La Maison Hotel Jordan: Your Dream Jordanian Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into La Maison Hotel Jordan. "Your Dream Jordanian Escape Awaits!" they say? Well, let's see if they deliver on the dream, shall we? And yes, this review is going to be messy, because let's be honest, real life ain’t always perfectly polished.
La Maison: The Good, The Bad (and the Wi-Fi - Praise Be!)
First things first, Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a chair, but I do appreciate a place that tries. And La Maison… well, they try. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests" which is vague but promising. Did I see wide hallways? Yep. Did I see ramps? Mostly. Did I see perfect, seamless accessibility throughout the whole place? Nope. That's reality, folks. Don't expect perfection, but the effort is there, and that counts for something. Let's just hope those efforts are constantly evolving.
Internet Access: Oh, sweet, sweet Wi-Fi. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" shouts the ad. And, hallelujah, it's mostly true! The "Internet access – wireless" saved my sanity and my deadline. And there’s even "Internet access – LAN" if you're a total old-schooler. The "Internet services" themselves… well, they're there. Let's just say I encountered a brief period of very slow connections, but honestly, that's almost expected anywhere.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, let's talk COVID. La Maison seems to be taking things seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. I felt… relatively safe, even though the constant need to sanitize constantly kinda drove me bananas. The "Rooms sanitized between stays" made me exhale a sigh of relief before plopping on the surprisingly comfortable bed. The "Staff trained in safety protocol" were pretty good at masking up. So, thumbs up, La Maison, for trying. The "Hygiene certification" thingy probably helps a lot, too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, this is where things get interesting. The sheer variety is almost overwhelming. Let's start with options: "A la carte in restaurant," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Buffet in restaurant," "Breakfast service," "Asian breakfast"… The list goes on. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" (essential!), "Coffee shop," "Poolside bar" (yes, please!). Honestly, the sheer amount of food was… impressive. I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds just thinking about the food. The "Happy hour" was definitely my friend. And the food? The "International cuisine in restaurant" was, well, international. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was pretty darn good. And the "Desserts in restaurant"? Let's just say I may have overindulged… several times. The "Vegetarian restaurant" was a nice touch, too. Note: I'm not a vegetarian.
Anecdote Time: One morning, I woke up late, late, and completely missed breakfast. I was devastated. No, actually, I was hangry. So, I call room service. "Room service [24-hour]" – a lifesaver! Within minutes (okay, maybe 20, but who's counting?), a glorious plate of eggs, bacon, and what I think was a croissant appeared. The fact that it was delivered with a smile from the waiter (who obviously knew I was a disaster) was just… chef's kiss. That, my friends, is service. That's what made me happy. That made me glad I didn't have to leave the room. That's the kind of thing that turns a hotel from a place to sleep into a memory.
Ways to Relax (Oh, That Spa!): Okay, okay, let's talk about the real reason we shell out for a place like this: the pampering. The "Spa" is the centerpiece, right? And La Maison doesn't disappoint. "Massage"? Check. "Sauna"? Check. "Steamroom"? Check. "Pool with view"? Double check. The "Body scrub," "Body wrap," and "Foot bath" options? Consider me sold.
That Pool! The outdoor pool, "Swimming pool [outdoor]"… it was heavenly. Seriously. I found myself just staring at the water for hours one day. The view? Stunning. I could have spent the next month there, just floating in the pool, cocktail in hand. Oh, and the "Poolside bar"? Genius. Absolute genius.
Fitness Center (and My Lack Thereof): The "Fitness center" is… there. I'm pretty sure I saw it. I, uh, didn't use it. I maybe walked past it once, and it had a serious machine situation. I’m more of a nap-by-the-pool kind of person. The "Gym/fitness" is also there. Just in case you're the opposite of me.
Rooms and Amenities: The rooms are where the magic happens (or doesn't, depending on your luck). My room? Glorious. "Air conditioning"? Check. "Blackout curtains"? Double check. The "Bathroom phone"? (Is that still a thing?) Yep, still a thing. The "Bathtub"? Ah, bless. The "Bathrobes" were plush, "Slippers" were cozy. "Free bottled water" – a must. "Coffee/tea maker"? Needed. Everything was impeccably clean. Even the "Window that opens" made me happy.
