Amman's Hidden Gem: The Hotel Philosophy Experience You Won't Forget
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Amman's "Hidden Gem": The Hotel Philosophy Experience You Won't Forget. Forget the marketing fluff – I'm here to give you the REAL deal. And honestly, this hotel… it's a trip.
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First, let's get the boring bits out of the way, because let's be honest, no one wants to wade through a robot review:
Accessibility: Okay, so, accessibility. This is important. They claim to be alright, but I'm a bit skeptical until I see it. They mention "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator," but you know how it is. Call ahead, ask specifics, and definitely get confirmation on Wheelchair Accessibility. Because the last thing you want is to arrive, only to find yourself stuck in a beautiful (but useless) lobby. I am adding that the hotel also has "CCTV" in common areas, and "CCTV outside" which gives me a feeling of safety.
Internet & Tech Stuff: Good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! They also have "Internet [LAN]" if you're old-school. The Internet is "Internet services" and "Wi-Fi in public areas". This matters, folks. Especially if, like me, you rely on the web to survive. Speaking of which, there is also "Wi-Fi for special events".
Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic Edition): Okay, this is where they really try to shine. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization opt-out available" (which is nice!), "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Professional-grade sanitizing services"… you get the picture. They’re really going for the germaphobe market. They offer "Hand sanitizer" and "Staff trained in safety protocols." They have "Individually-wrapped food options," and "Safe dining setup." The "Cashless payment service" and "Contactless check-in/out " are great perks. Good to see is that they also have "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter". I like that they offer a "Room sanitization opt-out available" option. This feels like a decent effort, and that's important in this day and age.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms! (The Good, the Bad, and the "Oh, My God, That's Gorgeous!")
Right, the heart of the matter! Let's wander through the available rooms:
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
I'm not gonna lie, the list is extensive. The "Extra long bed" is a major plus for us taller folks. The "Blackout curtains" are crucial for a good night's sleep (and for hiding yourself from the world if you're feeling antisocial). The "Coffee/tea maker" is practically a requirement for survival, and the "Complimentary tea" is a nice touch.
What's really cool, however, is that they also offer "Couple's Room" and "Soundproof Rooms"!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Delicious Dilemma):
Okay, buckle in—this is where things get interesting. They offer a ridiculous amount of food options.
- Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants! "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant" & "Western cuisine in restaurant."
- Bars/Lounges: "Bar" and "Poolside bar" for those pre-dinner drinks!
- Breakfast: I was really excited for the "Breakfast [buffet]"! The buffet game can either make or break a hotel stay. The hotel also offers "[Asian breakfast]," "[Breakfast service]," "Breakfast takeaway service."
- More Eating: "Coffee/tea in restaurant, "Coffee shop," "Desserts in restaurant," "Salad in restaurant," "Soup in restaurant," and "Snack bar."
- Also: "Room service [24-hour]" (god bless them!) and "Bottle of water"
Anecdote Time! (The Breakfast Buffet Debacle)
So, here's a confession: I'm a buffet snob. I love a good buffet. And this one mostly delivered. The pastries were flaky, the coffee was strong, and the fresh fruit was… well, it was there. But the hot food? Let's just say there was a slightly rubbery sausage incident… And the bacon? Let's just say it had seen better days. It was a bit too dry, and the whole, "you have to ask for the bacon" thing didn't work for me. But hey! Everyone has their off days.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and Spa Shenanigans
This hotel is definitely pushing the "relax and pamper yourself" vibe.
- Spa & Relaxation: They've got a full-blown spa: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom."
- Pools: "Pool with view," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]" for those Instagram-worthy moments.
- Fitness: Fitness center, Gym/fitness for those of us who, you know, try to be healthy (sometimes).
The "Hotel Philosophy Experience" – What On Earth Does That EVEN MEAN (and Is it Worth It?)
