Amman's Hidden Gem: Olive Hotel - Unforgettable Jordanian Stay
Amman's Hidden Gem: Olive Hotel - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Okay, friends, let me tell you about the Olive Hotel. Forget the perfectly polished, sterile reviews you usually skim through. I'm here to give you the real deal, the messy, imperfect, and totally human truth about this Amman escape. I spent a chunk of time there recently, and I'm still processing it all. Honestly? It's a rollercoaster. Buckle up.
First Impression: That Amman Vibe (and a Few Hiccups)
Finding the Olive Hotel felt like a treasure hunt. That's Amman for you. Steep hills, winding streets… it adds to the mystique, right? But getting there? My taxi driver definitely did a double-take. "Olive Hotel?" he repeated, eyeing the GPS suspiciously. "You sure?" (He was probably right to be unsure. More on that later.)
The exterior? Definitely not the sleekest hotel on the block. It’s… well, it's Jordan. You're not here for the stark modernism. It's got a solid, dependable feel. I'd call it "mature and well-seasoned." But, hey, that's a good thing. It felt safe, and in Amman, that's a huge plus.
Accessibility: Not a Flawless Victory, but They're Trying
Okay, let's be honest. This is where it gets a little… complicated. Accessibility is listed, and while they've made efforts, it's not perfect. The hotel is definitely not ideal for folks with severe mobility issues. The hills around Amman are killer, and some areas within the hotel (like the spa, which I'll rave about later) are not completely wheelchair friendly. Elevator access is available, which is key, and there are some facilities for disabled guests, but assess your needs beforehand. They're clearly trying, though, and I saw staff go above and beyond for guests. That's worth something, right?
Rooms and the Rest: Comfort, Quirks, and Oh-So-Much Wi-Fi
My room? Pretty darn spacious. Air conditioning was a lifesaver (especially in the Jordanian heat!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend when I was fighting jet lag. The Wi-Fi [free] was as reliable as my morning coffee (essential!). And speaking of coffee… the coffee/tea maker in the room was a definite win. Basic, efficient, and got the job done.
They do offer a ton of other amenities. It was helpful to have Free bottled water, Bathtub, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels. I would have preferred to have more modern outlets with USB ports and more modern TV.
- Bonus points: They have a window that opens. Sounds silly, but it's glorious to get fresh air into a hotel room!
- Minus points: The décor… let's call it "traditional." It wasn't exactly minimalist, but it was clean, and the seating area was comfy.
One glorious thing about the room…the extra long bed. I am very tall and I was able to stretch myself out on the bed without any issues.
Internet? Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Seriously)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Need I say more? And, again, the Wi-Fi was solid. No buffering. No dropped connections. I could actually get some work done. Internet access – wireless. Internet access – LAN. Perfect. Internet services were top-notch.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Surprise Vegan Finds!)
This is where the Olive Hotel really shines. The breakfast buffet? Breakfast [buffet] – a glorious spread! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… you name it, they had it. Freshly baked bread, delicious hummus (of course!), and the most amazing dates I've ever tasted. I’ve experienced plenty of breakfast buffet in my life, but this one felt special.
I am a vegan so I am always nervous trying new things. I was surprised as the Olive Hotel has a Vegetarian restaurant. I was absolutely stunned when I saw that they had a few options for me to eat!
- The bar: The poolside bar was a treat. Cold drinks, delicious snacks… perfect for a hot afternoon. But the real star? The Coffee shop. The coffee was good, but the atmosphere was even better.
- Room service [24-hour]: Useful after a long day of exploring.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Bliss (and the Pool with a View)
Okay, let's talk about the spa. I'm not a spa person. I'm a "get-things-done" kind of person. But I was talked into it, and WOW. Seriously. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage. I spent two hours in the steamroom and then another hour being massaged. The Body scrub was an experience! Definitely worth the splurge.
The swimming pool with a view? Stunning. I should have spent more time there! It's an outdoor swimming pool and is very well kept. Also, the Fitness center and Gym/fitness were available for those seeking a workout.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Protected
This is where I felt completely at ease. In these times, safety is paramount. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays made me feel secure. Also, the Staff trained in safety protocol. It felt like they genuinely cared. They're also incredibly organized, as there is a First aid kit if you need it.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond Expectations
The front desk [24-hour]? Super helpful. The staff were polite, friendly, and spoke excellent English. They arranged my taxis, gave me recommendations, and generally made my life easier.
