Luxury Redefined: Unveiling Retaj Hotel Amman's Hidden Gems
Luxury Redefined? More Like "Survived Amman with Retaj – And Actually Enjoyed It!" (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. I’ve just spent a week at the Retaj Hotel Amman, ostensibly to review it, but let’s be honest – also because I desperately needed a break from… well, everything. And let me tell you, this isn’t your cookie-cutter hotel experience. This is a… journey. (Insert dramatic music here.)
First Impressions (and the Dreaded “Accessibility” Chat):
Okay, so, accessibility. The brochure promised the world, but real life, as we all know, is a finicky beast. Retaj Amman attempts to be accessible. The elevators are present, the signage sort of makes sense, and the staff are generally eager to help. But, and this is a big but, it's not perfect. Some doorways felt a little tight, and relying solely on accessibility is tricky if you need it. So, while they try, bear that in mind. (Accessibility: 7/10 – good effort, room for improvement.)
Checking In & Out (Contactless – Thank God!):
The contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver. After a transatlantic flight, the last thing I wanted was to navigate a crowded lobby. The process was surprisingly smooth, which is always a win. And yeah, even if they hadn't, the front desk is 24-hour, so you're always covered. They even had a doorman – felt fancy for a hot minute! (Services & Conveniences: 8/10 – Smooth check-in, good work!)
The Rooms! (Or, My Temporary Fortress):
Let's go straight into the room: Absolutely, positively, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a GODSEND! I mean, seriously. A little internet-obsessed? Yes, I am. And the fact I never experienced a single dropped connection allowed me to stay connected to the world, and stream nonsense all day. The room itself was… nice. Not palatial, but definitely comfortable. The air conditioning (a MUST in Amman!), blackout curtains (essential for my sleep schedule), and a comfortable bed were instant wins. The toiletries were decent, the coffee/tea maker was appreciated, and, let's be honest, the free bottled water felt like a life-saver at 3 AM. (Available in all rooms: 9/10 - Wi-Fi rocks, everything else solid.)
Oh, and the "extra long bed". Score! I am a tall person, so that was a plus.
Let's Talk About Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, The Times):
Alright, this is important. Retaj Amman clearly takes hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays - they're doing the right thing. Hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. You practically tripped over a bottle. They've got the staff trained in safety protocols too, which is reassuring. (Cleanliness and Safety: 9.5/10 – Seriously impressed.)
Dining (And My Ongoing Struggle to Figure Out Breakfast):
Okay, the buffet. I’m generally a buffet person, but this one was… a lot. There's a western breakfast, an Asian breakfast, and a local options galore. But this thing has got me thinking, am I ever going to be alright with the buffet? It's so much food! Salad, soup, coffee, a bit of every cuisine you can imagine. But look, I don't know if I ever want to be a buffet person again. It's a lot. (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: 7/10 – The buffet is an experience, to say the least.)
The Spa (My Secret Weapon to Survive):
Forget the pool with a view, forget the gym. The spa. I'm not a spa person, never have been. But after a few days of exploring Amman in the heat, I was broken. So, I relented. The steam room, the sauna, the whole shebang. Oh, and the massage. (Deep breaths, people. Deep breaths.) It was… transcendent. I genuinely lost track of time and emerged feeling like a different human being. The body scrub and wrap? Absolute bliss. I could easily have spent a week just living in that spa. I mean, it was the best place. (Ways to Relax: 10/10 – THE SPA SAVED ME!)
Things to Do (Beyond the Spa!):
Okay, so this isn't a resort. Amman's the reason you're here. You're in a city environment. But the hotel offers things to do, albeit not much. They offer the gym, and I do have to say, it's a good one. They've got the kids facilities, if you brought kids, which I didn't. And you can always take the airport transfer available. (Things to Do: 6/10 – It's a hotel, not a theme park. But the location is good for city exploring.)
The Little Things (That Matter):
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful, even with my terrible attempts at Arabic. They knew the basics.
- The Location: Pretty central, close to some cool areas. You can always take the taxi service, and there's a car park on site if that's your thing.
- The Vibe: Relaxed, not overly pretentious.
Quirks and Quirks:
- The "Shrine" listed in the amenities. I could not for the life of me find it.
- The room decorations. I don't remember them being there.
- The mini bar. I didn't use it. I couldn't be bothered!
The Verdict: Is Retaj Amman Worth It?
