Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Aqaba

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Aqaba, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious ambiance, exceptional service, and stunning location by the Red Sea. It offers a refined escape that blends modern elegance with traditional Jordanian hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Aqaba, is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "stunning," "exquisite," and "fabulous." The hotel often garners exceptional ratings, including a 9.2 "Wonderful" score from over a thousand reviews on one platform, with high marks for cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), staff (9.5), and location (9.5). Many guests express a strong desire to return, highlighting a truly memorable and enjoyable experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Al Manara:

• Service: The staff's exceptional kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness are frequently cited as a major highlight, with many feeling welcomed like family.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's stunning and beautifully decorated interiors, which pay homage to the ancient port and incorporate Mediterranean, Levantine, and local Jordanian influences, create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The lobby, with its high ceilings, traditional Middle Eastern furniture, and Bedouin themes, is particularly impressive.
• Location & Beach: Its prime beachfront location on the Red Sea, offering breathtaking views and access to a private beach, is a significant draw. The infinity pool overlooking the turquoise waters is also a favorite.
• Cleanliness: The property is noted for its impeccable cleanliness and excellent maintenance.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Al Manara are described as very large, clean, spacious, and comfortable, providing a luxurious and enjoyable stay. They feature a regal air with dark wood furnishings inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, bespoke beds topped with Frette linens, and richly patterned textiles. Many rooms boast large balconies or terraces, often with sea or mountain views. Marble bathrooms come with deep soaking bathtubs and separate rainfall showers, offering a spa-like experience. The design is thoughtful, incorporating warm, earthy palettes and soft, layered lighting inspired by Jordanian heritage. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including suites and villas with private pools and beach access.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Al Manara receives high marks, particularly for its breakfast and the quality of food.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Taybeh Al Manara Restaurant is consistently praised as "very good," "delicious," "fresh," "generous," and "plentiful," offering a wide variety of options, including an egg station.
• Restaurants: The hotel features exceptional dining experiences with Mediterranean delights and inventive Middle Eastern cuisine. The Amwaj restaurant terrace is highlighted for its excellent and relaxing atmosphere and outstanding world-class views of the Red Sea, especially at sunset. Guests have also enjoyed dinner at Kubba Levantin Restaurant for an upscale dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Al Manara are consistently described as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being incredibly welcoming, friendly, helpful, professional, and attentive. Many feel that staff members go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, making guests feel like royalty or visiting a friend's luxurious home. Specific mentions include managers like Nader and Mr. Eyad Ammouri for their hospitality and willingness to assist, sometimes even offering complimentary upgrades.

6. Location & Accessibility

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Aqaba, is ideally situated on the shores of the Red Sea, within the new Saraya Aqaba development complex. It's just steps away from a private lagoonside beach club. While located in a new area that is still undergoing some construction, it remains within reasonable walking distance (10-15 minutes) of several Aqaba sites and the main city area. Attractions like Ayla are a short 5-7 minute drive away. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from Aqaba Airport, making it convenient for travelers. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the "Golden Triangle" attractions like Petra and Wadi Rum, with concierge services available.

7. Value & Pricing

Al Manara offers an unparalleled luxury experience. While positioning itself as a high-end property, some reviews suggest it provides exceptional value for money, especially when compared to the average hotel room price in Aqaba. The average price per room is around $297, compared to Aqaba's average of $120, but guests often feel the amenities, service, and luxurious environment justify the cost. It is considered a "terrific deal on certificates" for Marriott Bonvoy members. Some specific offers, such as "Kids Stay and Eat Free" and "Stay Longer On Us," are also available.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Construction in the Vicinity: As the hotel is part of a new development, some guests have observed ongoing construction in nearby areas, which can impact views from certain rooms overlooking the lagoon.
• Rigidity with Elite Benefits: A few guests, particularly Marriott Bonvoy elite members, have reported some rigidity regarding benefits like late checkout.
• Hotel Beach Quality: One review suggested that the hotel beach itself was "not all that spectacular" compared to other aspects of the resort.
• Occasional Maintenance Issues: Isolated incidents of maintenance issues in rooms, such as slow drainage in showers or non-functional bathtub plugs, have been reported, although staff typically address them.
• Crowding: There are concerns that the pool might feel "small and over-crowded in season".
• Restaurant Hours/Options: A few guests have noted that there are only two restaurants and they close early, which can be disappointing.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. com-jordan.com
5. youtube.com
6. marriott.com
7. michelin.com
8. tablethotels.com
9. aminonmiles.com
10. pointsmilesandbling.com
11. worldtraveller73.com
12. marriott.com
13. booking.com
14. trip.com
15. flyertalk.com