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InterContinental Amman, in Jordan’s capital city
If you’re in Jordan’s capital city of Amman on business, as I was when I attended the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Elevate NearEast conference in the fall, the InterContinental Amman Hotel is a solid business-friendly lodging choice.
Located between the second and third circles in the city’s Jabal Amman district, the Intercontinental Amman may not have the quirky charm of smaller independent lodgings like the nearby Bonita Inn, but it has all the services you need when you’re in the city to work.
Here’s the scoop:
A “classic” guest room at the InterContinental Amman
Guest Rooms and Amenities
The InterContinental Amman is set back from busy multi-lane Zahran Street, surrounded by several palm trees that give the hotel a more resort-like feel.
Guest rooms range from “classic” units of 345-365 square feet with two twins or one king bed to 710-square-foot junior suites to the luxurious presidential suite. The “premium” units are similar in size to the classic rooms but have updated furnishings.
Modern guest room furnishings
My standard twin unit had comfortable duvet-topped beds, a well-designed work desk by the window, and an oversized armchair where you could read or watch TV. The modern bathroom was large, with a shower, bathtub, and bidet, with bathrobes provided for guest use. A teakettle, coffeemaker, and refrigerator rounded out the room amenities.
You’re spoiled for choice with the hotel’s extensive breakfast offerings.
Facilities and Services
Like many business-class hotels in this part of the world, the Intercontinental Amman serves a lavish buffet breakfast every morning. Whether you prefer to start your day with pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt, a made-to-order omelet, an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie, a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and colorful pickled vegetables, or a bowl of ful, the bean stew that’s typically garnished with tahini, herbs, and chopped tomatoes, the Intercontinental can oblige.
Can you tell that I love breakfast buffets like this?
Though I didn’t have time to enjoy it (I was working after all), the Intercontinental Amman has a beautiful courtyard pool, surrounding by loungers and more palm trees. There’s a second pool indoors, along with a sauna, steam rooms, whirlpool tub, as well as a 24-hour fitness center.
Ah, an oasis of a swimming pool
Everyone entering the hotel is subject to a security screening, and all bags are x-rayed, a common practice at many international hotels, offices, and other buildings in the region.
The InterContinental’s concierge staff was helpful, offering directions and recommending a nearby falafel shop. The hotel is within a short walk of several casual eateries as well as a well-stocked grocery store. You can also walk to popular Rainbow Street, which lined with restaurants and bars.
There may be nothing surprising about the Intercontinental Hotel Amman, but when you’re traveling on business, especially in a historically volatile region, perhaps surprise is not what anyone needs.
Rates
Standard rooms with two twin beds at the InterContinental Amman start at about US$140 per night and king-bedded rooms begin at about US$152/night, including Wi-Fi but not breakfast. Look for packages that cover the tasty breakfast buffet. You can also check Expedia for discounted rates.
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. The Jordan Tourism Board and the Adventure Travel Trade Association hosted my stay at the InterContinental Amman as a media delegate at the ATTA Elevate Near East event.
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