Intercontinental Amman, Jordan

It's amazing what a little history does for a place. In the 1950s plans came together for the first international five-star hotel in Jordan, and after the Intercontinental was opened by His Majesty The Late King Hussein in 1963, it swiftly confirmed its reputation as Jordan's premier hotel.

The ‘Intercon' hasn't slipped, either - it was named Best Business Hotel in Amman in 2002, 2005 and 2006. Situated in the heart of the diplomatic area near the peak of one of Amman's seven hills, it is conveniently located 40 minutes from the Queen Alia International Airport, and a short taxi ride from Amman's most popular tourist sites.

In essence, the Intercontinental Jordan might be characterised as a reflection of the city surrounding it. There may be more ultra-modern accommodation in the Middle East, just as there are many cities that leave Amman standing in terms of glass-and-concrete skyscrapers. Nevertheless, you will struggle to find a hotel, or a city, more welcoming, and more charming.

Boasting a total of 440 rooms, the hotel recently unveiled the US$5.6m renovation of its new ‘deluxe wing'. The renovation, which took almost two years to complete, accommodates 144 rooms, and 24 suites located on the higher floors of the new wing. In addition, those staying in a new wing suite are entitled to ‘Club Intercontinental' access - a treat not to be sniffed at.

Indeed, those guests staying in the main hotel and looking for something a little special would do well to consider an upgrade to ‘Club Intercontinental' class. Like many luxury hotels, the Intercon offers exclusive use of a well-appointed lounge and a selection of complimentary snacks, as well as a range of drinks. The real treat however, is the view, which takes in not only the hotel's expansive (and often jam-packed) outdoor terraces, but also the striking King Abdullah Mosque. Quite simply, there is no better vantage point from which to watch the sun settle down low over the city.

When you've had your fill of the sunset, the hotel boasts an excellent range of restaurants to suit all tastes. In the interests of serious research, this reviewer spent as much time as he could sampling the delights of the six on-site eateries - Indu (Indian), Cinco de Mayo (Mexican), Atrium (Italian, South East Asian, Greek and Middle Eastern), Deli Café (light snacks), Bourj Al Hamam (Lebanese) and Terrace (everything but the kitchen sink). In each the service was impeccable, and particular credit must go to the hard working yet ever-pleasant staff of Cinco de Mayo, which was filled to the rafters most evenings with a mix of tourists and business travellers enjoying a little downtime.

Of course, after a night on the chicken quesadillas, there is often the need to work off a few excess pounds.

Fortunately, the Intercon offers excellent indoor health facilities, including an exclusive health spa offering the latest in state-of-the-art facilities with 14 cardiovascular machines, 20 weight training machines, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, sauna, a fully equipped 24-hour gymnasium, indoor lap pool, and a health juice bar providing tasteful alternatives.

Yet - and somewhat oddly for a hotel otherwise so committed to giving guests the best possible attention - the outdoor pool proved a frustrating blemish on an otherwise excellent stay.

The setting is pleasant, as the pool nestles into a courtyard between the main hotel and the fitness centre, yet the poolside service is non-existent.

The loungers are adequate, but when you're gasping for a bottle of water or even a sandwich, you've no alternative but a change of clothes and then a trek to one of the numerous indoor restaurants.

Perhaps this will be remedied as the summer heats up, but at the time of review it seemed a strange oversight that would scupper anyone who had anticipated a trouble-free holiday by the pool.

Verdict: Steeped in old-school style, but featuring most of the mod-cons demanded by a 21st century business traveller, the Intercon is a hotel you'll feel immediately at home in.

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