The Kempinski sits in the middle of Aqaba on the Red Sea coast, which makes it one of the few luxury hotels you can use as a base for the whole destination without a long transfer each day. Its published information highlights panoramic sea views, and from many rooms you can also see the very tall flagpole that stands near the shore, one of the biggest in the world. Room types include Premier Club rooms and Executive and Executive Panoramic suites, there is a spa, and a lounge for coffee, drinks and light meals. It is also set up for romance, with a honeymoon package on its website.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the city centre, so the waterfront, the fort and the main restaurants are close, while King Hussein International Airport is about ten minutes away. For excursions, Wadi Rum is roughly 76 km and Petra roughly 125 km from the hotel, which makes it a practical base for day trips with a private driver or tour pickup.
South Beach and the dive centres lie to the south, and you will usually take a taxi or transfer there. The hotel can help arrange tours, though it is worth comparing options with the independent operators described elsewhere on this site.
Rooms and who it suits
Premier Club rooms suit travellers who want a quieter floor with added privileges, while the Executive and Panoramic suites give space and views for longer stays, families and honeymooners. If sea views matter, request a high floor on the Red Sea side when you book, since views differ by room.
It suits couples, small families and travellers who want a classic five-star service level, a spa and a reliable base between desert trips. It is less suited to travellers who want a beach on the doorstep, since the reef areas lie south of town, so plan your water days around boat trips or a beach club.
Good to know
Ask at booking about breakfast, parking and any resort fees, because arrangements and rates change with the season. Aqaba is warm for much of the year, and winter is the most comfortable time for sightseeing, while summer is very hot and best planned around the pool and the sea. Book early for holiday periods and weekends, when regional visitors fill hotels. If you are combining the hotel with a desert camp night, you can store luggage while you are away.
Why stay here
- ✓Panoramic Red Sea views
- ✓Spa
- ✓Premier Club rooms
- ✓Executive and Panoramic suites
- ✓Lounge for coffee and light meals
- ✓Central Aqaba location
- ✓About ten minutes from the airport
- ✓Honeymoon packages
Good questions
How far is the hotel from the airport?+
Its website puts King Hussein International Airport about ten minutes away. Queen Alia airport near Amman is almost three hours by road.
Is it a good base for Wadi Rum and Petra?+
Yes, because it is central: Wadi Rum is about 76 km and Petra about 125 km away. You will need a driver or tour pickup for either.
Does the hotel have its own beach?+
Its published information emphasises sea views rather than a private beach, so confirm beach access when you book. Aqaba's reef areas and beach clubs lie south of the city.
