Where to stay in Jordan
Hotels
Accommodation in Jordan caters to a wide range of budgets and travel styles, from international hotel chains to small guesthouses and desert camps. Most visitors find the best choice of accommodation in major centres such as Amman and Aqaba, as well as along the Dead Sea coast, where resort-style hotels are common. Standards in mid-range and higher-end hotels are generally good, with reliable facilities and English-speaking staff.
In Amman, accommodation ranges from budget hostels and family-run hotels to modern business hotels and boutique properties in neighbourhoods such as Jabal Amman and Weibdeh. Aqaba, by contrast, is more resort-oriented, with beachfront hotels, diving lodges, and relaxed seaside properties catering to Red Sea visitors.
Near Petra and Wadi Rum, accommodation tends to focus on guesthouses, small hotels, and desert camps. Wadi Rum is particularly known for its Bedouin-style camps, which range from simple tented stays to more comfortable setups with private facilities. Staying overnight in the desert is a highlight for many travellers, offering clear night skies and a strong sense of place.
Jordan is also known for its growing eco-tourism offering. In and around the Dana Biosphere Reserve, eco-lodges and community-run guesthouses focus on sustainability, local employment, and low-impact travel. The best-known example is Feynan Eco-Lodge, famous for its candle-lit evenings, remote setting, and guided nature activities. These lodges appeal to travellers seeking a quieter, more immersive experience.
Camping
Camping in Jordan can be a rewarding way to experience the country's landscapes, particularly its deserts, mountains, and nature reserves. Options range from organised camps with basic facilities to more remote, minimalist experiences, though camping is more regulated than in some other destinations and visitors should be aware of local rules.
The most popular camping destination is Wadi Rum, where camping is only permitted at licensed Bedouin camps. These vary from simple setups with shared facilities to more comfortable camps offering private tents, meals, and guided activities. Independent wild camping is not allowed in Wadi Rum, and visitors must enter the protected area with an authorised operator.
Outside Wadi Rum, camping is possible in designated areas within nature reserves such as Dana Biosphere Reserve, where official campsites and eco-lodges offer tented accommodation or allow camping with permission. These sites are managed to protect wildlife and the environment, and advance arrangements are usually required.
