Escape to Paradise: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Jordan - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Kempinski Aqaba: Paradise Found (…Maybe? And the Wi-Fi?) A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the very strong Jordanian karak tea) on the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. "Escape to Paradise," they say. "Your Dream Vacation Awaits!" they chirp. Well, let's see if the reality matches the glossy brochure, shall we? This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review; this is a raw, unfiltered dive into the sand, the sun, and the… well, mostly the sand.
First Impressions: Arrival and Accessibility (and the Dreaded Stairs!)
Driving up, the Kempinski looks the part. Sleek, modern, and practically begging for a photoshoot. The entrance is grand, the doorman is… well, he’s a doorman, doing his doorman thing. My first thought? "Wow, is that a lot of marble to clean…and are there stairs?"
Accessibility: Okay, let's be real. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do care about accessibility. The lobby is largely accessible (thank goodness!), and the elevator situation seems decent. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is reassuring. Hopefully getting to all the amenities isn't a marathon of corridors and stairs. But for someone with mobility issues, you'll definitely want to double-check the specifics of your room and the restaurant access. Important note, check the specific room and facility access beforehand!
The Room: Oasis or Disappointment? (And Can I Connect to the Internet Damn It?!)
I was lucky enough to get a room with a balcony. "Escape to Paradise" right? Well, the view of the Red Sea was undeniably stunning. The room itself was well-appointed. Clean, modern, and with all the usual suspects – a comfy bed, a decent-sized TV, and a mini-bar that threatened to bankrupt me (those little water bottles are precious).
Available in All Rooms: Let's tick this off shall we? They boast all sorts of things: Air conditioning (thank GOD), an alarm clock (useless in the era of smartphones, but hey…), bathrobes (always a win), bathtubs (double win!), black-out curtains, a coffee/tea maker (crucial!), daily housekeeping (essential!), a desk, free bottled water (another win!), a hairdryer, an in-room safe box, internet (more on that later), ironing facilities, a laptop workspace, linens, a mini-bar, a mirror, a reading light, a refrigerator, a safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, a seating area, a separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, a smoke detector (safety first!), a socket near the bed (genius!), a telephone, toiletries, towels, an umbrella (for those rogue desert showers?), a visual alarm, and wake-up service. Phew! Did I miss anything?
Now, the internet… Okay, here's where things got a little… hmmm. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, that's what they promise! Internet access – wireless! Also, on the list! And, I kid you not, even Internet access – LAN! (Who even uses LAN anymore?! Did they time-travel from the 90s?). The reality? The Wi-Fi was… temperamental. Let's just say it was a rollercoaster. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes slower than a camel crossing the desert. I'm pretty sure I aged ten years trying to upload a single Instagram story. Definitely pack a data plan as a backup, folks.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Times
The Kempinski really leans into cleanliness and safety. They're taking the whole COVID-19 thing seriously. In fact, they have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. They even have Individually-wrapped food options. It's all quite reassuring, and I genuinely felt safe. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available (appreciated!). However, there's a downside: I missed the communal jam and butter, maybe I got too used to them prior to booking this trip.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Stomach Cramp)
Okay, let's talk food. The Kempinski has a lot of options. Restaurants galore, including A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. There's a Breakfast [buffet] that's pretty epic (though I was a bit over it by day four), and a Coffee/tea in restaurant. You can grab a quick bite at the Snack bar, and sip cocktails at the Poolside bar while staring into the distant ocean. Room service [24-hour], of course, is available for those midnight cravings.
The Buffet Debacle: The buffet! Ah, the buffet. A land of endless possibilities and… potential disasters. I loved it, and I hated it. The sheer variety was overwhelming. Sushi, shawarma, pastries… I attempted to sample everything. It was a glorious eating marathon! What was less glorious? The moment I felt the rumblings of a potential food-based emergency on Day 3. I survived, but I’ll never look at a brightly colored pastry the same way again. Food coma is a real threat!
Things to Do: Paradise Found? (Swimming Pools, Spas, and… Well, That's Mostly It)
The Kempinski really shines when it comes to relaxation and activities. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Multiple Swimming pools? Double check. A Pool with view? You betcha! The pool area is gorgeous, with plenty of loungers (which, by the way, are the ones you'll be fighting over).
Spa Time! The Spa is a true highlight. I indulged in a massage (which, by the way, was heavenly), and I spent a glorious hour in the Sauna and Steamroom. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap too, if you're feeling fancy. I was too busy napping. Spa/sauna – also a fantastic option!
