InterContinental Hotel - Aqaba, Jordan at the Red Sea - Listed as a 5 Star, luxury hotel and knowing the level of service and accommodations InterContinental normally has, I was disappointed with InterContinental Aqaba.

When we had made reservations for the Intercontinental, we had reserved a non-smoking sea view room. However, when we got into our room it was only a partial sea view. And by partial, I mean, very partial, meaning we almost had hang off the edge of the balcony for a good view of the sea.

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We moved into a sea view room only to find out that it was actually a smoking room, but apparently they figured by taking out the ashtrays that would make it a non-smoking room. The room didn't smell too smoky and it was late so we decided just to stay in that room.

The room itself was a beautiful room nicely decorated and furnished. Located in the center of the hotel, the view of the Red Sea was absolutely beautiful. The bathroom was fairly plain except for the fact that it had a shower plus a shower/bath tub combination, which ended up being a nice feature when we were running late.

Room service was fast and efficient, and the food above par for what you normally get from the room service kitchen.

Housekeeping on the other hand was not consistent; one day we got two towels the next day one towel. One day we have hand towels and washcloths, the next day, none. One day the room was made up nicely, the next day not so nice. When you're staying at a five-star hotel the least you want is consistency on what to expect from housekeeping.

One of my biggest complaints about the InterContinental Hotel Aqaba was the service or, should I say, lack of service at the pool. It was extremely, extremely slow. The pool area itself was gorgeous; a very large winding pool that stretches across the back of the hotel facing the Red Sea, which is nice. So at least you have a beautiful view, while you're waiting for service.

This spa is poorly laid out and the masseur is not what I would call a seasoned professional. I had a chocolate and almond oil massage, which sounds much nicer than it actually was. However, then having to walk barefoot through the cardiovascular area to get back to the small and cramped changing rooms and shower area is not the way you want to end a massage.

My biggest complaint is the evening we went to their lounge Martinis. After we had seated ourselves and sat for 10 minutes without service, we asked the waiter for menus only to be asked if we had reservations and told that we needed to move. It is when I challenged him and asked why, seeing it was not even 25% full and the evening was almost over, that he reluctantly allowed us to stay. I've never understood why restaurants and lounges do this type of thing. Apparently they were saving just in case that movie star stopped by? Who knows, if they want your business then they should act like they want it.

Overall the InterContinental Aqaba is a nice hotel, not bombastic, but not a disaster either. Would I stay here again? I doubt it. In my opinion, it doesn't measure up to a 5 star, luxury hotel. Next time I would try Movenpick or wait for the new Kempinski to open.

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