InterContinental Hotel – Amman, Jordan: The twelve story InterContinental Hotel Amman is located in the heart of the business district and just minutes from the city center. It is touted as one of the best luxury hotels in Amman and since I have visited most of the others (Four Seasons Amman, Grand Hyatt Hotel Amman, Kempinski Hotel Amman) I decided that I had better check out the InterContinental Amman when I was in Jordan, so I hopped on their easy to use website and booked me a room.

Reception: I booked a king sized bed but the staff at the reception tried to talk me into a double saying that was the only thing available at the time and that a king sized bed was based purely on availability. I tried explaining and even digging out my confirmation to show them that I had indeed specifically reserved a king. I also politely requested for a high floor but all that I got (in spite of getting the front desk manager involved) was a third floor room with a view of the uninspiring pool. My Priority Club Gold Card didn’t do much to save the day for me and they were not able to offer me anything better. The very least I expected from them was a king from the very beginning, since that was what I had booked in the first place. Not the best way to start your stay at a luxury hotel.

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The Room: The room was a standard king after much haggling, though I expected an upgraded version based on my Gold status. My failed request aside, the small and cramped room only added to the woes and it seriously felt like I was stranded in some run of the mill hotel and not an upscale luxury hotel room, which is what the InterContinental normally provides. Even the bathroom was a tiny hole in the wall with a single basin sink and a bathtub/shower combination with an uncomfortable half a shower door. It does a poor job of keeping the water from spraying all over, the result, an absolutely messy bath area.

Room Service: The room service was typical five-star hotel room service-with the usual sandwiches, soups, salads, some Arabic mezzes and a limited selection of Indian fare. After having tried their club sandwich and fries, I wished I had simply skipped them and headed out. Though the portions were hefty, the quality of the meat left much to be desired. The turkey was drier than a loaf of stale bread. The only solace was that my order came on time but it looks like my joy was short-lived and the waiter just dumped the tray on the coffee table in a rush to go rather than ask me where I wanted my meal set up.

Housekeeping: No major complaints from the housekeeping department except that unlike other luxury five-star hotels that fold your clothes neatly, the staff here just piled them on the chair and left my shoes just where I had removed them.

Concierge: Though I used the concierge only once, it took me a good three calls to actually get the guy. His sushi recommendations were far from impressive initially. His first suggestion was Benihana Sushi Restaurant at the Le Meridian Hotel. Fortunately I had been there before and felt it was not only too commercial but also horrible. I told him I did not want this one. Finally some good sense took over and he suggested Asia at Four Seasons Amman, which turned out to be a brilliant recommendation and should have been his first suggestion when I mentioned I wanted an upscale, non-commercial, great sushi serving restaurant in a beautiful environment.

Restaurant: There are about six restaurants at the InterContinental Hotel, Amman Jordan, though I didn’t really try any of them. The Atrium Restaurant is a sky-view casual dining option with imposing glass ceilings and a selection of international specialties. The Indu Restaurant is a traditional Indian eatery, which serves standard tandoori items and spicy curries. Cinco De Mayo Restaurant and Bar is a relaxed Mexican restaurant, while the Bourj Al Hamman is touted to cook up authentic Lebanese fare. The Terrace is an alfresco-style dining option that serves a range of items from Mexican and Lebanese to Mongolian and Italian. Deli Cafe is for a quick bite of salads, sandwiches, soups and pastas along with a few deli cases and a variety of beverages.

Pool/Spa/Activities: The InterContinental’s Spa InterContinental offers the latest in state of the art facilities with cardiovascular machines weight training machines, Jacuzzis, steam rooms sauna, fully equipped 24 hour gym, indoor outdoor pool but after seeing the uninviting pool, I skipped the other amenities and spent my leisure time out in the city.

Overall Impression The overall impression was thoroughly disappointing and not something that one would expect of a hotel of InterContinental’s class. Though the five-star property is clean and centrally located-that is hardly a USP for a celebrated chain of luxury five-star hotels. The service or rather the lack of it was highly appalling to say the least. Compared to the other five-star and luxury hotels in Amman, the InterContinental gets my lowest score. It still tallles in at the between bombastic and not level but it is below the other five-star properties I've rated in Amman.

What I liked: The location and the cleanliness.

What I didn’t like: The un-cooperative reception staff, the room service, the small rooms with uncomfortable bathrooms and the far from appealing pool.

Rating: Between Bombastic and Not

People who read this review also read reviews of these other luxury hotels in Amman:
Four Seasons Amman
Grand Hyatt Hotel Amman
Kempinski Hotel Amman

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