The Citadel Hill of Amman
August 16, 2011 by Amman-Jordan
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There are a lot of historical sites that can be found in Amman Jordan, one of the most popular tourist attractions is the Citadel Hill of Amman. What exactly is special about this old structure for people to even bother making the trip?
One would be able to find the great temple of Hercules in the Citadel Hill of Amman which is located in the country of Jordan. This great structure was said to be constructed through the command of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was able to reign in Rome from 161 to 180 AD, the temple was built between 162 – 166 AD and was believed to be larger than any temple that has been built in Rome.
The structure was said to be inhabited for centuries and served as a site for military and religious purposes and the remains that were found in it, might possibly date back to the Bronze Age. However, the absence of columns on the rest of the Temple of Hercules which is said to be similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, might mean that the temple was unfinished.
The Citadel Hill is just one of the tourist destinations in Amman and is also known as Jabal al-Qal’a and the Temple of Hercules has a model that can be found in ACOR or the American Center for Oriental Research in Amman. If one does not have the energy to make a trip to the actual Citadel Hill then it would be best to just book a room in one of the Amman hotels to get an idea of how the structure really looks like in real life. Amman has a lot of things in store for visitors, not only the Citadell Hill, so one might consider a trip to this lovely city in the future.
Things to Remember when Traveling to Amman
August 10, 2011 by Amman-Jordan
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If one wishes to visit Amman, there surely are things that one should remember to have a truly wonderful experience. Amman is a liberal city, but although that is the case 96% of the population are Sunni Muslims and Islam is still the main religion in the city which plays an important role in the society. Jordanians are hospitable and they like to guide travelers to their journey and introducing the city’s rich cultural heritage however, you should remember that you try not to arrange Friday appointments as this is not an ideal time to party for Muslims.
When it comes to food, their local specialties are also similar to the ones found in Greece, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, but there are also restaurants that offer other European specialties. A must try would be the mensaf, this dish is a stewed lamb with yoghurt sauce and is served on a bed of rice but should be eaten using the fingers.
Beverages are also widely available in Amman, as there are no licensing laws that would affect the distribution of beer or wine but during the Ramadan drinking in public is forbidden between sunrise and sunset.
There is also a wide selection of hotels in Amman as they are always expecting tourists to come to their country. A tourist will surely enjoy his Amman visit if he will be able to keep in mind these things.
When to Visit – Arts and Events
Hospitality is important to Jordanians. Proud of their Arab culture, they are happy to act as guides and keen to share their fascinating history and traditions with visitors. As 96% of the population are Sunni Muslims, Islam plays an important role in society and it is essential that Muslim beliefs are respected, so if possible avoid arranging Friday appointments. During social occasions, Arabic coffee is served continually, but you can indicate that a refill is not needed by slightly tilting the cup when handing it back. To refuse a refill of any other drink, put your hand over the cup and say ‘da’iman’, which means ‘always’ or ‘may it ever be thus’.
Amman Dining
Jordanian food is similar to that of Lebanon, Syria, Greece and Turkey, although most restaurant menus include European as well as local dishes. Many starters (meze) are based on pulses and cracked wheat, such as humus, fuul, falafel, kube and tabouleh. A main course speciality is mensaf, stewed lamb with yoghurt sauce served on a bed of rice and traditionally eaten with the fingers.
Other typical dishes are musakhan, chicken roasted in olive oil and onions with Arab bread, and mahshi waraq inab, vine leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice and spices. Bottled mineral water, beer, wine and soft drinks are widely available. There are no licensing laws, but during Ramadan smoking and drinking in public is forbidden between sunrise and sunset.
Amman Tipping Advice
Hotels and restaurants usually add a service charge of 10% to 12%, with extra tips being discretionary. Tips for porters and drivers should be approximately 8%.
Amman’s Popular Jerash Festival
August 5, 2011 by Amman-Jordan
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Every summer, Amman is host to a great festival that celebrates the culmination of commerce, art
and culture of Middle Eastern and Western Societies in Jordan which is called the Jerash festival.
This festival lasts for two weeks in July, and this showcases local folklore dancers and troupes
from other cities all over the world.
Although majority of the presenters would perform dance numbers, there are also groups that
read poetry, ballet and other form of art for the entertainment of the people of Amman and its
visitors. This event was inaugurated by Queen Noor Al-Hussein in 1981 and since then, this event
has been the main attraction in Amman, Jordan. It has been a kind of cultural carnival with the
actual setting being the Greco-Roman city, and will surely be an unforgettable experience for
anyone who enjoys this type of entertainment. This would also highlight the city’s architectural
structures that are wonderfully enveloped in brilliant floodlights which would include the
Byzantine churches, temples and other historical monuments. There are also displays of
wonderful artifacts from skilled craftsmen during the entire festival, which would include jewelry,
ceramics and Bedouin rugs, to name a few.
Although the Jerash Festival seemed to happen in the lowest tourism season in Jordan, people
still might have difficulty in booking rooms and reservations in hotels in Amman, it would be
best if one would book it in advance.
Marriott Amman
November 30, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Amman, JO
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Description:
Marriott Amman is highly recommended for business and social gatherings. It is located approximately five miles away from the downtown Roman Amphitheater and 30 miles from Queen Alia International Airport. This location is also four miles from Shmeisani Amman, 30 miles from the Roman ruins of Jerash, 41 miles from Jericho, 55 miles from Jerusalem, 65 miles from the Dead Sea, 75 miles from Karak, and 160 miles from Petra. Its various hotel amenities include the health club (with indoor and outdoor pools), beauty shop, gift shop, La Patisserie, Piano Lounge, and Library Lounge and Cigar Bar. Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant serves casual American fare for lunch and dinner. While the Villa Mediterrano is a more elegant venue perfect for exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel also offers unmatched and legendary 24-hour room service, free valet parking, lobby coffee, valet laundry service, babysitting, currency exchange, evening turndown service, and a concierge. Guest rooms feature high-speed internet access, cable TV, air-conditioning, clock radios, coffeemakers, free bottled water, free weekday newspapers, mini-bars, safes, irons and ironing boards, and hair dryers.
