Often overlooked for more famous destinations in the country, Amman, the capital of Jordan, is actually quite a fun place to visit. The city center buzzes with life, packed as it is with colorful markets, souvenir shops, archeological sites and an incredible amount of small restaurants and cafés.
Amman is the largest city in the Levant region and one of the largest in the Arab world. Being such a big city, finding where to stay in Amman is important, and your location and hotel can definitely have an impact on your experience – I only know too well! Pick the wrong area, and the noise of traffic and the call to prayer will wake you up at odd hours; or you may end up having to battle the crazy city traffic to get to the best attractions.
During my time in Amman, I stayed in three different locations in the city. So, I can safely point you to some of the best places to stay in Amman and the nicest Amman neighborhoods. Continue reading to discover where to stay in Amman, and the best Amman hotels.
Where To Stay In Amman: The Best Amman Hotels
Jabal Amman: Where to stay in Amman for nightlife
Jabal Amman is situated on one of Amman’s original seven hills. Situated close to the Downtown district, Jabal Amman is vibrant, and has a bohemian feel to it. So, as well as being one of the oldest Amman neighborhoods, it’s also Amman’s biggest hipster haven, too.
Unlike the other hills nearby, this one was never fortified. Instead it came into focus in the 20th century, when the city became the capital during the British Protectorate-era (1921-49). Politicians, royalty, army officials, wealthy families, business owners and expats began flocking to the district, giving it a reputation as being a well-heeled hood.
Fast-forward to today and Jabal Amman retains its leafy streets and heritage atmosphere. Historic buildings with distinctive, attractive architecture abound in this area. But it isn’t so associated with wealth nowadays; today it’s more of a trendy hang-out for locals and tourists alike, as well as an artist enclave.
There are plenty of famous streets in the area. The most famous is Rainbow Street, which is a destination in itself. Lined with elegant old villas, this picturesque street is a social spot where you can while away the hours in old-school coffee shops, go browsing for antiques, and dine at hip, high-end restaurants tucked away in heritage buildings.
Think cool cafes, cute boutiques, murals painted on the walls. It’s got that sort of laid-back, creative energy that makes it one of the most fun places to stay in Amman – and very different to the Downtown areas with their high-rise buildings and sparkling new hotels.
Where to stay in Jabal Amman
Budget – Cliff Hostel
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option in this cool district, then Cliff Hostel is where to stay in Amman. Reflecting the boho vibes of Jabal Amman, it’s an ideal place to stay for a couple of nights. It’s a good spot for socializing and meeting other travelers, too.
Choose between dorm rooms – which have bunks with privacy curtains, and a shared bathroom – or private rooms that are simple yet comfortable. Amenities include a relaxed rooftop terrace with far-reaching cityscape views. In terms of location, it’s just 500 yards from the Roman Theater and other sights around the city.
Mid Range – Intercontinental Amman
InterContinental Amman might be more what you’re looking for. This well trusted international hotel chain provides a contemporary place to stay in the city. Boasting bright modern rooms that come complete with large beds and modern bathrooms, each guest room includes a seating area and satellite TV.
On-site you can spend time cooling off in the indoor pool, or soaking in the hot tub. There’s also food on offer at the hotel’s Boulevard Cafe, as well as an on-site bar for evening drinks, too.
Luxury – Grand Hyatt Amman
For a luxury option, look no further than Grand Hyatt Amman. It’s a five-star option that offers up a taste of the finer things in Jabal Amman. With its carved pink facade, it’s a landmark building in the city. Here you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who’ll make sure your stay runs super smoothly. Rooms are elegant with polished furnishings and marble bathrooms.
Downtown Amman (New and Old): Where to stay in Amman for first timers
Right next door to Jabal Amman is the bustling district of Downtown. This central commercial area – the city’s oldest – is where you’ll find a whole host of things to do, see, buy and eat. There are plenty.
But wait. It can be a bit confusing, because Amman is actually a city with not one but two Downtowns. The original one I just mentioned was developed in the 1920s, whereas the new one came to life in 2014.
The Old Downtown, referred to as Wasat Al Balad (“City Center” in Arabic) is good for those who want to enjoy a taste of Amman’s past. The traffic may be congested, it may be very busy with people, but getting to know this exciting, historic area is well worth your time.
Thanks to it being the former center of everything in the capital city, here you’ll find cheap accommodation and plenty of things to keep you entertained. One of the best things to do here is shop for spices, or pick up a traditional snack (hummus and falafel, anyone?) from a no-nonsense establishment.
The New Downtown is a shiny, skyscraper-clad district where you’ll find headquarters for businesses, luxury living and high-end restaurants.
Thankfully, though, the New Downtown doesn’t overshadow the Old. They both have something to offer to suit different travelers. Choosing which one of these two Downtowns you’d prefer to base yourself in will make a big difference to your Amman adventure.
Where to stay in Downtown Amman
Luxury – Amman Rotana
First of all, you may want to check out Amman Rotana. Housed in a gleaming skyscraper in the New Downtown, Amman Rotana was actually the first tower hotel in Jordan when it opened in 2016. Set across 50 floors, and soaring to 600 feet, you can’t miss this silvery monolith in the Jordanian capital.
The hotel is packed with all the five-star amenities you’d expect. The rooms are deluxe, the facilities are state of the art, and the comfort level is definitely set at maximum. Staying here is all about enjoying views from up high, ordering room service, sampling its multiple bars and restaurants, and pampering yourself in the wellness center.
Luxury – W Amman Hotel
A branch of the W hotel franchise, the W Amman Hotel is an ultra-lux place to stay in New Downtown. Here there are 280 guest rooms to choose from, all decked out in a vivid contemporary style; and with eye-catching aesthetics throughout, it feels like a real experience.