Services and Conveniences: They really pull out all the stops. The "Concierge" was super helpful. "Daily housekeeping" was a godsend. "Dry cleaning"? Thank goodness. "Cash withdrawal" – essential. The "Air conditioning in public area" was a relief from the Jordan heat. The "Lift/elevator" was a lifesaver with luggage, because I always overpack. And the "Luggage storage" was perfect for a late flight. And then there's the "Car park [free of charge]"- I can not describe how much that calmed me.
For the Kids (and the Kids at Heart): "Babysitting service" – good to know. "Family/child friendly"? Definitely. I saw a "Kids meal" option on the menu… which made me feel better, even though I don't have kids.
Getting Around: "Airport transfer" – yep, used it. Easy peasy. "Taxi service" available. Car park [on-site] - I've covered that already.
The Bad? Let’s be Honest:
- Minor Annoyance: The hallways weren't always the quietest, and a couple of times I heard everything going on in the hallway. Not the end of the world, but worth noting.
- The Whole "Dream Jordanian Escape" Thing: Let's be real, no place is perfect. There were a few wrinkles. Nothing major – just the usual hotel quirks. Don’t go expecting some perfect, fantasy bubble.
Overall Vibe:
La Maison is a solid choice. The food is excellent, the spa is amazing, the rooms are comfortable, and the service is genuinely good. It's not quite the perfect dream, but it's darn close for the price.
The Offer: Your Jordanian Adventure Awaits! (With a Freebie!)
Are you ready to escape? Trade the everyday for an experience?
La Maison Hotel Jordan invites you to experience the magic of Jordan with a special offer!
Book your stay at La Maison Hotel Jordan and get:
- Free breakfast the first morning!
- Valid for all bookings made before the end of this month
- Use the code "LA-MAISON-ESCAPE" when booking to unlock your special offer!
(Disclaimer: Please note that while this review is honest and detailed, your experience may vary. Your mileage may vary. Individual results may vary. Side effects may include relaxation, overeating, and an uncontrollable urge to stay in the pool forever. Book now and experience it for yourself!
Nilles Kro Denmark: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Danish Coastal Charm
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is me in La Maison Hotel Jordan, and frankly, I'm winging it – with all the glorious, chaotic messiness that implies.
Day 1: Arrival & The "Oh God, I'm Really Here" Moment
- 14:00 - Touchdown in Amman, Queen Alia International Airport. The plane finally landed, and I have never more excited to touch down in Amman. After the long flight from London, I swear my seat had fused with my butt. The Jordanian immigration officer, bless his heart, looked utterly baffled by my passport photo. He probably thought I was trying to sneak in a different person. After what felt like an eternity of stamping, I’m in!
- 15:00 - Taxi Chaos! Finding a taxi. The airport taxis are like vultures circling a carcass. I’m guessing this is the culture shock everyone talks about. I haggled like a pro (or at least, I thought I did; I probably got fleeced), and the driver, a man named Omar with a gold tooth that could blind you, roared off into the Amman traffic.
- 16:00 - Check-In at La Maison Hotel. The hotel itself is gorgeous. It really is! Cool marble floors, a lobby that smells faintly of cardamom and… Is that jasmine? I don’t typically go for fancy hotels, but this one is lovely. Check-in involved a slight language barrier (turns out my Arabic is limited to "shukran," and "hello," which is as good as a chocolate teapot during check-in) but eventually, I got a room.
- 17:00 - Room Reveal and Internal Screaming. The room is… perfect. A balcony, a view (overlooking what I think is a park, maybe a car park, who knows?), and a bed that looks like it's made of clouds. I threw myself on it and had a full-blown emotional breakdown. Not a bad breakdown, mind you, but more of a "Oh my god, I'm alone in Jordan. What have I done?" kind.
- 18:00 - Re-Hydration & Balcony Binge. I cracked open the complimentary bottle of water and surveyed the mysterious park/car park. I also ate the entire contents of the complimentary snack basket. Don't judge me! Jet lag is a beast.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. A waiter, who I swear looked like he was auditioning for a role in a silent film, guided me to my table. The food! Oh, the food! I went for the mixed grill. Everything was delicious, even when a piece of lamb nearly choked me. It was so good, I quickly decided I was in love with all Jordanian food and I would never eat anything else again.