Absolutely. It's not perfect. It's got areas for improvement. But it's a solid, comfortable, well-located hotel with a truly amazing spa. It's safe, clean, and the staff are friendly. And, let's be honest, the free Wi-Fi is a major selling point.
My Emotional Reaction: 8/10 - Would Stay Again (Especially for the Spa!)
SEO-Friendly Summary:
Luxury Redefined: Retaj Hotel Amman - Your Amman Oasis (Honest Review + Booking Tips!)
Looking for a comfortable, clean, and centrally located hotel in Amman? The Retaj Hotel Amman offers a surprisingly delightful experience, blending comfort with convenience. This detailed review dives deep, covering everything from accessibility (with honest considerations) to the hotel’s impressive commitment to cleanliness and safety using anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection.
Enjoy top-notch amenities like a free Wi-Fi in all rooms, a superb spa with a sauna and a massage, and well-appointed rooms with air conditioning, blackout curtains (a godsend!), and free bottled water. While you're at it, enjoy a breakfast buffet, alongside other dining options such as a coffee shop, or the Asian cuisine in restaurant. Benefit from easy contactless check-in/out and 24-hour front desk service. Retaj offers a variety of useful services and conveniences, including air conditioning in public areas, a doorman, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, concierge, along with a family/child friendly environment, as well as indoor and outdoor venues for special events with facilities for disabled guests.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing and convenient stay in Amman!
Book Now and Experience Retaj's Hidden Gems! (Click here!) [Include a direct booking link here]
I also need to mention. In addition to all of this, I've noticed, they're trying their best with the COVID protocols. They have, and more than I have ever seen - they're trying their best to do the right thing. I have to give them high marks on that. I always felt safe, and I think that's a huge selling point in this day and age.
London Penthouse Perfection: Balcony Views You'll NEVER Forget!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Jordanian adventure, specifically, the glorious, the somewhat… interesting Retaj Hotel in Amman. This isn't your perfectly-manicured Instagram itinerary. This is the real deal. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and the constant yearning for a decent cup of coffee.
My Retaj Hotel Amman - A Symphony of Sand and Slightly Stale Air (and Me, trying to survive it)
Day 1: Arrival, Delusions of Grandeur, and a Very Urgent Need for Falafel
- 1:00 PM (ish): Landed in Amman. The airport’s air conditioning was doing a valiant, albeit losing, battle against the desert heat. Already sweating. Glamorous, I know. Grabbed a cab (negotiating skills: nonexistent, paid way too much). The drive to the Retaj was… an experience. Amman is a city built on hills, and my driver clearly enjoyed testing his car’s acceleration capabilities. My stomach did not approve.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Retaj. Ah, the Retaj. First impressions? A slightly faded grandeur. Remember those photos online? Definitely from a different era. It's like the hotel is posing in a way, trying to hide something. Was given a room on the 7th floor, which, after the cab ride, already felt like an Everest climb. Key card… didn't work. Twice. My initial reaction? A delightful, slightly frustrated sigh.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, in the room. Okay, the view isn’t terrible. Overlooks a bustling street, a few minarets piercing the sky, and… construction. Always construction. A classic city-view bonus. The room itself? Think "Early 2000s Business Trip." Safe, clean-ish, but the carpet has seen things. I’m pretty sure I saw a stain that resembled a sad camel. Don't look too closely…
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked and did the mandatory bed bounce test, checking for hidden treasures, like a forgotten ten-dollar bill or an old book. Found nothing. Disappointed? A little. But the aircon was a constant blast of cold air, and that was making me want to stay in here.
- 3:30 PM: The Falafel Crusade Begins. The stomach, the real boss, demanded sustenance. Armed with shaky Google Maps directions, I ventured out. The quest for authentic Jordanian falafel became a pilgrimage. Walked in the wrong direction, asked for help, got pointed at a street vendor who was definitely trying to fleece me. The falafel was worth it, though. Crunchy, warm, smeared with a spicy sauce that set my mouth on fire in the best way possible. This, my friends, is what travel is all about.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, tired, sweaty (again!). Realized the Retaj has a pool. Decided against it, a little too scared to wear a swimsuit.
- 6:00 PM: Settled in to watch TV. Finding a channel in English was like a game of hide-and-seek. Found one with a show about cats. That was not a highlight.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant, which, bless their hearts, tried. The food? Okay. The service? Well-intentioned, but slow. The hummus was decent, but it wasn’t falafel level. I was already starting to miss that street vendor.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted. The sheets, thankfully, were clean. Hoping for a good night's sleep, and that tomorrow the carpet in my room will be slightly less depressing.
