Where to Stay in Amman, Jordan: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Amman soon and have no idea where to stay? Look no further! 

Amman is a fascinating city, with ancient Roman ruins, lively shopping streets, and neighborhoods that each have their own distinct personality. It’s also famously hilly (and a lot more spread out than it seems on a map), so choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference to your trip.

Luckily, there’s an area for just about every type of traveler. And to help you find the perfect base for your trip, we’ve put together this guide to the four best areas to stay in Amman, plus our favorite hotels at different price points. 

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Where to Stay in Amman Map

Overview of the best areas to stay in Amman

Amman is built across a series of hills, and unlike some capitals, there isn’t one main tourist area where you’ll find everything. Instead, the city’s sights, restaurants, shops, and hotels are spread across several neighborhoods, so you’ll definitely want to put some thought into where you choose to stay. 

For first-time visitors, we always recommend Jabal Amman. This is a lively neighborhood close to the city’s iconic Rainbow Street and plenty of cafes and restaurants, but it still gives you relatively easy access to Amman’s major historic sights.

If you prefer a more modern city break, Abdali is another great option. This is Amman’s sleek new downtown area, with contemporary hotels, shopping, restaurants, and the pedestrian-friendly Abdali Boulevard. Then there are Al Swaifyeh and Zahran, two upscale areas in western Amman, plus the beautiful Jabal Al-Lweibdeh, which has a more laid-back atmosphere and thriving arts scene. 

Amman is built across a series of hills, and unlike some capitals, there isn’t one main tourist area where you’ll find everything. Instead, the city’s sights, restaurants, shops, and hotels are spread across several neighborhoods, so you’ll definitely want to put some thought into where you choose to stay. 

For first-time visitors, we always recommend Jabal Amman. This is a lively neighborhood close to the city’s iconic Rainbow Street and plenty of cafes and restaurants, but it still gives you relatively easy access to Amman’s major historic sights.

If you prefer a more modern city break, Abdali is another great option. This is Amman’s sleek new downtown area, with contemporary hotels, shopping, restaurants, and the pedestrian-friendly Abdali Boulevard. Then there are Al Swaifyeh and Zahran, two upscale areas in western Amman, plus the beautiful Jabal Al-Lweibdeh, which has a more laid-back atmosphere and thriving arts scene. 

We’ve focused this guide on well-established areas that are popular with visitors, and tourism is still very much a part of everyday life in Amman. However, with the situation in the wider region changing quickly, we always recommend checking the latest government travel advice before your trip and following any local guidance while you’re there.

Wherever you stay, though, keep in mind that Amman is very hilly (and we mean very hilly), so walking is usually easiest within individual neighborhoods. Uber and Careem are also available and super convenient for getting between different parts of the city, which we especially recommend doing after dark.

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the four best areas to stay in Amman, plus our favorite hotels in each:

Wherever you stay, though, keep in mind that Amman is very hilly (and we mean very hilly), so walking is usually easiest within individual neighborhoods. Uber and Careem are also available and super convenient for getting between different parts of the city, which we especially recommend doing after dark.

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the four best areas to stay in Amman, plus our favorite hotels in each:   

• Jabal Amman – Best for first-time visitors – This hillside neighborhood is home to Rainbow Street, the First Circle, and plenty of Amman’s best cafes and restaurants. Our top pick here is Le Royal Hotel, which has a huge spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and panoramic views across the city.

• Abdali – Best for an upscale city break – Amman’s modern downtown is packed with sleek hotels and shops, all centered around pedestrian-friendly Abdali Boulevard. Our favorite place to stay here is The Abdali Boulevard Hotel, thanks to its spacious suites, kitchenettes, and fantastic location right on the boulevard.

• Jabal Al-Lweibdeh – Best for a local vibe – This is one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods known for its independent cafes, art galleries, and relaxed, local atmosphere. Our top pick here is New MerryLand Hotel because it has modern rooms within easy walking distance of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.

• Al Swaifyeh and Zahran – Best for luxury travelers – These upscale neighborhoods are home to international restaurants, high-end shopping, and some of Amman’s most luxurious hotels. Our favorite stay here is DoubleTree by Hilton Amman Hotel & Residences, which offers residential-style studios and apartments near Taj Mall.