- Bonus Points: The Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Concierge. They had a Gift/souvenir shop and a Convenience store which came in handy for snacks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey
- Restaurants: Excellent, with options for everyone.
- Bar: The perfect place to unwind.
- Snack bar: Quick bites and drinks
For the Kids:
In a city where family is key, the Olive Hotel also offers:
- Babysitting service for those who need.
- Family/child friendly accommodations to make it easy.
- Kids meal options for the picky eaters.
Getting Around: Easy Access
- Airport transfer: Smooth and efficient.
- Car park: Free and on-site.
- Taxi service: Readily available
The Anecdotes and the Imperfections: The Human Touch
Remember that taxi driver? Well, he was right, in a way. The Olive Hotel isn't perfect. There was one day when the hot water was a little temperamental. And, yeah, the décor is… well, it's not what you'd find in a trendy boutique hotel.
But here's the thing: those "imperfections" are what made it real. They added to the charm. They reminded me I was in Jordan, amongst real people, in a real place.
Overall Opinion: The Olive Hotel is Worth It (For the Right Traveler)
Let's be honest: this isn't a five-star luxury experience. It's far more interesting. If you're looking for a comfortable, authentic, and genuinely friendly place to stay in Amman, the Olive Hotel is a hidden gem.
Final Verdict: Cozy, safe, great food, and a spa that'll melt your stress away. Just go.
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The Ultimate Olive Hotel Experience: Exclusive Offer for You!
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Book your stay at the Olive Hotel today and receive:
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- Early Check-in and Late Check-out!
Why book now?
- Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality.
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Power Hotel Malaysia: Unplug & Unleash Your Inner Rockstar!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Jordan, and this itinerary… well, let's just say it's more "suggestion" than "law." Consider it a rough draft etched on a napkin, fueled by lukewarm coffee and a healthy dose of existential dread about packing my passport. We're staying at the Olive Hotel in Amman, which I'm already picturing as either a charming oasis or a place where the wifi only exists in whispers and prayer.
Trip: Operation "Spice Up My Life" (and Hopefully Not Get Lost)
Day 1: Amman Arrival & Cultural Overload (or, Why Did I Wear These Boots?)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Expect the immigration line to be… an experience. I’m a chronic over-packer, so I’m already sweating, knowing my suitcase is probably defying gravity, threatening to explode with enough socks to clothe a small army. Pro-tip: Pack light. Ha. Yeah, right.
- Taxi to Olive Hotel: Assuming I navigate the airport chaos without bursting into tears (again), I'll brave the taxi gauntlet. Pray for a driver who speaks some English, and for the meter to function. Because negotiating after a 14-hour flight sounds… fun.
- Olive Hotel Check-in: Deep breaths. Hopefully, my room is clean. And has air conditioning. And isn’t haunted. Fingers crossed.
- Afternoon: Downtown Amman – Roman Theatre & Citadel: Okay, tourist time. Let's hit the Roman Theatre. Pictures are mandatory. I'll probably accidentally take a blurry photo of my own foot while trying to capture the grandeur. That's just how I roll. Then we'll head up to the Citadel. Supposedly, the views are incredible. I'm hoping to find some actual solitude I need to re-center myself. This city is a lot.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to "do culture," I tripped over a cobblestone in Rome and almost took out a group of nuns. So, high hopes here.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Souk Shopping & Jordanian Dinner: The souk! I'm going to get lost. Guaranteed. I'll probably buy something I don't need, but that's part of the fun, right? Spices, scarves, maybe a brass camel. After all of this, I'm going to want to collapse. We need a proper Jordanian dinner, something with mansaf. Just. Pray. It's. Delicious. I'll probably eat too much. I already feel myself drifting into a food coma. I'll probably need to get a taxi back.
Day 2: Jerash - Ancient Glory & the "Why Did I Wake Up So Early?" Syndrome
- Morning (Really Early): I'm a terrible morning person, but Jerash is supposedly worth it. This will be a battle between my love for historical sites and my utter refusal to function before 10 am. I'll probably whine. Loudly.
- Trip to Jerash: Hopefully, the tour guide is interesting. I'll probably zone out halfway through, daydreaming about coffee and a nap.
