The best hotels in Jordan: nine places to stay in Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum

The newest luxury hotel

The Ritz-Carlton is one of the newest luxury hotels in Amman, with large rooms, city views and a pool surrounded by terraces. It has several restaurants and a large spa.

This is our Amman pick, if you want to start or end the trip in real comfort. It is in the western districts, so take a taxi to the centre. Have dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants on Jabal Amman.

The view from the hill

The Four Seasons stands on one of the city's highest hills, with views over Amman from most rooms. It is known for good service and a lavish breakfast.

It suits you if you want a classic luxury hotel with consistent quality. It is some way from the old town. Take a taxi to the Citadel at sunset for the view over the city.

Butlers and a pool

The St. Regis has elegant rooms with butler service, an outdoor pool among palm trees and a large spa. It is in the western districts, home to most of the embassies and newer restaurants.

It suits couples and anyone who wants extra service. It is pricier than most hotels in the city. Head to Rainbow Street in the evening for cafes, street food and views over the old town.

Terraced pools

Kempinski Ishtar is built in terraces, with pools on several levels stepping down to the Dead Sea, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It has its own beach, a large spa and several restaurants.

This is our Dead Sea pick, for the setting and the spa. It is a big hotel and busy at weekends. Float in the sea at sunset, and cover yourself in mud on the beach.

Room for families

The Marriott on the Dead Sea has plenty of pools, its own beach and a large spa. Rooms have balconies, and many look across the water to the hills on the other side.

It suits families who want space and a choice of pools, where children can swim when the Dead Sea gets too salty. It is less luxurious than the Kempinski, but cheaper. Leave time for the spa, which uses Dead Sea minerals.

Right by the entrance

The Mövenpick is right by the entrance to Petra, with an Arabic-style courtyard and a rooftop terrace with a bar. You can walk from the hotel to the ticket office in a couple of minutes.

This is our Petra pick, as the location saves a lot of walking after a long day in the ruins. Rooms are classic and a little plain, but clean and quiet. Go to Petra by Night, when the Siq and the Treasury are lit by candles.

A rooftop pool by the visitor centre

Petra Moon is close to the visitor centre, with modern rooms, a rooftop pool and a spa. It is a smaller hotel with personal service, and staff are happy to help with guides and tickets.

It suits you if you want to stay near Petra in a newer, brighter hotel. The streets around it are busy, with shops and restaurants on the doorstep. Climb to the Monastery, Ad Deir, early in the day, before the heat.

A dome with a desert view

UFO Luxotel has round domes with large windows facing the desert, so you can see the mountains from your bed. The camp sits among the cliffs, and breakfast is included.

This is our desert camp pick, if you want comfort and a view. The domes are simple inside, but the bed faces the window. Book a jeep tour with the Bedouin in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from a dune.

Glass domes under the stars

Wild Oryx has transparent domes where you lie looking straight up at the stars at night. The camp offers excursions, archery and meals, and sits quietly among the mountains.

This is our stargazing pick, especially away from the full moon. The domes get hot in the middle of the day in summer. Try zarb, the traditional Bedouin dinner cooked in the sand.