Intercontinental Amman Review: Iconic 5* Luxury
When I started planning my trip to Jordan, I knew I wanted to kick things off with a touch of luxury before heading into the adventure of Petra, Wadi Rum, and beyond. Intercontinental Amman instantly caught my attention, not only for its unbeatable central location but also for its legacy as Jordan’s very first five-star hotel. There’s something undeniably special about starting your journey in a place that’s played such a key role in the country’s hospitality history. In this Intercontinental Amman review, I’ll share my honest experience of the hotel, from the comfort of the rooms to the highlights of its dining scene, and whether I think it’s worth making part of your own Jordan itinerary.
First Impressions & Location
One of the best things about Intercontinental Amman is its location. Set in the heart of the city, it’s just a short walk or drive to key spots like Rainbow Street, the bustling downtown area, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Whether you’re after sightseeing or a bite to eat, you’re well-placed here. I walked from the hotel to both Downtown and Rainbow street, Rainbow street is much closer but if you’re able and willing to walk the 40 minutes to DownTown, I would highly recommend. The route to Downtown will immerse you into the Jordanian culture and you will be met by beautiful traditional architecture along the route.
Walking into the lobby, my first thought was how modern and luxurious it felt; Grand without being overwhelming. The space was busy but organised, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Check-in was smooth and the staff were incredibly friendly, offering genuine hospitality from the moment I arrived.
Security is visible at the entrance, including a mandatory bag scan, which felt reassuring rather than intrusive and added to the sense of comfort and safety throughout my stay.
Room & Comfort – Standard Double Room
I stayed in a standard double room, and it was much more spacious than I’d expected. The bed was an absolute dream: plush, supportive, and perfect for collapsing into after a long day of exploring Amman! There were also cosy seating areas where I could enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the morning or unwind in the evening, which made the room feel like more than just a place to sleep.
The design was modern with tasteful pops of colour that kept it feeling fresh and welcoming. Everything was spotless on arrival, and the housekeeping team kept it that way throughout my stay. They were not only thorough but also thoughtful, often checking in to see what time I’d like the room cleaned so it wouldn’t disturb my plans for the day. Their friendliness really added to the warmth of the experience.
My room had a beautiful city view, and one of my favourite moments was opening the window during the call to prayer. Hearing the sound echo across the city was something truly special and made me feel even more connected to the place.
The bathroom was just as impressive, with a powerful rainfall shower head and high-quality toiletries, including a body lotion that smelled amazing. The little luxuries such as a soft robe and slippers, were the cherry on top. The Wi-Fi worked flawlessly without any extra charge, which was a relief as I could upload my photos and keep in touch without any issues.
There was also an ironing board and iron in the room which was very much appreciated, especially as I’ve never seen an individual iron and ironing board in a room before, that’s normally a paid extra! I of course made the most of this luxury and ironed my clothes a couple of times, to ensure that I was looking as good as I felt during my stay in this luxurious hotel!
Food & Drink Highlights
Breakfast was a real highlight at Intercontinental Amman. Depending on your chosen room, it’s included within the room rate, and the variety was nothing short of impressive! There was everything from hot dishes and fresh pastries to a live cooking station where you could get eggs made to order. I even spotted a bean station, which was a fun surprise! The juice options were plentiful and fresh, so you could mix it up each morning. The quality was consistently good, and it set me up perfectly for a day of sightseeing.
We stayed in the Wadi Rum desert one night, which was of course amazing, but I was genuinely sad to be missing out on a day’s worth of a great breakfast buffet!
When it came to on-site dining, there was plenty of variety. From the sushi bar to the main restaurant, plus a coffee bar, cocktail bar, and even a poolside bar, you’re never short of choices. I particularly enjoyed relaxing by the outdoor pool with a cocktail in hand. The food and drinks could be served right to your sun lounger, which felt wonderfully indulgent.
Hotel Facilities & Extras
One of the things that impressed me most about the Intercontinental Amman was the range of facilities available. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, and both were in excellent condition. The outdoor pool is the livelier of the two, with music playing and attentive waiters providing sun lounger service. The indoor pool, on the other hand, was much quieter, which is ideal if you’re someone that prefers a more peaceful swim.
The spa and gym facilities were equally impressive. The gym is large, well-equipped, and even has a separate studio area if you prefer a more private workout. Flavoured water stations dotted around the space were a thoughtful touch. The adjoining changing rooms – separated by gender – lead through to the indoor pool and also include a sauna and jacuzzi. It’s worth noting that if you’re travelling as a couple of different sexes, you’ll have to enjoy these facilities separately.
I also used the airport transfer service, which needs to be booked in advance. I arranged mine by emailing reception, and they quickly sent over a short form to complete. The return journey cost 50 JOD each way, and the car provided was spacious, air-conditioned, and comfortable. My driver was incredibly friendly and even pointed out some key sights on the way, which made the journey feel like a mini city tour.
What Makes Intercontinental Amman Special?
What really sets Intercontinental Amman apart is its history. As Jordan’s very first five-star hotel, opening in 1964, it holds a special place in the country’s tourism story. Despite its heritage, the hotel feels surprisingly modern, having clearly been kept up to date without losing its character.
The atmosphere is another huge plus. It manages to strike that tricky balance of feeling both luxurious and relaxed. Families, couples, and solo travellers all seemed equally at home here, and the environment was friendly without ever feeling overbearing.
Would I Stay Again?
Absolutely!! I genuinely cannot wait for my next visit to Jordan and I often don’t like to return to the same hotel when travelling but this hotel is a must-stay when in Amman.
Intercontinental Amman is a fantastic option if you want a soft landing in Jordan, especially after a long travel day or before heading off on more rugged adventures.
Pros:
- Excellent location in central Amman
- Historic charm with modern comforts
- Great breakfast and food options
- Comfortable, clean rooms
- Friendly, professional staff
Cons:
- Higher-end pricing
I could genuinely only think of one con which, in my eyes, is a massive win for a hotel! I’d recommend this hotel for couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking to start or end their Jordan journey with a bit of luxury. It’s particularly ideal for first-time visitors who want somewhere comfortable, central, and safe.
Top Tip: If your budget allows, consider a room with lounge access or a city view, it’s worth the upgrade!
My Final Intercontinental Amman Review Verdict
After my stay, I can confidently say that Intercontinental Amman truly earns its five-star status. From the moment I arrived, I felt looked after, not just in the polished, professional sense, but in a genuine, welcoming way that made my time in Amman all the more special. The location is unbeatable for exploring the city, the facilities are extensive, and the food is fantastic.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side compared to other options in Amman, but the comfort, service, and atmosphere make it a worthy splurge, especially if it’s the start or end of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Jordan. Whether you’re arriving after a long-haul flight or wrapping up days of desert adventures, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little indulgence.
You can view more information and book a stay at this stunning and luxurious hotel by clicking below:
InterContinental Amman (Jordan)Video Visual
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