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Where to Stay in Aqaba

Where to Stay in Aqaba

Aqaba Petra And The South, Jordan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Luxury Hotels/Resorts

  • International and Local High-End

    These establishments frequently feature private beaches, multiple swimming pools, extensive spa facilities, and various dining choices.

  • Prime Locations

    Most luxury accommodations concentrate along the city's waterfront or within the purpose-built Tala Bay area to the south.

  • Full Services

    Properties like the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba or InterContinental Aqaba Resort extend comprehensive services and amenities for a pampered stay.

  • Suitable For

    Travelers seeking a premium, full-service experience.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Aqaba features a broad selection of 3-star and 4-star hotels. These properties include comfortable rooms, often with a swimming pool, restaurant, and good amenities. They balance comfort and value.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses

    These are simpler lodgings, often family-run. They furnish basic, clean rooms, sometimes with shared bathroom facilities. Located mainly in older city parts, they secure an authentic local stay at an affordable price.

  • Hostels

    A few hostels cater to backpackers and budget solo travelers. They include dorm beds and sometimes private rooms, fostering a social atmosphere where you may meet other travelers.

  • Vacation Rentals (Apartments)

    Apartments for rent are available via platforms like Booking.com or Vrbo. These rentals offer more space, often with kitchen facilities, and suit families or self-catering travelers. They can present good value for longer stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area is a distinct character and a set of benefits.

City Center/Downtown

Benefits
  • Experience the authentic rhythm of Aqaba.
  • Easy access to local markets, budget-friendly food, and transportation hubs.
  • Good for historical sites, the souk, and local eateries.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially during peak hours.
  • Limited direct beach access.
  • Parking has a challenge.
  • Awareness of crowds is wise for petty theft.

Corniche/Waterfront Promenade

Benefits
  • Direct beach access and pleasant sea views.
  • Relaxed atmosphere for evening walks.
  • Central location for dining and services.
  • Very safe with high presence of tourists and local families.
Considerations
  • Can get busy, especially on weekends and evenings.
  • Less local feel compared to downtown.
  • Limited private spaces.

Tala Bay

Benefits
  • Quieter and more upscale surroundings.
  • Excellent resort facilities: pools, spas, water sports.
  • Ideal for relaxation and resort-based vacations.
  • Very safe due to controlled, private environment.
Considerations
  • Transportation (taxi or hotel shuttle) to Aqaba city adds travel time and cost.
  • Minimal local feel compared to the city center.
  • Distance from main city attractions.

Proximity to Transportation

City Center & Corniche

Well-served by taxis and ride-hailing services like Careem. Local transportation hubs are nearby.

Tala Bay

Resorts often arrange shuttle services. Taxis and Careem are available, though less frequent than in the city.

Booking Strategies

Planning ahead for your accommodation can lead to a smoother travel experience and better rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (October-April) and Major Holidays: Booking well in advance is highly advisable. Aim for 2-3 months ahead, especially for specific hotels or room types. This secures your preferred lodging and frequently results in better rates.
  • Shoulder Season (May and September): A few weeks to a month in advance typically suffices. You might discover better deals during these periods.
  • Low Season (June-August): You often book closer to your travel date, sometimes even a week or a few days before. Prices are generally lowest during this time.
  • Major Holidays: During Eid, Christmas, and New Year, hotels may be fully booked and prices may surge. Early booking is strongly advised.

Considerations for Booking

  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Use well-known international online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia. They feature a wide selection and user reviews. Direct hotel websites sometimes extend loyalty benefits or special packages.
  • Negotiation Customs (Walk-in Rates): For smaller, independent hotels or guesthouses, especially during the low season, polite negotiation for walk-in rates might be feasible. This is less customary for larger chain hotels.
  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Always review the deposit and cancellation policies thoroughly before confirming your booking. Policies vary widely by property and room type. Look for flexible cancellation options if travel plans might shift.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices in Aqaba shift significantly. They are notably higher in the high season and during holidays, and drop considerably in the low season.

Additional Accommodation Options

Unique Local Accommodation
  • Some dive centers in Aqaba present basic lodging integrated with their diving facilities.
  • These are popular with divers desiring direct sea access and a community feel with fellow enthusiasts.
House Sitting
  • Platforms like TrustedHousesitters connect travelers with house and pet sitting opportunities.
  • This option may offer cost-effective, long-term stays in exchange for pet or home care.

Helpful Tip

Read Reviews

Review recent comments from other travelers on booking platforms to gain a current impression of a property's cleanliness, service, and location.

Check Direct Websites

Sometimes, direct hotel websites like IHG Hotels or Hostelworld for budget options, have exclusive deals not found on OTAs.

Confirm Facilities

Always verify the facilities and amenities listed, especially if they are important to your stay (e.g., Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathroom).

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some suggested accommodation options in Aqaba, categorized by budget and traveler type.

Budget & Solo Traveler Options

Aqaba Adventure Divers Village 15 - 35 JOD/Night

Located in South Beach/Dive area.

  • Budget-friendly rooms.
  • Popular with divers.
  • Relaxed atmosphere.
  • Often includes breakfast.
Al Amer Chalets 20 - 40 JOD/Night

Near city center.

  • Basic, clean rooms.
  • Suitable for short stays.
  • Close to local amenities.

Mid-Range Options

DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba 60 - 100 JOD/Night

City Center/Waterfront.

  • Modern hotel.
  • Rooftop pool.
  • Good city and sea views.
  • Central location, accessible to dining and shopping.
Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba 90 - 150 JOD/Night

City Center/Waterfront.

  • Swiss hospitality.
  • Private beach access.
  • Multiple pools, diverse dining.
  • Family-friendly.

Luxury Options

  • Kempinski Hotel Aqaba (150 - 250+ JOD/Night)

    City Center/Waterfront. A 5-star luxury experience with private beach, infinity pool, upscale dining, and excellent service.

  • InterContinental Aqaba Resort (140 - 240+ JOD/Night)

    City Center/Waterfront. This resort features spacious rooms, private beach, and a large pool complex, renowned for its service and amenities.

Specialized Options

  • Family-Friendly: Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort (120 - 250+ JOD/Night)

    Located in Tala Bay. This resort includes numerous pools, kids' clubs, private beach, water sports facilities, and often all-inclusive options.

  • Solo Traveler: Darna Village Beach & Dive Resort (20 - 50 JOD/Night)

    South Beach/Dive area. Social atmosphere, caters to divers, good for meeting other travelers, simple and functional rooms.

  • Long-Stay: Apartment Rentals (40 - 100 JOD/Night)

    Various options in City Center, residential areas. More space, kitchen facilities, good for self-catering, often better value for extended stays.

Advice

Read Recent Reviews

Review recent comments from other travelers on booking platforms to grasp a current sense of a property's cleanliness, service, and location.

Consider Your Priorities

Choose a neighborhood and accommodation type that align with your travel objectives, whether that is local immersion, beach relaxation, or water sports.

Important Note

Price Ranges

Average price ranges are approximations and may fluctuate based on season, demand, and specific dates.

Booking Platforms

Utilize platforms like Booking.com and Agoda for a wide selection and comparative pricing.

Direct Bookings

Check hotel's direct websites like IHG Hotels for potential loyalty benefits or exclusive offers.