Day 2: Jerash Ruins, Ancient History, and a Nearly Fatal Camel Ride
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Coffee was required. The hotel coffee: weak, watery, and tasted vaguely of sadness. Found a Nespresso pod I hid in my suitcase, saved the morning.
- 9:00 AM: Jerash Bound! Organized a day trip to Jerash, the incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins. The drive? Long. The guide? Enthusiastic. The history? Mind-blowing. Imagine a whole ancient city just popping up out of the sand? You've got to see it to believe it. It was huge, so much to see, so many stories to soak in. Spent hours wandering through the colonnaded streets, imagining the Romans going around their business. Felt like I was stepping into a movie.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Jerash. Delicious traditional Mansaf!
- 2:00 PM: The Camel Ride Debacle. Okay, this needs its own section. I, in a moment of questionable judgment, decided to ride a camel. I'm not a camel person. I'm not a horse person, even. But the allure of the desert experience… you know? The camel was named… Well, I didn't understand the name. Whatever, let's just call him "Grumpy." Getting on Grumpy was the first challenge. Getting off was another. The ride itself? Hot, bumpy, and I was convinced I was going to slide off and break a limb. I spent the entire time praying to all the gods for the ride to end. I'm pretty sure Grumpy was judging me. I was absolutely never getting on a camel again.
- 3:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Needed a shower (and therapy). The pool seemed more tempting after my camel experience.
- 5:00 PM: The Pool… Okay, here we go. The pool at the Retaj. It was the picture of resort paradise in the photos, but… it was just average. The water was cold, and the chairs were well-used. I ended up just dipping my toes.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a different restaurant. The food wasn't that much special.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Exhausted. Dreaming of falafel and never seeing another camel.
Day 3: Citadel, Souks, and the Search for the Perfect Baklava
- 9:00 AM: Checked out.
- 10:00 AM: The Citadel The Citadel is the oldest part of Amman. Awesome views of the city and some pretty impressive Roman ruins.
- 12:00 PM: Souk Shenanigans. Went to the souk, a noisy bustling market. The best part of it was the aroma of spices. Also managed to haggle for a scarf, and I felt like a champion.
- 1:30 PM: Baklava Quest. The mission: find the best baklava in Amman. This was serious business. Sampled baklava from multiple places. Finally found it: flaky, honey-drenched perfection. Worth the sugar rush.
- 3:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Reflecting on my trip. Amman is a city of contrasts. It's dusty, chaotic, and sometimes a little overwhelming. But it's also incredibly welcoming, full of amazing food, and steeped in history. The Retaj? Well, let's just say it added to the adventure.
- 4:00 PM: Flight home. Goodbye Jordan.
Final Thoughts (and a few more random notes):
- The Retaj Hotel: It’s… an experience. It’s clean-ish and in a good location, but don't go expecting luxury. It’s got character, and that’s probably the best way to say it.
- The Food: Falafel is your friend. Embrace the hummus, try everything, and don't be afraid to eat street food. Your stomach may hate you, but your taste buds will thank you.
- The People: The Jordanians were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions, and learn a few basic Arabic phrases. It goes a long way.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe I'd try a different hotel, but Jordan? Absolutely. And I'd definitely buy more falafel. And maybe, just maybe, I’d take another camel ride… on a very, very slow camel this time.
This, my friends, is the unvarnished truth. Hope you enjoyed my rambling, messy, and entirely honest account of my Jordanian adventure. Now go plan your own, and tell me all about it! I need more stories!
Escape to Europa: Ridgecrest's Hidden Gem!
Retaj Hotel Amman: Spill the Tea (and the Arabic Coffee)! - Your Unofficial FAQ
Okay, so... is Retaj Hotel Amman REALLY all that? Or is it just another overpriced hotel pretending to be fancy?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" can be a dirty word, right? Like, you expect gold-plated everything and snooty service. Retaj? Well, it’s more… sophisticated than snooty. Yeah, the lobby is impressive, marble everywhere. But here's the thing: it felt genuinely welcoming, and that's HUGE. Not once did I feel like I was being judged for not knowing which fork to use (which, honestly, I still struggle with). The service? Generally excellent. There was a slight hiccup at check-in – the guy looked genuinely baffled by my very basic question about luggage storage, and I swear, he just stood there blinking for a full minute. But hey, it was probably just a long day, and once we sorted it out, everything was smooth sailing. So, to answer your question: yes, it’s pretty darn good, and definitely not *just* pretending. The attention to detail is fantastic – from the complimentary date pastries (more on those later!) to the quality of the toiletries.