While guest rooms have signature W mattresses, rain showers and floor to ceiling windows, the hotel’s social spaces include a three-floor “destination bar”, a rooftop swimming pool and a cutting-edge gym for guests to use. Get ready for the most Instagram-friendly workout spot ever!
Luxury – The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana
New Downtown isn’t short of polished hotels, and The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana is yet another one of them. Located just 10 minutes from the King Abdullah I Mosque, this hotel offers up studio rooms for a comfortable stay in the city. Each guest room comes complete with a full kitchenette (great for rustling up quick snacks), as well as city views and fashionable furnishings.
The convenience and luxury continues throughout The Boulevard in terms of entertainment and amenities. These include a swimming pool, an Italian restaurant and a stylish cafe to enjoy.
Abdali: Where to stay in Amman for shopaholics
Abdali is basically the new Uptown of Amman. It’s actually so new that it’s yet to be completed. The vision for its design was for Abdali to become the new commercial and business district of the city, made up of hotels, businesses, residential homes and shops.
Even though it’s not finished, you can still find a lot happening in this well put-together district. Here there are shopping malls filled with luxury brands; pedestrianised boulevards to stroll and window shop; boutiques to explore; and the mosaic-domed King Abdullah I Mosque – a landmark of the city.
Where to stay in Abdali
Budget – AlKindi Hotel
This three-star hotel is a cozy and comfortable option, and one of the best places to stay in Amman on a budget. The amenities here alone make this place great value for money; there’s a freshly prepared continental breakfast served up each morning; room service; and a tours desk.
The guest rooms here are large and laid-back, but spotlessly clean. They come in a selection of different suites, all with a small seating area and small kitchen area, as well as a bedroom and private bathroom. Staff are friendly and accommodating.
What with the central location, allowing you to travel around the city easily, it’s a great option.
Mid Range – Corp Amman Hotel
A fantastic mid-range option, Corp Amman Hotel offers up an affordable place to stay in Abdali, Amman. Rooms here are comfortable, and come with crisp white linens, large windows and spacious, well appointed bathrooms. The staff on hand are super helpful and welcoming, providing a good service for the price.
When it comes to amenities, the hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, as well as a sauna and spa for guests to unwind in.
Luxury – Grand Millennium Hotel Amman
The Grand Millennium Hotel Amman is a contemporary design hotel and one of the best Amman hotels. Expect modern interiors. Rooms are decorated in traditional furnishings, plush carpets, patterned wallpapers and relaxing tones of blue. There are floor to ceiling windows and gleaming bathrooms added to the polished feel of the hotel. Some rooms even come with their own kitchens too.
In terms of amenities, the Grand Millennium Hotel Amman is full of them. Here guests can enjoy a workout at the health club, dine at the restaurant or go for a swim in the indoor pool. And location-wise, the central setting puts this hotel close to shopping centers and a 10-minute drive from the historic Amman Citadel.
Abdoun: The best residential district in Amman
Abdoun is a super affluent residential district in the south of the city. Here’s where you’ll find some of the most expensive properties in the city. I’m talking large houses complete with their own swimming pools.
There are embassies in Abdoun; expats find places to live here and it exudes a kind of wealthy calm and quiet.
But it isn’t just residential. This modern part of town may not have a long history, but its calm yet dynamic atmosphere has brought it many residents and visitors in recent years. Abdoun Mall was the first of its kind to open in the city, cementing Abdoun as a prime area not only for living, but also for shopping, wining and dining.
Here you can also discover some of the city’s most popular bars, some of its best shopping and a buzzy restaurant scene, too.
Where to stay in Abdoun
Budget – The Wanderers
Located half a mile from Rainbow Street and not far from Zahran Palace, The Wanderers is another surprisingly affordable option in Abdoun. It’s a hostel that offers up the chance for you to meet and mingle with other travelers during your stay in the Jordanian capital.
Decorated in cool, boho designs, there’s a relaxing guest lounge where you can unwind in the evenings. There’s also a stylish rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and soak up some city vistas.
Dorm rooms here are clean, featuring modern beds that come with privacy curtains. There’s a female-only dormitory room, which is great if you’re a solo female traveler (or in a group). And for those on a tight budget, there’s a communal kitchen where you can whip up meals for yourself.
Mid Range – The Y Hotel
The neighborhood of Abdoun may be well-heeled, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any affordable accommodation options in this district. Enter THE Y Hotel.
This mid-range hotel features rooms that are super clean and well maintained, coming in a selection of sizes for different travel types – from singles, all the way to king suites with balconies. With their wooden floors, relaxing seating areas and warm decor, each one feels like a cozy place to stay.
The hotel also has its own garden, which is a lovely place to relax in after a busy day of exploring the city. And in terms of location, you’ll find THE Y Hotel a short walk from the Jordan Museum and Amman Citadel.
Luxury – The Toledo Amman Hotel
The Toledo Amman Hotel boasts a range of amenities so you can fully make the most of your downtime during your trip to the city. For starters, there’s a swish on-site restaurant that’s ideal for evening meals, an indoor pool and spa, and a coffee shop called Andalusia decorated with Moorish decor.
The rooms at this hotel come in a range of sizes, including large options for families. They’re simply decorated with clean tiled floors, white washed walls and light wood furnishings. But the vibe is warm and homely; staff are considerate and will help you settle in to enjoy your trip.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Jordan, these other posts will come in handy:
- 13 Cool Things To Do In Amman
- A 3 Day Itinerary For The Jordan Trail
- The Best Travel Tips For Jordan
- The Best Places To Visit In Jordan
- The Best Guide To Visiting Petra
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