Inhabited since 4000 BC, Aqaba is today the largest city on its gulf and Jordan’s seaside getaway. Luxury brands compete for its waterfront, and the Kempinski has one of the very best sites.
At a glance
Location: Seafront, Aqaba, Jordan
Rooms: 200 rooms and suites
Stayed in: Executive Panoramic Suite
Best for: beach holidays and divers visiting the Red Sea
Reviewed: August 2014
9.2 out of 10
Setting and arrival
Security already had my reservation on arrival. At reception, a welcome drink and cold towel appeared within moments, a concierge in red expedited check-in, and the manager came to say hello.
The rooms
All 200 rooms look out over the Red Sea. My Executive Panoramic Suite lived up to its name, with sweeping sea views from the bedroom, bathroom and living room. The living room has a large sofa facing a big flat-screen TV, with fruit, local sweets and wine waiting, and floor-to-ceiling windows open to a terrace above the pools and beach.
Facilities and dining
The facilities are comprehensive, with pools and a beach, and the dining options are excellent.
The verdict
The best location in the city, sea views from every room and genuinely warm service make the Kempinski the finest hotel in Aqaba.
- Rooms: 9.5
- Service: 9.5
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities and spa: 9.0
- Location: 9.0
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in August 2014. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