Fitness Center: Now, I intended to hit the Fitness center daily. But let's be honest, by the time I'd finished swimming, sunbathing, eating, and napping, the last thing I wanted to do was work out. I did glimpse inside… it looked well-equipped, should you be so inclined.
For the Kids: They're definitely Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities and a Babysitting service.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't)
The Kempinski offers a plethora of services. They have a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, a Safety deposit boxes, and a Currency exchange. These are all pretty standard for a hotel of this caliber.
Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, and Car park [free of charge]. The Car park [on-site] is also handy if you're driving.
The Little Annoyances: They have a Convenience store (handy for those emergency snack runs), but the prices were… well, let's just say they weren't convenient.
Overall: Paradise? – Maybe, With a Wi-Fi Caveat
So, is the Kempinski Aqaba "Escape to Paradise"? Well, it's close. The location is fantastic, the facilities are top-notch, and the majority of the staff are friendly and helpful. However, the Wi-Fi situation was a definite downer, and the buffet almost did me in. But the positives far outweigh the negatives. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and slightly guilty about the number of pastries I consumed.
Final Verdict: Highly recommended. Just pack a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and a Pepto-Bismol.
Now, for a Compelling Offer (and a Plea for Good Wi-Fi):
Escape to Paradise: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (…Seriously, We Promise Better Wi-Fi This Time!)
Book your stay now and receive:
- A 15% discount on your room rate! (Use code: REDSEA15!)
- Complimentary breakfast for two! (Because you deserve that buffet!)
- Free upgrade to a room with a balcony and better Wi-Fi! (Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but we'll try!)
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival! (Because you've earned it!)
- Early check-in and late check-out! (Subject to availability, of course… and hopefully with better Wi-Fi!)
This offer is valid for stays booked before [Date - be specific] for travel dates between [Dates].
**Don't miss out on this chance to experience the luxury and relaxation of the Kempinski Hotel Aq
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Romagna Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is my potential week at the Kempinski Aqaba, Jordan. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the constant struggle to remember where I left my sunglasses.
Day 1: Arrival - Sand, Sun, and a Sprinkle of Existential Dread
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): ARRIVAL. Ugh. Airports. My nemesis. Praying my luggage makes it. Pretty sure the flight attendant gave me the look when I asked for two mini bottles of wine. Totally worth it. Land in Aqaba. Sun. Blindingly beautiful sun. Border crossing - hope I didn't forget anything.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Transfer to Kempinski. The driver was super keen to chat – "You like Jordan, madam?" My answer should have been yes, because I looked a mess, but I nodded, then promptly fell asleep. Woke up to the shimmering Red Sea. Suddenly, I could cry. It's that pretty. Check in. Room with a balcony. Score! (Seriously, hotels with balconies are the only reason I haven't completely lost it yet)
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Room inspection. Immediately look for the coffee machine - survival, people! Put my swimsuit on. Panic. Does this look good? (Spoiler alert: it never does). Stomach growls – MUST. FIND. FOOD.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at the "Fish Market". This is where things get interesting. Over-order. See a plate piled high with grilled fish, feeling absolutely ravenous and like I’d just finished the world marathon, and think, "That looks amazing!" Eat it. Almost immediately regret it. Perhaps should have paced myself. The sea breeze is lovely though, and the overeating makes this a very real situation to be experiencing right now.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Pool time! But… sunblock application? A logistical nightmare of sticky fingers and potential missed spots. Fail. Get a slightly embarrassing sunburn. But the pool is glorious. Floating around, pretending I'm a mermaid, and eavesdropping on a couple's argument in German. The drama!
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Nap on balcony. The sea breeze is doing wonders for my frazzled nerves and the sunburn, because honestly, I am wrecked at this point. Wake up, look at the sunset. Seriously, this is unreal.
- Evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Dinner at "The Black Canyon". Decide against the fancy tasting menu. My brain is too fried for complicated decisions. Order a simple steak. It's delicious. Feel a wave of contentment wash over me. Maybe I'm actually enjoying this. Maybe.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Cocktails at the bar. Probably get chatting to someone. Or sit alone and people-watch. Or both. End the night with a questionable karaoke session in my room. Sing badly to a Celine Dion song. Regret the decision. Repeat tomorrow.
