Property Review – Amman Marriott Hotel, Amman, Jordan
By Mary Coons
International Press Association
©Mary Coons 2010
A lot can be said about a well-branded international property in a foreign country when peace of mind and security are front and center.
The Amman Marriott Hotel in Amman, Jordan provided just that. Admittedly, I was caught off guard when our taxi pulled up and was routinely searched inside and under before the security barriers dropped back into their assigned slots beneath the pavement. I had heard that the four and five-star hotels in Jordan had x-ray security and screenings similar to airport screenings in their lobbies – which the Amman Marriott also had. I dismissed it as a result of the global world we now live in.
My husband and I had a nicely appointed room with high speed Internet connection (at an additional charge). After a ten-hour flight, the comfy bed was most welcome. The specialty Dead Sea bath products standard in the room was a nice touch.
Renovated in 2009, the new room designs feature a contemporary classic style with wood wall panelings and new furnishings.
The spacious lobby area actually was multi tiered; an open concept that was warm and inviting with numerous cozy conversation areas where one could meet privately.
Security was ever present almost to a fault. I’ve travelled throughout the Middle East before – numerous stays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Manama, Bahrain at four and five-star properties – and have never been told that taking photos inside or out was forbidden. The head of security stopped me both outside and in and insisted on watching as I dutifully deleted the shots in question from my digital camera. And this was despite my identifying myself as a member of the press here to do a property review.
Restaurants
The Amman Marriot has four very different restaurant/lounges plus a great little bakery with delicacies on the third level of the open floor lobby area.
We chose Villa Mediterrano Restaurant for our first evening meal. Naturally lit by a skylight, guests have the opportunity to watch their food being prepared in the exhibition-style kitchen. As it was dark outside and dimly lit within, I felt the lighting was a bit too low not really adding to the ambience as promoted.
Jordanian chef Pelal Wezewz oversees the Mediterranean fare of the restaurant. I chose an Italian fruity white wine to accompany my Seabass Fillet of oven-roasted fish topped with a horseradish crust and served with lemon in a creamy lemon sauce. My entrée was accompanied by sautéed vegetables (carrot
strips, green beans, broccoli, green peppers and zucchini) and mashed potatoes. In a word, the food was fabulous! Ahmed, our Jordanian server, was obviously and outwardly pleased with the report.
My husband selected Grilled Chicken Lebanese, a boneless half chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice, char grilled, and served with Arabic rice sprinkled with raisins, pine seeds and almonds. Grilled vegetables accompanied his meal. A yogurt cucumber salad was offered; however, not a cucumber fan, Ahmed quickly suggested he opt for plain yogurt instead, and easily accommodated the request.
The chicken was wonderfully flavorful with an interesting lemony tang, but a bit chewy. Could it be that Jordanian chickens are different than U.S. chickens?
We split Mousse di Surprise for dessert; a great decision. A rich mixture of dark and white chocolate mousse garnished with sweet tasting strawberries, it was deliciously rich, yet not too much.
The majority of guests dining appeared to be European and Japanese the evening we dined. I needed special permission from the restaurant manager to photograph my food with the assurance that the privacy of the diners in the background would be respected.
Champions Sports Bar, located across the hall from the Villa Mediterrano, was the usual hotel sports bar common to many hotels. The Library Lounge & Cigar Bar, however, was not. Elegantly appointed, the Library is billed as the ideal place to enjoy three of life’s pleasures: gourmet food, a fine drink, and a smooth cigar. Although a Muslim country, Jordan’s branded hotels offer alcoholic beverages.
The Piano Lounge, located on the two-tiered lobby and first floor, was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or favorite drink. We spent time here mapping out our following days’ sightseeing itinerary.
Staff was courteous and friendly – even when reminding me that no photography was allowed. But the person who stands out the most is Wael Ibrahim, one of Marriott’s taxi-for-hire drivers, whom we booked for our sightseeing excursions over our three-day stay. This wonderful Palestinian man was extremely knowledgeable, very pleasant, and always prompt, spoke very good English, and was an absolutely ideal representative for his employer, the Amman Marriot Hotel. I hope they realize that!
Overall, the Amman Marriott Hotel was an attractive property inside, had great food, a helpful and friendly staff, and a good value for the money. The country and its sites are pretty amazing too!
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