- 20:00 - Ramble in the Lobby. After dinner, I wandered the hotel's lobby, completely lost. There’s a piano, and I think someone just played it very badly. I may or may not have attempted a terrible Sinatra impersonation. It was a low point, I'm sure.
Day 2: Jerash, Roman Ruins & An Existential Crisis
- 08:00 - Wake up and a Strong Coffee. The "good" coffee at the hotel. It’s the perfect fuel. I need it…
- 09:00 - A Driver? Oh yes, I'm heading to Jerash today, a place I've been dreaming of seeing since I was a kid. A driver is all set to take me, and I will try not to get motion sickness.
- 10:30 - Jerash, I'm Here! Oh my god. I am standing in what feels like the time of the Romans. The scale of it took my breath away. The ancient city, with its colonnaded streets, the temples, the theaters – it felt like walking through a history book come to life. I ran my hands across the worn stones, trying to imagine the people who had walked these paths centuries ago.
- 12:30 - The Theatre, the Silence, the Emotions. I sat in the theatre, and I wanted to cry, and scream, but I couldn't talk to other people. It was a mixture of amazement and being alone.
- 14:00 - Lunch & Debrief: "Am I Doing This Right?" Back to the hotel for lunch. Was I even taking it all in? Was I "doing" Jordan correctly? I ordered felafel, ate it, and pondered life choices. Am I a tourist? A traveler? Just a lost soul with a camera? I'm still not sure.
- 15:30 - Souk Shopping (and a Little Bit of Bargaining Fury). Okay, I did some souvenir shopping. I ended up with a scarf and some spices. The bartering felt like a sport! I walked away feeling like a champion bargain-hunter, and I might have overpaid by a bit. Never mind!
- 17:00 - Back to La Maison Hotel. Back to the hotel, and the peace and quiet.
- 18:00 - Dinner. The food here is wonderful. I wish I could eat it all.
- 19:00 - Sunset on the Balcony. The sun setting over Amman is gorgeous. I sat there, wrapped in my new scarf, thinking I was now a true Jordanian.
Day 3: Floating in the Dead Sea & The Perfect Day
- 07:00 - Rise and Shine and Breakfast. Woke up. Ate. Got ready.
- 08:00 - Road Trip to the Dead Sea. The driver I had been using came to pick me up. I have to say he is lovely, but I'm pretty sure he's falling asleep at the wheel. He might think I am a good passenger, and a good friend.
- 10:00 - The Dead Sea! The driver drops me off. I'm still thinking of the journey.
- 11:00 - Floating Bliss. I have never seen anything like it. The water had this incredible, oily feel. I had to let myself go. I floated there, reading a book, and then I fell asleep. Woke with a smile on my face - it was perfect.
- 13:00 - Lunch. Fish, with a side of fries. I ate it all.
- 14:00 - Mud Me Up. I covered myself in mud, and it was amazing. I felt so clean. I felt reborn!
- 15:00 - Road to Amman. The man is a great driver, but I am afraid.
- 17:00 - Back to La Maison Hotel. Perfect.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
- 08:00 - Final breakfast. Eat. Be happy.
- 09:00 - Final roam. Walk around Jordan.
- 11:00 - Back to airport. I am sad.
- 12:00 - Goodbye Amman! Thank you.
- 20:00 - Home.
La Maison Hotel Jordan: Let's Get Real (and Maybe Messy!) About Your Dream Jordanian Escape
Okay, so, La Maison Hotel... is it *actually* dreamy? I'm picturing Instagram perfection, but we all know the struggle is REAL.
Alright, let's cut the fluff. "Dreamy?" Depends. The *pictures* are dreamy. Think sun-drenched balconies, infinity pools that melt into the Dead Sea... that stuff is the real deal. Seriously, the pool? I spent a solid afternoon just staring at the water's edge, feeling my shoulders unclench. It was magical. Truly. Buuut...
Remember that time I booked a "garden view" room in Rome? It looked out onto a brick wall. Well, let's just say, sometimes reality has a different idea than the brochure. The "dream" part? It's there, but it needs a little *you* to sprinkle the magic on. More on that later, I have a whole rant about the breakfast buffet...
Location, Location, Location! Where *exactly* is this place? I'm terrible with maps.
