Places to stay in Amman? Is Farah really the best option? They don't even have hot water here...
ok, ok, so it's only a fiver but hot water is a basic right? Maybe you guys can recommend hotels a notch up from this one for tomorrow night?
Thank you darlings
x
P.S. While we're here... is there anything actually worth seeing here in Amman? I gots to somehow negotiate this country without becoming a tourist! Tips please?
: )
Edited by: Jameswimbledon
James . . . luvvie - if you pay 5 quid for a room one can't really expect water never mind 'hot' water in a country like Jordan which is one of the worlds top 7 with shortages of water and very high fuel costs. so be realistic - but I'll let you into a little secret most of these little hotels will provide hot water if you offer a little more dosh to the right man . .
Or if they have a solar system - you must take a shower during the day between the
hours of 9 and 5pm for example. The Farah isn't bad at all for the price even without the
hot water and if you can manage until your next hotel . . . which may or may not have hot water then maybe that will save you some cash. If you need a place thats really half decent you are looking at paying at least 20 JD a night and more. If you still want to go to the Farah ask clearly about the situation with water ie when exactly will it be hot or when can they make it hot 'for you' and be clear about not minding to pay a bit extra.
There are 2 main sites in the downtown area within walking distance of the Farah - the roman ampitheatre and the Jebel Qala sites. These both have small museums attached and really are quite interesting actually built by Marcus Aurilius (Gladiator fame!) - eat a fantastic local meal in Quds restaurant just around the corner from Farah - with a choice of at least 10 different dishes daily and sweets too for under a fiver. Hashem foul & Hummous is delicious street food and will set you back around1.5JD - very filling !
The Hussain mosque and the souq area. Otherwise take the Amman Tour bus where you can go around and around as much as you want and get on and off wherever you want for about 10jD for 24 hours. It'll give you a good insight into the different areas of Amman both modern and traditional. If you are a car enthusiast check out King Hussains car collection the Tour bus stops there. Have a great trip.
I liked the New Park Hotel - it is very very basic, often has hot water, and Fayez (the owner) is great to chat to to hand
As for whats good to do - do a trip to Jerash (maybe even Ajloun castle) but its quite a way out of Amman. Amman as a city is reasonably boring as a tourist. The citadel (about 20 minutes walk from downtown) is a good starting point.