Where to stay in Amman

Jabal Amman

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Great access to Rainbow Street, the First Circle, and central cultural sights
• Easy to reach Al Balad, the Citadel, and the Roman Theater by taxi or Careem
• Plenty to do in the evenings without needing to venture far from your hotel

Cons

• Street noise can be noticeable around the busiest parts of Rainbow Street
• Not as convenient for modern shopping malls and newer attractions in western Amman

For a first trip to Amman, Jabal Amman ticks a lot of boxes. It’s lively and tourist-friendly, and it has plenty of cafes, restaurants, local shops, and boutique hotels scattered throughout the neighborhood to keep you busy. 

The biggest draw here is, of course, Rainbow Street. This is one of Amman’s best-known streets and a great place to get your first taste of the city’s social side. Beyond Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman is also in a great position for exploring the city’s biggest historic sights. For example, Al Balad, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel are all relatively close by, while the galleries and cafes of Jabal Al-Lweibdeh are also within easy reach.

Before you book, know that Jabal Amman is famously hilly, so you’ll definitely want to plan on grabbing a taxi or Careem for longer journeys rather than trying to tackle everything on foot! And of course, staying close to Rainbow Street means things can get a little noisy when the area is at its busiest. 

However, if you only have a few days in Amman and want to be close to the city’s historic sights while still having lots to do on your doorstep, Jabal Amman is hard to beat! 

InterContinental Amman Jordan – $$$

For our top luxury pick in Jabal Amman, it’s got to be InterContinental Amman Jordan. 

We love this hotel because it’s only around a 20-minute walk from Rainbow Street, so you can easily head out for dinner or drinks without having to venture too far from your hotel. 

There’s plenty to love back at the hotel, too. You’ll have indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and six (yes, six!) restaurants to choose from if you’re not in the mood to head out for dinner. 

Rooms typically range from around $130 to $250 USD per night, which is honestly excellent value for a five-star city center stay.

If the InterContinental is fully booked, The House Boutique Suites is a fantastic alternative near the Second Circle. The suites here are huge, and the views from the rooftop pool are nothing short of incredible! 

Le Royal Hotel – $$

Next up is Le Royal Hotel, a five-star hotel housed in one of the most recognizable buildings on Amman’s skyline. 

The hotel itself is seriously luxurious, with a multi-level spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and several places to enjoy a nice meal or cocktail. Best of all, because it’s right on the Third Circle, you’ll be just a short taxi ride from Rainbow Street, downtown Amman, and the Citadel, so it’s a super convenient base for exploring the city.

Price-wise, you can expect rooms to typically range from a very reasonable $130 to $170+ USD per night. 

For another mid-range pick in the area, we recommend Grand Hyatt Amman. This hotel is also near the Third Circle and has a luxury spa on-site, plus a seriously delicious Italian restaurant. 

Armada Avenue Hotel Amman – $

If you’d rather save your money for exploring Jordan, Armada Avenue Hotel Amman is a fabulous budget-friendly choice. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and we especially love the terrace with views across the city.

The central location is another big plus. You’ll be within easy reach of Jabal Al-Lweibdeh, Rainbow Street, and downtown Amman, so this is a handy base if you want to spend plenty of time exploring the city. 

Rooms typically range from around $70 to $90 USD per night, which leaves you with plenty more in the budget for Jordan’s amazing food and day trips.

Another affordable option we love is The Y Hotel, just a short walk from Rainbow Street near the Second Circle. This is a smaller, more relaxed hotel with a peaceful garden offering a little escape from the city.

Abdali

BEST FOR AN UPSCALE CITY BREAK

Pros

• Flatter and easier to walk around than many central Amman neighborhoods
• Home to modern hotels, upscale restaurants, and plenty of shopping
• Abdali Boulevard makes it easy to head out for dinner, drinks, or a leisurely evening stroll

Cons

• Feels more contemporary and commercial compared to Amman’s older neighborhoods
• You’ll need a taxi or rideshare to reach most historic sights and Rainbow Street
• Doesn’t offer the same traditional atmosphere as Jabal Amman or Al Balad

If you’re looking for a more modern and upscale stay in Amman, Abdali is our top pick. This newer part of the city is home to sleek hotels, upscale restaurants, and some of Amman’s best shopping, with much of the action centered around the pedestrian-friendly Abdali Boulevard.

One of the biggest perks of staying here is how easy everything feels. You can spend the afternoon shopping at Abdali Mall, head back to your hotel for a swim or spa treatment, and then stroll along the boulevard in search of somewhere for dinner. Plus, the area is noticeably flatter than many of Amman’s older neighborhoods, which your legs will definitely appreciate after a few days of sightseeing!

