There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available in the cities to suit all pockets, ranging from a mattress on a rooftop, to some of the most extravagant hotels in the region, run by international chains. Most cities have some kind of hotel but often the choice is limited. As Jordan is a small country, most visitors choose Amman, Madaba, the Dead Sea, Wadi Mousa or Aqaba as their base and visit the sites from there. Hotels are often fully booked during local holidays and in the high season (September - November and March - May) so reservations are advised. Rates can be negotiated during low season periods. All rates are subject to 20% tax and service. Serviced apartments are available but there are no youth hostels in Jordan.

A number of super-luxurious resorts along the Dead Sea offer a range of spa treatments that make the most of the healing properties of the local waters. Similar establishments are being developed along the Red Sea coast.

Grading: Hotels and resorts are graded from 1- to 5-star. Five- and 4-star hotels have discos and nightclubs with live music. For further information, contact the Jordan Tourism Board (website: www.visitjordan.com; see Contact Addresses).

Jordan has a number of simple but attractive eco-lodges, especially in the Dana Nature Reserve.

Staying at one of the Bedouin-style camps (some of which have chalets and hot-water shower facilities) in Wadi Rum, around Petra or at one of Jordan's nature reserves, can be the highlight of a trip to Jordan.