Now, this is the part that made me raise an eyebrow. "Hotel Philosophy Experience." What is that? Is it a cult? Did they brainwash the staff? I envisioned a bunch of existential discussions over lukewarm tea.
I had a MASSIVE experience with the Spa
During my stay, I treated myself to a massage – and, wow, you guys, it was the best massage of my life! I was already in a good place, but the hot stones and aromatherapy sent me into a complete state of bliss. If you want to splurge, this is absolutely where to spend your money. Pure, unadulterated indulgence. HIGHLY recommended.
Services and Conveniences (The Good Stuff):
- Essential Amenities: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- For The Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal (parents, I hope you are prepared) - for the little ones!
Quirky Observation: The "Shrine" listed under "Services and Conveniences" made me slightly nervous. Am I going to stumble into a cult retreat?
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, is this hotel worth the hype?
The Good: The rooms are well-appointed, with all the essentials. The spa is a MUST. The staff are generally friendly and helpful (not always, as you'll soon see). And the location… is pretty darn great if you're looking to explore the area.
The Not-So-Good: The "Hotel Philosophy Experience" needs a lot more explaining. The buffet, while offering variety, was a bit hit-or-miss.
Overall: I'd recommend it, with a few caveats. Be prepared to clarify exactly what's accessible if that's a concern. And if you're a breakfast purist like me, maybe pack your own bacon. But, if you're looking for a comfortable, stylish, and (mostly) relaxing stay in Amman, this "Hidden Gem" is definitely worth a look.
Final, Stream-of-Consciousness Thought: I'd go back… but next time I'm definitely getting the massage. And maybe my own bacon
Compelling Offer: Amman's Hidden Gem - The Hotel Philosophy Experience: Your Escape Awaits!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, "Did I pack underwear?" version of a Jordan trip based in Hotel Philosophy Amman. Let's go!
Hotel Philosophy Amman: A Jordanian Rhapsody of Chaos (and Awesome)
Day 1: Amman Arrival & Existential Dread (Mostly Joking)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the immigration line. Seriously, it felt like a staring contest with a bored Jordanian officer. Won eventually, but it was a close call.
- Quirky Observation: The airport smells vaguely of cardamom and impending doom… just kidding! (Mostly…). The air is definitely different here, it's already a sensory overload, and I love it!
- Messy Structure/Rambles: Finding a taxi to the Hotel Philosophy… Ugh, negotiating the price with the taxi driver. I’m already sweating and I’m not even fully through the first day. Took me probably 20 minutes to figure out what’s going on, where the car's going, what the price to pay is, and if I'm being scammed or not.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Hotel Philosophy Check-in. It's beautifully designed, all sleek lines and minimalist chic. Honestly, for the price, the staff is exceptional (for now). Now, the room… it's clean. Not like, hospital clean, but… I can live here.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief! After the airport, being inside a clean and comfortable room feels as good as being handed a winning lottery ticket.
- More Rambles: I spend an hour or so unpacking, re-packing, and realizing I forgot my toothbrush. Note to self: Buy toothbrush immediately. Trying the shower, the water is hot, like really hot. This could be the death of me!
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): First adventure! Head to Rainbow Street. Okay, so I'm hungry. Like, "I haven't eaten in a week" hungry. I wander around, and the atmosphere is buzzing and lively.
- Quirky Observation/Imperfection: Rainbow Street is way hillier than I anticipated. I'm gasping for air, which is probably good cardio.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The food! Everything smelled so good! Found a small, family-run place called "Hashem" (thanks, Google!). Ordered falafel. Got the most amazing falafel and then I kept going back for more because it was so good! So cheap!!
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Wandering around, getting lost, and stumbling upon a shisha cafe. Okay, I'm not a great shisha smoker. I cough. A lot.
- Opinionated Language: Locals are incredible, and the vibe is just pure chill. My English is probably terrible, but they still laughed at my bad jokes.
- Messy Structure: End the day feeling overwhelmed, but in a good way. Back to the hotel? Nah, gotta go get some more falafel.
