A visit to the Dead Sea in Jordan is one of the top things to do in the Kingdom. It is located just 45 minutes by car from Amman and it is possible to do as a day trip from Amman. However, it is well worth allowing at least one night at the Dead Sea. There are quite a few hotels at the Dead Sea, from familiar brands to independent hotels. Whether you are visiting for one of the many conferences that occur at the Dead Sea or are visiting to float at the lowest place on earth as part of your Jordan itinerary, you will find everything you need to know about choosing the best Dead Sea hotels and resorts below.
The Best Dead Sea Hotels and Resorts
Dead Sea Spa is the most economical choice for a nice hotel on the beach. It is considered to be a 4 star hotel according to Jordan’s hotel ratings and is the best 4 star hotel at the Dead Sea. It offers a great hotel for a mid-range budget. It is locally owned by a Jordanian family (with a Palestinian background). It was actually the first resort built on the Dead Sea. It opened in 1990 and features 265 rooms and suites. The 5 pools are nice to cool off in, the staff is friendly and the rooms are good. They have a small waterpark for kids and a larger waterslide, perfect if you are traveling in Jordan with a family. The Dead Sea Spa Resort has a good chunk of beach access with mud for guests. They actually have the largest beach of all the resorts at the Dead Sea. There are showers right by the Dead Sea to shower off or get water or mud out of your eyes (trust me it stings). They have evening entertainment on the outside deck and guests can opt for a breakfast only room, or breakfast and dinner options.
Dead Sea Spa Resort Features:
- Rooms with Private Terrace or Balcony
- 24 hour fitness facility
- Smoking/Non-Smoking Rooms
- 5 swimming pools
- Water park
- Satellite TV
- Wired and Wireless Free High-Speed Internet Access
- In-Room Electronic Safe
- Baby Cots upon Request
- Extra Beds (Chargeable)
- Disability Accessible Room (Limited)
- Connecting Rooms Available
- Laundry Service
- Coffee and Tea making facilities
- Mini Bar upon Request
- 24-hour Room Service
- Airport Transfers (Chargeable)
Click Here to check rates and read more reviews online.
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea offers luxurious infinity pools and modern rooms. It boasts 20 acres of gardens and a massive spa. Its rooms are set up like a traditional Arabic village. Movenpick Dead Sea Resort has 9 restaurants and bars and features wifi inside and outside. It offers beach access to float at the Dead Sea as well as a kids club. It offers packages with breakfast and breakfast and dinner.
Movenpick Dead Sea Resort Jordan Features:
- 346 rooms
- Mini-bar
- In Room Coffee and Tea
- Beach access (for guests only)
- 4 Swimming pools (one heated pool in the winter)
- Satellite TV
- Wireless Internet
- In-Room Electronic Safe
- Spa with steam room and various treatments
- Kids Club
- Fitness Center
- Babysitting available (surcharge)
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms
- Airport service (surcharge)
Click here to check prices and read more reviews online.
Marriott Dead Sea is one of the most expensive places to stay, but the property is stunning. It offers high-end luxuries and a beautifully manicured property. This five-star Dead Sea resort is Gracefully designed, with spacious rooms, marble bathrooms, ergonomic workspaces, and the incredible Dead Sea views. There are offer several indoor and outdoor pools, including a family-friendly pool that kids will love. It is conveniently located right on the Dead Sea with beach access for floating.
Dead Sea Marriott Features:
- Rooms with Private Terrace or Balcony
- 24 hour fitness facility
- Smoking/Non-Smoking Rooms
- Spa with Dead Sea salt pool
- 5 swimming pools
- Water park
- Flat Screen TVs
- Marble bathrooms
- Wireless Free High-Speed Internet Access
- In-Room Electronic Safe
- Coffee and Tea making facilities
- Mini-Bar
- 24-hour Fitness facility
- Airport Transfers (Chargeable)
Check prices for the Marriott Dead Sea here and here. I always check both and then book whichever is cheaper or whichever offers better amenities for the price!
Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa is popular for loyal Hilton members. It offers luxurious, modern rooms, multiple bars, two swimming pools, private beach access and a fitness centre. Rooms can be booked with breakfast only or breakfast and dinner. If you choose the Hilton, you will not regret the upscale atmosphere. There is also a kids club for those traveling with kids. This gives mom and dad a break or time to float at the Dead Sea, as few kids enjoy the experience.
Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort and Spa often offers rates that are close to that of Dead Sea Spa but you get that little bit of extra 5* service. It offers a luxurious feel and modern rooms. It also caters to families.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is also one of the most beautiful properties on the Dead Sea. Its pools offer ultimate relaxation and views of the Dead Sea below. It is exceptionally clean and staff are friendly. It offers beach access for guests to float.
Ramada Resort Dead Sea is an economical option at the Dead Sea, but it is not located on the beach. It is a nice hotel, rated as a 4 star. It has two pools, one of which is heated in the winter. There is a shuttle that will take you to a private beach that runs all day. You can also walk if you do not mind. If you are visiting on a budget, this is probably your best option, but compare it to the other 4 star properties.
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea is one of the most economical options to stay at the Dead Sea. The one downside to this hotel is that it is located across the street from the Dead Sea so it does not have direct beach access. For the price, I personally think you are better off with the Dead Sea Spa.
Dead Sea Guide
I have a guide dedicated to a perfect Dead Sea visit as well as information on the area and things nearby. Check out the guide here: Dead Sea Guide
More Jordan Travel Resources
In order to help make your visit to Jordan as memorable as possible, I have created a number of resources from planning guides to local eats.
If you have just begun the planning, check out 101 Things to do in Jordan to give you some inspiration on the places you want to make sure you have time to see.
Rental Cars are very popular in Jordan, get a quote on renting a car before you arrive. I also have a 7 day self drive itinerary that is very popular. Read about how to get to the Dead Sea in my guides here: Aqaba to Dead Sea and Amman to Dead Sea
If you are working on a self-drive itinerary or plan to see the country independently, there is a guide on getting around in Jordan.
If you are thinking of booking a tour, or wondering how much hassle a self drive itinerary can be, check out this post I have on the best Jordan tours to book.
For your time in Amman, check out the best 5 Star Hotels in Amman, top things to do in Amman and where to eat.
For your time in Petra, check out the best hotels in Petra and what to eat in Wadi Musa
5 Things to Bring with You to Jordan
I have always been a guide book person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. Pick up a Lonely Planet Guide to Jordan (or the kindle version) before your trip to Jordan.
Whether you want to keep the sun off your head or want to show a little modesty, a scarf goes a long way in Jordan any time of the year. You can bring one with you or pick up one when you arrive, but don’t leave your hotel in the morning without it! It can serve as a hat to keep the sun off your head and neck in the summer and can add some warmth in winter and can offer modesty to cover shoulders for women.
Chap Stick (and lotion if you have dry skin) – Let me tell you, I do NOT have dry skin, but Jordan and much of the Middle East has a dry climate that many are not used to. Bring a good lip balm (I always travel with this one and you can get it on amazon here too) and your lips will thank you! Unless you are staying in five star hotels, do not expect much in the way of bathroom amenities, so if you like a good body lotion, bring your own. There are great travel sizes here.
A Grayl Water Bottle is something I recommend for every traveller, not just those going to the Middle East. Some people say the water is safe to drink from the tap, others say it is not; it is not something I am going to chance. And Jordan has a HUGE garbage problem. The streets, the forests and even the desert are littered with plastic bottles.
If you consider drinking at least 1-2 big water bottles a day while you are there, think of how much plastic that creates when every visitor and the population’s 9 million people do the same. With a Grayl, you can filter any tap water (or actually any water source) and have clean drinking water in seconds. Since most people travel with water bottles already, consider one like this with a filter so that you are not just pouring from big water bottles to small. It might sound expensive, but when you compare it to spending a few dollars per day on water while you travel (and do not forget how expensive the water is inside airports), you will pay for this very quickly.
An inexpensive Universal Travel Adapter is another must for Jordan. You will find an assortment of 220V plugs, from European 2 pin, another style of 2 pin and UK Plugs. While European 2 pin is most common, it is best to carry one of these adapters with you. With a handy USB input, you do not need to bring your plugs from home.
Kleenex or Wipes are another thing to put on your list. Jordan’s public washrooms (and even restaurant or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. Unless you are good with a bidet sprayer, bring yourself some kleenex or wipes just in case! You will find that most washrooms in tourist sites and rest stops have an attendant that will give you toilet paper and paper towel for a small tip. Usually half a dinar is fine.
In Jordan, the plumbing is not set up to handle toilet paper. Every bathroom (even hotels) you should use the garbage can beside the toilet for your toilet paper and any sanitary products.
Motion Sickness Pills might be needed if you are prone to motion sickness and plan on traveling by bus or in the back of the car. There are many windy, hilly and bumpy roads in Jordan. Sea Bands might work for you if you are prone to motion sickness.
Travel Insurance for Jordan
There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