Of course, you do trade some of Amman’s historic character for all that convenience. Rainbow Street, the Citadel, and Al Balad are all a few kilometers away, so you’ll need to hop in a taxi or rideshare when it’s time to go sightseeing.

However, if you like the idea of spending your days exploring Amman’s historic sights and returning to a polished hotel with great restaurants and shopping right outside, Abdali is an excellent choice. It’s especially well suited to couples, business travelers, or anyone looking to add a little splash of luxury to their Amman city break.

W Amman – $$$

If you want an ultra-stylish stay right in the heart of modern Amman, W Amman is definitely worth checking out! This is a sleek, modern hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, so you’ll have no shortage of natural light and fantastic views across the city. 

The location is pretty fantastic, too. You’re just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Abdali Boulevard and Abdali Mall, while the Citadel, Al Balad, and Rainbow Street are around a 15- to 20-minute rideshare away, depending on traffic.

Rooms typically cost between $130 and $320+ USD per night, which is very reasonable for a five-star stay in Abdali. 

Another luxury hotel we love in this area is Amman Rotana. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Abdali Boulevard and has a pool, spa, and a seriously impressive breakfast spread each morning. 

The Abdali Boulevard Hotel – $$

For our mid-range pick, we love The Abdali Boulevard Hotel. This is an apartment-style hotel that sits directly on Abdali Boulevard, which couldn’t be much more convenient for shopping and dining. 

If you’re traveling as a family or staying in Amman for a week or more, the extra space and in-suite kitchenette are a huge plus here. Better yet, there are two rooftop pools, onsite dining, and spa facilities to enjoy during your stay, so you still get plenty of the perks of a traditional hotel.

In terms of pricing, you can expect rooms to generally cost between $130 and $250+ USD per night, depending on the season and room type. 

If the Abdali Boulevard Hotel is full on your preferred dates, the Amman Landmark Hotel is another great option in the area. Some rooms here come with a kitchenette like the Abdali Boulevard, but with six restaurants onsite, you may not end up using it much!

Celino Hotel – $

Next up is Celino Hotel. We love this hotel because every room comes with a kitchenette, so it’s super practical for longer stays or travelers on a budget!  

Part of the reason you can snag such a good deal here is the location. Celino Hotel sits closer to Jordan Hospital in Shmeisani rather than directly on Abdali Boulevard, but you can still reach Abdali Mall and the boulevard in just a few minutes by car.

As for pricing, rooms typically cost between $70 and $110 USD per night here, which is pretty hard to beat for a suite in central Amman!

For another affordable option, Boho Boutique Hotel Amman is definitely worth a look. It’s within walking distance of Abdali Boulevard and offers simple, comfortable rooms with balconies and free parking (always a plus!). 

Jabal Al-Lweibdeh

BEST FOR A LOCAL VIBE

Pros

• Leafy streets filled with independent cafes, galleries, and bakeries
• More relaxed and residential than Amman’s main tourist areas
• Close to the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and Paris Square

Cons

• The hills are steep, especially when walking back from downtown
• Fewer large luxury hotels and resort-style facilities
• Not quite as convenient for first-time sightseeing as Jabal Amman

If you’d rather experience a quieter, more local side of Amman, Jabal Al-Lweibdeh should definitely be on your radar. It’s one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s known for its leafy streets, independent cafes, art galleries, and boutique guesthouses that really give the area its relaxed, creative vibe.   

Although the atmosphere here is noticeably laid-back, there’s still plenty to see and do. The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is nearby (well worth a visit if you’re into art!), and Paris Square is another popular spot to explore. 

You’re also still close to many of Amman’s major sights. Al Balad is roughly a 15-minute walk downhill, so the downtown area and attractions like the Grand Husseini Mosque are all within easy reach. Just keep in mind that what goes down must come back up! Amman’s hills are no joke, so you’ll want to plan on grabbing a taxi or Careem for the return journey.

Overall, Jabal Al-Lweibdeh is a great fit if you want somewhere calm without feeling disconnected from the city. You won’t find as many big hotels or tourist attractions right outside your door, but if lingering over a coffee or getting lost in a gallery sounds like your kind of city break, you’ll feel right at home here.

New MerryLand Hotel – $$

If you’re looking for a comfortable stay in Jabal Al-Lweibdeh without spending a fortune, you’ll definitely want to check out New MerryLand Hotel. 

