba Gateway complex. It was the first hotel to be built in Aqaba and it has quite an
honour roll of guests. The stained-wood, split-level dining room looks thoroughly dated,
like the rest of the common-use areas, but this is not a criticism. The large, extremely
comfortable rooms (ask for a double-window corner room for great sunsets), copious
breakfasts and excellent staff make this an old favourite.
Mövenpick Resort Hotel$$$
( 2034020;
www.movenpick-aqaba.com
; King Hussein St; r from US$125;
)
This stylish hotel, spreadeagled across the main road, has a palatial interior decorated
with mosaics and Moroccan lamps. The huge pool and beach complex has three pools, a
gym (open 6am to 10pm), lovely gardens and the Red Sea Grill. Other restaurants include
the Palm Court, and Italian and Lebanese restaurants, both with outdoor terraces.
RESORT
Kempinski Hotel$$$
RESORT
( 2090888;
www.kempinski.com
;
King Hussein St; r from US$130; )
Lav-
ish, multilayered swimming pools, six restaurants and bars (including the renowned Fish
Inn and Black Pearl) and a spa make this super-luxury hotel worth top dollar. Despite be-
ing more angular and austere than its neighbours, the service is flawless. A comprehensive
tour service covers camping and balloon trips at Wadi Rum and overnight trips to Petra.
Captain's Hotel$$
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
( 2060710;
www.captains-jo.com
;
An-Nahda St; s/d JD75/85; )
Aqaba's
version of a boutique hotel, the Captain's began life as a fish restaurant (still functioning
on the ground floor and with an excellent reputation) and evolved, one storey at a time, in-
to this stylish new accommodation. With a bronze horse in the foyer and copper-tiled
flooring, compact rooms (with flat-screen TV), Arabian-style furniture and wonderful
bathrooms with massage showers, this is an upmarket choice for a midrange price. Other
facilities include an attractive pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