Hotel Inter-continental Jordan
November 30, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Amman, JO 11180
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Description:
The Intercontinental Jordan is a luxury property situated in the heart of the diplomatic area of Amman, within walking distance of the city center, and approximately 25 miles from Queen Alia International Airport. Local attractions include Roman Amphitheatre, Jerash, the Dead Sea, and Mt. Nebo Hotel. Its modern amenities and latest technology include video rentals, perfect and friendly 24-hour room service, Automated Teller Machine, babysitting, beauty salon, concierge, laundry/dry cleaning, florist, currency exchange, gift shop, newsstand, guest laundry, safe deposit box, secretarial services, shoeshine, fax/photocopying services, free parking, and business center. Guests may also enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, whirlpool, and fitness center with instructor. Onsite drinks and dining are available at The Atrium Restaurant, Indu Restaurant, Cinco De Mayo Restaurant & Bar, Bourj Al Hamam, The Terrace, Deli Café and Café Boulevard. Guest rooms feature clean bathrooms with bathrobes, satellite/cable TVs, coffeemakers, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, in-room movies, in-room safes, individual climate controls, irons, ironing boards, mini-bars, dual-line telephones, voicemail, bathroom scales, sofa beds, and work desks with lamps.
The Regency Palace Hotel
November 30, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Amman, JO 11110
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Description:
This centrally situated hotel specifically in the heart of Bur Dubai that has maintained its rating as a high international standard hotel that offers friendly, attentive service and stylish and cozy ambience since its start of business. This well known first class hotel has fine restaurants that feature various cuisines from Oriental, French and European menus to suit your taste. Its business center, rental offices and executive floors is specially designed to accommodate business and leisure travelers.
Golden Tulip Grand Palace Hotel
November 30, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Amman, JO 11192
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Description:
The Grand Palace Hotel is a well established 4-star hotel situated in the business and commercial centre of Amman. Within the vicinity are government buildings, offices, banks, embassies and other establishments. This hotel is next to the Royal Culture Centre and the Sport City, specifically 35 kilometers away from the Queen Alia International Airport. Well-designed rooms are located on the 6th floor. All of which have classy marble bathrooms with bidet, hand held shower. In addition to a fixed shower and a hair dryer, bedrooms are fully air-conditioned, sound proof and equipped with the test fire fighting system to ensure client’s safety. All rooms have mini-bars and direct dialing telephone. Likewise, they have coloured television with Satellite channels to choose from. This hotel offers various services to their guests like laundry and valet, a 24-hour excellent room service, well-equipped beauty salon, a gift shop, Bookshop, transportation desk and safety deposit boxes. Health clubs, sauna and indoor swimming pool are one of the amenities offered next door. Its Royal Cultural Centre found next door to the hotel can be used for large conferences and other celebrations.
Le Meridien
November 24, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Queen Noor StreetAmman, JO 11195
Description:
An art hotel inspired by European design and requires only 35 minutes drive away from Queen Alia International Airport. This Vienna hotel is situated in the heart of the city and within walking distance of both shopping and business districts; Le Meridien Amman has very spacious and elegant bedrooms and an extensive selection of famous restaurants and cool bars. The hotel recently opened the Royal Convention Center, with state-of-the-art conference rooms and banqueting venues catering guests from different cultures and beliefs. The hotel is an ideal location from which to discover the many priceless treasures of Jordan, such as the Roman City of Jerash and the lost city of Petra.
Days Inn Hotel and Suites
November 24, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Amman, JO 11195
Description:
Days Inn Hotel and Suites is strategically located in the bustling and populated city of Amman. It nestles between the widely commercial / entertainment and shopping districts. This hotel requires 30 minutes travel from Queen Alia International Airport and fifteen minutes drive to Marka Airport. The hotel offers world class service and full leisure facilities which includes, an outdoor pool, fully equipped gym with instructor, a jacuzzi, steam and sauna room perfect for families on vacation and business travelers. In-house guests may use and enjoy the above facilities for free. For the dining experience, we have two specialty restaurants that offers Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisines. One of which is the Bistro Restaurant that serves international dishes and opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Moevenpick Dead Sea
November 24, 2009 by Amman-Jordan
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Sweimeh Dead Sea RoadAmman, JO 11180
Description:
Set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, is this famous deluxe resort and inspired by Arabian architecture. Moeven Dead Sea resorts offers a soothing, therapeutic atmosphere with an oriental flair, high class facilities and excellent customer service for guests of all ages from all over the world. Nestled 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on earth, guests enjoy the fascinating experience of floating in the mineral rich and clean waters of the Dead Sea itself. Designed around a traditional stone village, and decorated throughout with an impressive collection of antiques and artworks, the resort benefits from a superb range of facilities and modern amenities and a marvelous view of the Dead Sea. A stunning spa in traditional Jordanian style features a wide range of treatments using the natural resources of the Dead Sea. Recreational facilities include heated pool, beach and children’s pool, the ZARA Spa, fitness room, tennis courts and stunning restaurants like Grill Restaurants that offers buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This resort is a like a jewel that has 358 rooms and suites and provides air-conditioning unit and ceiling fans for every room. Likewise, you can always enjoy the beautiful scenery from the balcony with magnificent garden or valley views.