- Jerash Exploration: Okay, let's see Roman columns, colonnaded streets, and all the ancient architecture. I'll marvel at the ingenuity, take WAY too many photos and probably end up dropping my phone in some ancient fountain.
- Quirky Observation: I bet the Romans had better coffee than I do right now.
- Afternoon: Back to Amman. I'll need a serious nap.
- Evening: Hummus and People-Watching: Find a place with delicious hummus and watch Amman roll by. Observe the locals. Take in the rhythm of the city. Let the flavors and sights be the soundtrack to the day. This is where I want to be, not lost in the ancient past or the tourist traps.
Day 3: Dead Sea & Floatation Bliss (or, The Salt & Sand Adventure)
- Morning: Head to the Dead Sea. The whole floating thing is a bit of a gimmick, but I really want to see if I can actually read the paper, floating in the sea.
- Dead Sea Experience: Apply the mud. Look ridiculous. Float. Try not to get salt in my eyes (it'll happen). Attempt to be zen. Fail.
- Emotional Reaction: The Dead Sea is either going to be amazing and life-affirming, or I'm going to panic and flail around like a dying fish. I'm betting on a little bit of both.
- Afternoon: Relax, read, and eat. Then maybe a massage. Because why not? We're at the Dead Sea. It's required. I'll probably fall asleep.
- Evening: Dinner. Perhaps a rooftop restaurant with a view. Hopefully, there is some chill music and some delicious drinks. I'll soak in the moment and reflect on my life.
- Rambling Thoughts: Okay, is this what it's like to be truly happy? Is this what I really want out of life? (probably not, but it's a damn good start).
- Messy Observation: Sand. Everywhere. I'm already envisioning sand in my underwear.
Day 4: Petra - The Pink City & The Walking Dead… (Mine Anyway)
- Early (Like, REALLY Early) Morning: Travel to Petra. Ugh. More early mornings. More walking. I'll curse my life choices for choosing this. Prepare for the long day.
- Petra Exploration: Okay, here we go. The Siq. The Treasury. All the Instagram-worthy spots. I'll be fighting the urge to burst into tears from pure awe.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This is it. This is why I came. This is incredible. This is… also going to be exhausting. My feet already hurt.
- Afternoon: More Petra. Climb to the Monastery (if my legs hold out). Get lost. Get overwhelmed. Realize I'm probably not in the best shape for this. Take a break for tea.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: I'm going to try to stay in Petra until sunset. I'll take a nap during the day if I can. The colors, the shadows… It's supposed to be magical. I'm going to stay until I absolutely can't stand up any longer. Then, I'm going to collapse in a heap.
- Evening: Travel back to Amman. I will be a zombie. A very happy, very tired zombie. Dinner, eat, and then right to bed.
Day 5: Amman & Departure (or, Can I Stay?)
- Morning: After all the walking and the excitement, I'll sleep in extra late.
- Explore Amman (Again): Visit a favorite coffee shop and slowly drink a latte while watching the city wake up.
- Souvenir Shopping: Panic-buy souvenirs. Realize I've spent way too much money.
- Afternoon: Last chance for a final Jordanian meal.
- Evening: Head to the airport. Reflect on the trip. Feel a mixture of sadness to be leaving and relief that I'll finally get to shower.
- Departure: Fly out of Amman. Promise myself to come back. Then, immediately start planning the next adventure.
Important Notes:
- Food: I plan to eat everything. And take pictures of everything. My stomach may hate me.
- Language: My Arabic is nonexistent. I'll be relying on smiles, hand gestures, and the generosity of strangers.
- Pace: This is a fast-paced trip. I'm already exhausted just writing it. I'll probably need a vacation from my vacation.
- Imperfections: Expect hiccups. Expect missed buses. Expect to get lost. That's part of the fun, right?
- Most Importantly: Be flexible. Be open to the unexpected. And remember: Life is too short to not eat all the hummus.
Amman's Olive Hotel: The Real Deal? A Messy FAQ for the Skeptic (and the Romantic)
Alright, let's be real. You're looking at the Olive Hotel in Amman. I get it. The pictures look idyllic, right? But is it *really* as charming as they say? Well, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your typical TripAdvisor drivel.