What about the rooms? Are they actually worth the money? Because let's be honest, hotel rooms can be depressing...
Okay, the rooms. This is where Retaj really shines. I’m talking about the *space*. Seriously, I felt like I could do cartwheels in there (though I probably wouldn't have). My room was HUGE. And the view? Amazing. Overlooking Amman… breathtaking, especially at sunset. The décor is… elegant. Not sterile, but definitely not over-the-top. Think comfortable, plush furniture, beautiful artwork, and a seriously comfortable bed. That bed! I swear, I could have slept for a week straight on that thing. The bathroom was also incredibly spacious and spotlessly clean. It's where I spent a lot of time, truth be told. A long, hot bath after a day of exploring… heaven. Honestly, comparing it to some of the shoeboxes I've stayed in… it's worth every penny. Okay, maybe not *every* penny (hotels are expensive, c'mon!), but a significant portion of them. Plus, they were generous with the bottled water, and that's a HUGE win in my book. Staying hydrated is key, people!
Food and drink? Is the food at the Retaj any good? And do they have a decent breakfast?
Ugh, the food. This is where things get a little… mixed, but mostly good. The breakfast buffet? A total win. Seriously, prepare for the carb coma of your life. So much to choose from! Freshly baked bread, pastries, omelets made to order, mountains of fruit… honestly, I think I gained five pounds just looking at it. They also have a fantastic selection of Middle Eastern breakfast staples: hummus, falafel, labneh… all the good stuff. The coffee? Excellent. Strong, flavorful, and exactly what you need to kickstart your day. Now, the other restaurants… a little bit hit-or-miss. One evening, I tried the… I think it was the Lebanese restaurant? The food was good, but the service was a bit slow. I kept having to flag down the waiter. But at the end of the day the food was worth the wait. The other place, the fancy restaurant, the food was incredibly tasty, especially the seafood. Expensive, though. Maybe skip the fancy restaurants, and go for breakfast and street food. The street food’s amazing in Amman. So maybe if the restaurant is so-so.
Hidden Gems? Tell me the secrets! What's the one thing I HAVE to do at the Retaj?
Okay, here's the secret weapon: THE POOL. Seriously, the pool is where it's at. It's an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of Amman. It’s on the rooftop, and the views are spectacular. I spent a whole afternoon lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping on a ridiculously expensive (but delicious) mocktail. Bliss! The view from the pool? Unforgettable. You can see all of Amman from up there. And the complimentary dates! I swear, these dates were the single best thing about the hotel. They had the most incredible date pastries. Just the most delicious thing ever, they were the perfect snack to take with you as you explored the city. Seriously amazing! Stuff your bags! Okay, maybe not, stay with your manners!
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
The location is pretty good. It's in a central area, which means you're well-placed for exploring the city. But get ready for Amman traffic! It's… intense. Taxis are readily available, but make sure the driver knows how to get where you're going! Google Maps is your friend. The hotel also has a shuttle service, which is super convenient for getting to and from the airport. Walking around is possible, but be prepared for hills (Amman is built on, you guessed it, *seven* hills!). Overall, though, the location is a plus… as long as you're prepared for a bit of a taxi adventure.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, the honesty hour. Yes, there are a few. The aforementioned service hiccup at check-in. The price of the drinks at the pool bar (ouch!). The occasional noise from the street (though the soundproofing is pretty good). And, okay, I'm going to admit it: I had a slight issue with one of the elevators. It got stuck! For like, five minutes! Which isn't a huge deal, but when you're claustrophobic, it feels like an eternity. I panicked a little, to be honest. But the hotel staff were super quick to sort it out, and they were very apologetic. So, while there are a few minor downsides, they're definitely outweighed by the positives.
Would you go back?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite my elevator trauma and the slightly slow service sometimes, Retaj Hotel Amman delivered a truly enjoyable experience. I'd go back for the dates alone, haha! The comfort, the views, the general atmosphere… it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Amman that doesn't feel pretentious, this is definitely a contender. Go! Explore! And tell me all about it when you get back.
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