Day 2: Snorkeling and Slightly Over-Enthusiastic Shopping
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up. Regret karaoke. Coffee is life. Breakfast at the buffet. Try everything. Vow to be healthy. Fail.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Snorkeling trip! Get the gear. Feel like an awkward astronaut. Jump into the water. See the Coral Reef! HOLY. WOW. Fish of every color. Get totally lost in the underwater world. Forget to breathe properly. Almost drown. Regain composure. Laugh at myself. Still, totally worth it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at some beachside bar. Stuff my face with hummus and falafel. Realize I'm developing a deep and profound love for Jordanian food.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Souk shopping! Get completely overwhelmed by the noise and the smells. Haggle like a pro (or at least, attempt to). Buy way too many scarves. And a ridiculously ornate lamp. Where am I going to put this thing? Who cares!
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): “Seafood Night” at the hotel restaurant. Realize I made not-so-good choices the previous day. Feel a bit sea sick. Decide to push through with a dessert.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Stroll along the beach. The stars are incredible. Feel a pang of loneliness. Then, spot a stray cat. Make a new friend. Start thinking about smuggling it back home. Decide against it. (Probably).
Day 3: Wadi Rum - Desert Dreams and Starry Nights
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Early start. Transfer to Wadi Rum. Pack the essentials. Sunscreen, water, camera. And a healthy dose of skepticism. (I'm not a desert person, generally speaking).
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Jeep tour. BOOM! The desert. It's…massive. Incredible. The colors! The space! Get completely blown away by the silence and the beauty. Dust gets everywhere. But I don't care! Climb a dune. Almost fall. Laugh my head off.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch in a Bedouin camp. Amazing food cooked underground. Try to speak Arabic. Fail miserably. Get roasted by the Bedouins, but in a kind way.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Continue the jeep tour. Visit more incredible rock formations. Take a million photos. Feel a profound sense of peace. Or is it just the dehydration?
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner and stargazing at the camp. This is the highlight, I just know it. The stars! Unbelievable. Learn a few constellations. Feel small. Feel connected. Start to realize that perhaps, this desert-y thing, it's really something.
- Evening (11:00 PM onwards): Back to the Kempinksi, utterly exhausted, slightly sunburned, covered in sand, and with a heart full of stars. It's the best.
Day 4: Relaxation - Spa, Sun and Maybe a Little Bit of Trouble
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Sleep in. Needed. Wake up. Feel slightly hungover from the deliciousness of the food I've been indulging in.
- Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Spa time! Get a massage. Feel all the stress melt away. Almost fall asleep. Then, remember the questionable karaoke session and die of embarrassment.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Relax by the pool. Read a book. Drink a cocktail. Actually relax. This is what vacation is supposed to feel like!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Venture out of the hotel. Explore the local shops, get lost in the vibrant chaos of Aqaba. Buy more spices. Probably need a bigger suitcase at this point.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): A night of adventure - or perhaps there is no such thing as a quiet evening at the Hotel, at least based on how the previous evenings went?
Day 5, 6, 7 (and beyond): Blur of Bliss and Departure
Here's where it gets messy. Days 5-7 will likely be a blur of:
- Continued eating: More delicious food! More falafel! More hummus! The quest continues.
- More snorkeling/diving: Maybe learn to SCUBA dive? Now that would be something.
- Beach time: Sun, sea, repeat.
- Shopping: Buy all the things! (And then panic about the luggage situation).
Escape to Paradise: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba - You HAVE Questions? I (Probably) Have Answers! (And Maybe Some Stories... Okay, Definitely Stories.)
Okay, Okay, So... Is the Kempinski Aqaba REALLY as glamorous as it looks? (Because, you know, Insta is a LIE sometimes.)
Alright, reality check time! The Kempinski? Yeah, it's pretty damn glamorous. Like, walk-in-and-your-jaw-drops glamorous. The lobby is this vast, breezy space with a chandelier that could probably fund a small country. But... and this is KEY... it's not *perfect*. (Because, frankly, perfect is boring, right?) I spent a week there a few months ago.
Let me tell you, the first morning I wandered out to the pool… or should I say, *pools* – plural! – I felt… well, a bit intimidated. Like I needed to be wearing a designer swimsuit and know how to casually sip a mojito while judging the other guests. I am NOT that person. In reality? By day three, I was in my slightly-faded, well-loved swimsuit, reading a dog-eared paperback, occasionally dripping ice cream down my chin. The glamour is there, sure, but it doesn't feel… suffocating. It's a *really* nice hotel, you get that, but it’s also genuinely enjoyable and relaxing. Which is the important part!
Seriously though, the food? Is it actually *good* or just fancy and tiny portions? 'Cause I need to EAT, you know?