1. Okay, spill. Is the location actually *convenient* or am I gonna spend half my trip stuck in Amman traffic?
Ugh, traffic in Amman. The bane of my existence. Okay, here's the deal. The Olive Hotel is tucked away in a residential area, which means... it's not *right next* to the Roman Theatre. You'll need a taxi or Uber (bargain, bargain, bargain!) to get to the major sights. But, and this is a big BUT, it also means you escape the absolute chaos. I remember trying to get to my hotel once, during what I *thought* was a quiet time, because the guy at the reception told me, "Amman doesn't have a quiet time." I nearly cried. So, yes, you'll need transport, but it's a trade-off for sanity. And the hotel staff can absolutely hook you up with reliable drivers. Don't be shy, they’re used to it.
2. The photos show a rooftop terrace. Is it actually a *thing* or just a dusty Instagram prop?
Oh, the rooftop. Let me tell you about the rooftop... It *is* a thing. And it's glorious. Honestly, the pictures don't do it justice. I spent a solid afternoon up there, just staring at the city sprawling out. The view is genuinely breathtaking. There's something about the way the light hits the buildings, especially at sunset, it’s like liquid gold. They serve a simple breakfast up there too, which is perfect. BUT... and this is the "but" you need to know... Sometimes, it's a little breezy. And one time, someone's laundry from a nearby building had blown over. Yeah, a rogue pair of underoos. It added character, to be fair, but maybe double-check for stray garments before you settle in. So, it's awesome, but definitely not always pristine.
3. The rooms... are they as stylish as they look? Is it a *comfortable* stay or are they more like Instagram-chic prisons?
Okay, style. They’ve got style. The rooms are definitely designed with a focus on aesthetics. Think exposed brick, minimalist furniture with a touch of Middle Eastern flair. It's lovely. But, and there's ALWAYS a but, right? My first room had a slightly wonky shower head. Nothing catastrophic, but it wasn't *perfect*. Also, the soundproofing isn't the best. You might hear the faint sounds of life (aka, people talking, the calls to prayer, the occasional dog barking). It adds to the charm, honestly, but if you're a light sleeper, pack some earplugs. And, one time, I swear, the air-con coughed and sputtered like an old, grumpy relative. But look, after a quick chat at reception, it was fixed! Overall, comfortable AND stylish. Just embrace the imperfections. It's part of the experience!
4. The staff... are they genuinely friendly or just putting on a show?
The staff... oh my god, the staff. Okay, so, I arrived there after a hellish flight and my suitcase was AWOL. I was a MESS. Tears, sweat, mascara everywhere. The guy at the front desk, bless his heart, not only helped me track down my luggage (it eventually appeared, by the way) but he also offered me tea, a sympathetic ear, and probably the best damn dates I've ever eaten in my life. They're genuinely lovely people. They go above and beyond. They genuinely *care*. It’s not fake, it’s real. They remember your name, they ask about your day, they’ll even give you local tips that aren't in any guidebook. They actually *made* my trip.
5. Food! Tell me about the food! Is the breakfast any good, or just hotel-breakfast generic?
Okay, the breakfast. This deserves its own paragraph. Seriously. Forget your sad continental spreads. The Olive Hotel breakfast is *delicious*. Think fresh bread, local cheeses (I became addicted to the *Jameed* cheese), olives (duh!), hummus, falafel, eggs cooked any way you want... It's a feast! And you can eat it on the rooftop! Honestly, I almost didn't want to leave the hotel just so I could eat breakfast every morning. I mean, I considered it. It's that good. One morning, I devoured so much labneh, I almost fell into a food coma. No regrets. Just... delicious memories. And strong coffees (essential after a long flight).
6. Are there any hidden fees or sneaky surprises I should know about?
Thankfully, no major sneaky fees that I recall! The prices are pretty transparent. But a tip? Always have some small change on hand for the taxi drivers and for the hotel staff, they're always so helpful! I think the mini-fridge in my room was stocked, but that's pretty standard in most places. But just ask! They're happy to help.
7. Overall, should I book it or keep looking? Give me the gut-check verdict!
Okay, look, if you're looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, the Olive Hotel isn't for you. If you want perfect soundproofing and a flawless shower, maybe look elsewhere. But. If you want a hotel that feels like a home, with genuine people, a beautiful view, and a breakfast that will make you weep with joy... then book it. Just book it. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's got a bit of soul, a little bit of imperfection, and all the charm in the world. And honestly? I miss it. I really, really miss it. Go. And tell them [your name] sent you. (They'll probably have no idea who I am, but hey, worth a shot).