This hotel is located right on the edge of Lweibdeh, close to Abdali and just 300 meters (980 feet) from the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. 

The hotel itself is simple but has everything you need for an easy stay, including air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, and private parking. It might not have the character of some of Lweibdeh’s boutique hotels, but it makes up for that with convenience and seriously good value!

Rooms typically cost between $70 and $100+ USD per night, which is an absolute steal for such a central Amman location.

Another mid-range option worth checking out is Canary Boutique Hotel. This modern hotel is close to several local galleries, and it’s only about a 15-minute walk from Rainbow Street.

Locanda Boutique Hotel is another excellent choice on Al-Ba’ouniyah Street, just a 15-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride from downtown. We always recommend this hotel because the rooms here are themed around music and legendary Arab musicians, which we think is so cool! 

Soho Midtown – $

For our budget-friendly pick in the area, we always recommend Soho Midtown. 

One thing we really like about this hotel is that all rooms come with kitchenettes and most rooms have a private balcony, which is always appreciated for longer stays. There’s also a fitness center, onsite restaurant, coffee shop, and free valet parking, so it’s super easy to settle in and make yourself at home! 

In terms of location, you’ll have easy access to Lweibdeh’s galleries and cafes as well as downtown. And in terms of pricing, rooms typically cost between $90 and $150+ USD per night, which is honestly excellent value for the area. 

If Soho Midtown is all booked up on your preferred dates, Dali House is also worth considering. This hotel is housed in a grand historic building close to downtown and has a lovely outdoor lounge and bar area.  

Or, for a more apartment-style stay, Liv Weibdeh Hotel Suites offers spacious suites with kitchenettes. This hotel is also right on Paris Square, so you’ll be perfectly placed to explore Jabal Al-Lweibdeh on foot. 

Al Swaifyeh and Zahran

BEST FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS

Pros

• Home to some of Amman’s best five-star hotels and spas
• Plenty of upscale shopping, international restaurants, and malls nearby
• Quieter and more polished than the city’s busiest tourist areas

Cons

• Too spread out to explore comfortably on foot
• You’ll need a taxi or rideshare for most sightseeing
• Farther from the Citadel, Al Balad, and Rainbow Street

If luxury and relaxation are high on your wishlist, you’ll feel right at home in Al Swaifyeh and Zahran. These neighboring areas are home to some of Amman’s most luxurious hotels and restaurants, not to mention plenty of high-end shops for some retail therapy between sightseeing.

This is definitely the place to stay if you’re really looking to treat yourself. You can spend the morning exploring the Citadel and wandering through Al Balad, return to your hotel for an afternoon by the pool or a spa treatment, and then get dressed up for dinner at one of the area’s excellent restaurants. Trust us, after a long day exploring Amman’s hills, coming back to a spacious room and all the comforts of a five-star hotel is a pretty sweet deal! 

The main trade-off is that you won’t be within walking distance of the city’s biggest attractions. Rainbow Street, Al Balad, and the Citadel are typically around a 10- to 20-minute drive away, depending on traffic, and the neighborhoods themselves are fairly spread out. Fortunately, taxis and rideshares make getting around straightforward, so this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if sightseeing isn’t your only priority.

All in all, we’d recommend Al Swaifyeh and Zahran for anyone who values comfort and wants a luxurious place to recharge between days of sightseeing.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman – $$$

If you’re looking to seriously treat yourself on your trip, you definitely need to check out the Ritz-Carlton, Amman. This is the kind of hotel we’d book for a honeymoon, anniversary, or special trip where lounging by the pool and getting dressed up for dinner are just as much a part of the vacation as sightseeing!

The hotel is located in the upscale Fifth Circle area and has everything you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton, including a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and eight different places to eat and drink. There’s also a gorgeous rooftop lounge, where you can sip cocktails with panoramic views over Amman.

Rooms typically cost between $380 and $600+ USD per night, which is definitely a splurge. But if luxury is the priority, you’ll get plenty of it here! 

Another fantastic luxury hotel we love in the area is the Four Seasons Hotel Amman. This hotel also has incredible pool and spa facilities, and it’s in an excellent location for shopping, dining, and enjoying Amman’s upscale city life.  

If the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton are all booked up on your dates, another option is the St. Regis Amman. This hotel is right by Fifth Circle and comes with its signature butler service! 