Okay, fair point. Maps? Ugh. So, La Maison Hotel (let's just call it 'LMH' from now on... less typing, right?) is in Sweimeh, right near the Dead Sea. Think... a short drive from Amman. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, if you're not driving yourself, which, honestly, I wouldn’t recommend unless you *really* love chaos. Hire a driver. Worth. Every. Penny.
It's close enough to the Dead Sea to take a ridiculously satisfying float (more on that, oh YES, more on that), but far enough away from any major city to feel like you're actually *escaping*. The peace and quiet is absolutely divine. Unless, you happen to share a balcony with a group of VERY enthusiastic German tourists... (and yes, that happened).
Is the Dead Sea experience *really* as good as everyone says? I'm a bit skeptical. Floaty?
Skeptical? Good! Because, listen, it IS as good as everyone says. It's even BETTER. Floating in the Dead Sea is like… I don't know, like being a carefree, giant marshmallow. You just… *bob*. Zero effort. It's hilarious! I actually started giggling uncontrollably when I first went in. My friend was trying to be all zen and serious, and I just nearly drowned laughing.
The mud? Oh, the mud. Slather it on. Look ridiculous. It makes your skin feel amazing. Honestly, I felt like I'd had a spa day in the span of like, an hour. I bought a tub of the stuff to take home to try and recreate the moment, but it just wasn't the same. Need the Dead Sea experience, to properly feel the magic, I think.
What about the food? I'm a foodie, and mediocre hotel food is my personal nightmare. Tell me it's not that bad!
Okay, okay. Deep breaths. The food… is a bit of a mixed bag. The *breakfast buffet*… ah, the breakfast buffet. It… it was an experience. Think mountains of pastries, questionable scrambled eggs, and a lot of lukewarm instant coffee. Honestly, some days it felt like a battle. Me vs. the stale croissants. And the croissants usually won. (I'd give it a solid 'meh' and a side of disappointment).
However! the dinner situation was much improved. The restaurant had a beautiful setting, the food was generally pretty good if you opted for local specialties (like, the Mansaf? Delicious!). And you can always find something that will make you smile. Don't expect Michelin-star level cuisine, but it's definitely edible and sometimes even quite enjoyable. My advice? Go with an open mind and a strong tolerance for slightly overcooked vegetables.
Are there any activities besides floating and eating? I'm not built for just chilling.
Oh, honey, yes! (Though, floating and eating are *pretty* high up on the list for me.) LMH offers a whole bunch of things. You can hit the gym (I, uh, didn't), get pampered at the spa (amazing massages!), or explore the Dead Sea area. It’s all there.
There were some excursions, too. You could do day trips to things like the Baptism Site of Jesus, which was fascinating. Also, the views of the Dead Sea from the hotel are amazing and the surrounding area is great place for a short walk.
Honestly, I spent most of my time at the pool and on my balcony, thinking. It was perfectly restorative. But hey, if you *need* adventure, it's there.
Is the staff helpful? I get super anxious about customer service.
Generally speaking, yes! The staff were lovely, friendly, and genuinely willing to help. There was the odd hiccup, of course. Like the time the AC in my room decided to stage a revolt in the middle of the night (it was HOT that week). But, they sorted it out quickly. Their English wasn't always perfect, but they tried so hard, which for me, is all I need.
I had a problem once where I lost something (definitely *my* fault, I'm a disaster). They were super helpful in helping me retrace my steps and find it. So, bottom line: expect a warm welcome and a genuine effort to make your stay pleasant. Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need.
What’s the best time to visit? I hate crowds and baking heat, FYI.
Okay, smart move! Timing is EVERYTHING. The absolute *worst* time to go is smack in the middle of summer. Seriously. It's brutal. Think melting asphalt and wanting to hide indoors until the world cools down. (I'm sure someone somewhere loves baking heat, but it is not me!)
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are your best bets. Think sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and a slightly smaller crowd. Though in the Dead Sea area, the crowds are generally less aggressive, in any case. I went in October and it was just about perfect. The sunsets? Utterly breathtaking. Plus the Dead Sea water is the perfect temperature.
Okay, I'm sold. But is La Maison really worth the money? Is it a rip-off?
Rip-off? No, not at all. Worth the money? Depends. It’s not *cheap*, let's be clear. But you're paying for the experience. The location,Hotel Safari