THIS. IS. IMPORTANT. Food is *everything*. And YES, the food at the Kempinski is generally excellent. I'm not gonna lie, there's a buffet situation that's a *bit* overwhelming on the first day. So much to choose from! But the quality? Fantastic. Fresh-baked bread, amazing dates (Jordanian dates are like… candy), and enough options to satisfy even the pickiest eater – which, if you've met my Uncle Jerry, is saying something.
I’d be lying if I said I didn't go back for, like, three plates of scrambled eggs one morning. No regrets. The à la carte restaurants are worth the splurge too. I had some incredible seafood – the grilled lobster? Mwah! Chef's kiss. Just be prepared for dinner to be… a leisurely affair. Nothing like chowing down on seafood with a slow, delicious burn. Honestly it's part of the experience. Embrace the slow pace of the evening, it helps digest the food. Don't expect to be in and out in an hour. Plan to linger, chat, and maybe order another glass of wine. Because why not?
The Rooms: Are they worth the money? And do they REALLY have those amazing balconies I keep seeing?
Okay, the rooms. They're… good. Really good. Spacious, well-appointed, the beds are like clouds (honestly, I almost didn’t want to get OUT of bed!), and the bathrooms? Oh, the bathrooms. Marble. So much marble. My room had a balcony, which was indeed AMAZING. But this is where I experienced a bit of a hiccup...
I'd booked a sea view room, or so I thought. Turns out, my "sea view" was *partially* obscured by a very mature palm tree. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely a lesson in managing expectations. (Pro-tip: ALWAYS ask for a higher floor!) Also, the air conditioning can be a bit… enthusiastic. Be prepared to adjust the thermostat frequently. But honestly? Even with those minor quibbles, I’d absolutely say they’re worth it. Just imagine waking up, opening those curtains, and seeing the Red Sea. Worth the price of admission right there. Just… maybe not *totally* worth the price of the room if your view is the back of a palm tree like mine was. Grr!
What's there to *do* besides, you know, lounge around looking fabulous? Seriously, tell me about the activities!
Okay, fine, not everyone wants to be a professional lounger. Which, I get it. The Kempinski has a TON of activities. They've got a spa, a gym (which I, ahem, *mostly* avoided), and all sorts of water sports. You can go snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, the whole shebang. They also arrange excursions to places like Petra and Wadi Rum.
Now, *I* am not a super-active traveler. But my friend, bless her adventurous soul, did a diving trip. Here's where I unleash an anecdote: She came back one evening, absolutely buzzing. Apparently, she’d seen a whole rainbow of fish, a giant sea turtle (!!!), and even a wreck! Her exact words were, “It completely blew my mind!” The next day? Apparently, she had a slight sunburn and was a little tired, but her eyes were sparkling with the excitement of it. It was infectious! I was so inspired, I almost went snorkeling… almost. I ended up on the beach, reading a book and drinking a smoothie. No judgment! Point is, there's something for everyone.
The Cost: Is it budget-friendly or should I start selling organs now? (Just kidding… mostly.)
Let's be real: The Kempinski is NOT a budget hotel. It's a splurge. A glorious, wonderful splurge, but a splurge nonetheless. You’re going to need to save up for it. I’m the kind of person who checks the price of the mini-bar before I take something. (Guilty!) But, the price is reflective of the quality of service, the location, and the overall experience. What I found, though, is that if you're smart about booking, you can save a little bit. Look at off-season travel - it can make a huge difference. Also, factor in all the "free" perks, or those that seem free, like access to the beach. Think about what you would be spending your money on anyway! And remember, sometimes, you *deserve* to treat yourself.
Okay, okay. Deep breath. You *could* probably sell a kidney to subsidize it, but I don't recommend that option. (Unless you REALLY need that specific poolside cocktail). But if you're looking for a genuinely luxurious experience and you’ve been working hard, a trip to the Kempinski? It's a worthwhile investment in your sanity. I personally found it to be worth every penny, except maybe the tiny packet of potato chips I ate from the mini bar. I still have no idea how much it was and I'm too afraid to look!
Any "hidden gems" or things I should know before I go that aren't obvious?
Oh, yes! Here's some insider info I gleaned from my escapade:
- The beach staff are *amazing*. Tip them well, they deserve it! They’ll anticipate your every need – fresh towels, cold water, even the perfect positioning of your sun lounger to avoid direct sunlight. They somehow *knew* whenTravel Stay Guides