DoubleTree by Hilton Amman Hotel & Residences – $$

For our mid-range pick, we like to recommend the DoubleTree by Hilton Amman Hotel & Residences. 

We love this hotel because, instead of a standard hotel room, you can opt for an apartment-style studio with a full kitchen. This is super convenient if you like having the option to cook, but still want to enjoy the ease of a full-service hotel.

Location-wise, the hotel is in Abdoun near Taj Mall, so you’ll have plenty of shops and restaurants close by. There’s also an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining, so you’ve got everything you need for a comfortable stay without having to venture far when you want a slower day.

As for pricing, you can expect rooms to typically range from $150 to $260+ USD per night. 

Another mid-range option is the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel. It’s also near Fifth Circle and has both an indoor and outdoor pool, plus incredible spa facilities. 

Then, there’s the Radisson Blu Hotel. This hotel is literally connected to Galleria Mall, so you couldn’t ask for an easier setup if shopping is on your Amman itinerary! 

Crowne Plaza Amman by IHG – $

Last but not least, for our budget-friendly pick in the area, we’ve got the Crowne Plaza Amman by IHG. This is still a five-star hotel with decent amenities, but in our experience, rooms tend to be considerably cheaper than some of the luxury stays nearby.

The hotel itself sits near Sixth Circle in West Amman, which is a convenient spot for shopping and dining. And if you’re planning a day of sightseeing, you’ll be around a 15- to 20-minute drive to places like Rainbow Street, Al Balad, and the Citadel, depending on traffic. 

When it comes to pricing, you can expect rates to typically range between $110 and $180+ USD per night. 

For a backup option, Seas Hotel Amman is another good-value hotel in the area. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and there’s a family-friendly restaurant onsite that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

If you’re looking for a bit more room than a standard hotel stay, Naylover Hotel Suites is a fantastic alternative near Seventh Circle. Its larger suites work really well for families, and you’ll also get free private parking, which is handy if you’re traveling by car. 

Top Activities to Do in Amman

Amman is an amazing city to explore, but it’s also the perfect jumping-off point for some of Jordan’s biggest bucket-list experiences! If you’re still planning your itinerary, here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around Amman: 

• See Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea – If you’re short on time, this epic two-day tour packs three of Jordan’s biggest bucket-list experiences into one adventure! You’ll explore the incredible rock-cut city of Petra, spend the night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, take a 4×4 Jeep ride through the desert, and finish with a float in the Dead Sea. Best of all, transport from Amman is taken care of, so you can enjoy the adventure without worrying about logistics

• Taste your way around Amman – If you’re a foodie at heart, you’ll want to come hungry for this small-group food tour. For around three hours, you’ll explore Rainbow Street and downtown while trying all the local favorites like manaqish, falafel, mansaf, and kunafa. The group is capped at just six people, so it’s also a fun, personal way to learn more about Amman through its food.

• Explore the ancient ruins of northern Jordan – Petra might get most of the attention, but there are some seriously impressive historical sites north of Amman too! This private day trip takes you to the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Jerash, 12th-century Ajloun Castle, and the ancient city of Gadara at Umm Qais. We love that all of the transport is handled for you, making it easy to see three fascinating sites in one day.

• Discover Amman on foot – If it’s your first time in the city, this private walking tour is a great way to get your bearings! You’ll wander through Al Balad and its busy markets, visit Duke’s Diwan, explore artsy Jabal Al-Lweibdeh, and spot famous landmarks like the Roman Theater. There are even some local food samples included, and since the tour is private, it can be customized to your interests

• Float in the Dead Sea – You can’t visit Jordan without experiencing the surreal feeling of floating in the Dead Sea! This private half-day trip to the Dead Sea makes it easy, with hotel pickup in Amman and around four hours to relax by the water. You can opt for transport only or upgrade to include resort access and lunch, making this an easy escape when you don’t have a full day to spare.

Thanks for reading!

Hopefully, finding the perfect place to stay in Amman now feels a whole lot easier! With the city spread across so many hills and neighborhoods, choosing a base that suits your travel style can make a huge difference. Whether you want to be near lively Rainbow Street, experience the modern side of Abdali, or treat yourself to a luxurious stay in West Amman, there’s an area here for every type of traveler.

Still planning your Jordan adventure? Check out all of our Middle East blogs here! We’ve got plenty more tips on the best things to do, must-see destinations, and unforgettable experiences to help you plan an epic trip. Or keep scrolling below for more of our favorite blogs that we think you’ll love!

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