Day 2: The Citadel & Roman Theatre - Ancient History & Modern Panic
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Citadel time! Seriously, this is history, right here! I spend way too long photographing the Roman columns, and I'm already covered in sweat.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm feeling a sense of awe, even though I've read the entire history of this place while I was literally standing in the middle of it.
- Imperfections: I get distracted by a group of children offering to be tour guides, it's tempting because they’re adorable, but my Arabic is non-existant.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Roman Theatre. This is gigantic! I imagine actual gladiator fights here, complete with the blood and gore.
- Opinionated Language: It's magnificent! The sheer scale is mind-blowing.
- Rambles: Getting lost again. I think Amman is trying to kill me with its confusing layout.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The experience I'll remember the most: The local market!
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: This is where it got real. I wanted to find a specific spice, cardamon! I'd heard they were selling it in the Souk, well, this is it. I wandered the bustling market, the smells of spices, the colors of fabrics, the cacophony of sounds… it’s almost too much. I was instantly overwhelmed, but also instantly in love (or lust, one of the two.) I’m getting pulled in different directions, I’m being offered tea I cannot refuse. After about 30 minutes I found the spice shop, they had cardamon but I knew I couldn't just buy cardamon. I had to try everything, especially the sweets. I bought way too much, but the vendors (especially the one who gave me a bite of the fresh-made pastry) were all incredibly patient, kind, and even gave me a discount. I left with a backpack overflowing with spices, sweets, and a newfound appreciation for human kindness.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: What was I even doing earlier today? This is it! This is the authentic experience!
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Eating all the food I bought for the rest of the trip! and trying to figure out how I'm going to fit it all into my bag!
Day 3: A Day Trip to Jerash & Exploring Amman (and Regrets)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Jerash Day Trip. The drive is long, a bit boring, and the tour group is somewhat annoying, but Jerash is incredible. The Forum, the temples, the colonnaded streets… it's pure Roman grandeur.
- Opinionated Language: Just go. It's worth it, even if you have to endure a terrible tour guide at times.
- Imperfections: I didn't bring enough water, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to melt.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch in Jerash. Found a nice restaurant with a view. But there was a fly problem, and my fries got cold.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Back to Amman (after 3 hours of driving). Decided to try a cooking class at a local’s house. The smells were amazing. The host was charming. I burned the bread.
- Emotional Reaction: My bread was black, I’m sure I will never get picked to be in the "great British baking show."
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Room service.
Day 4: Exploring Amman - Final Day
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Shopping. The gold souk. So many things!
- Imperfections: My bank account is crying.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Trying to find a cool cafe.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Farewell Dinner.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a mix of sadness and exhilaration. I'm leaving, but I'm also taking a piece of Jordan with me.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Packing. Trying to figure out how I'm going to fit all the stuff I bought. Saying goodbye to the hotel staff. Promise to come back, next time with a better handle on the Arabic language.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
This is just a rough idea, of course. Things will change, plans will get derailed, and I'll probably get lost again. But that's part of the fun, right? Now I'm off to pack (and maybe buy a bigger suitcase). Wish me luck!
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Amman's Hidden Gem: The Hotel Philosophy Experience You Won't Forget (Or Maybe You Will...!) - FAQ
Okay, so... What *is* this "Hotel Philosophy" thing, exactly? Sounds pretentious.
Alright, alright, I get it. "Hotel Philosophy" does sound like something you'd find in a Wes Anderson movie about a particularly quirky, independently-owned hotel. And, honestly? You're not wrong. It's basically a hotel, yeah, BUT they sprinkle philosophy all over the place. Think: thought-provoking quotes on your pillow instead of chocolate, pre-breakfast debates about the meaning of life (optional!), and a library filled with *actual* philosophical texts you might – *gasp* – actually read. It’s... a lot. Sometimes it's brilliant. Other times... well, let's just say I spent a good hour trying to translate a Nietzsche quote into Arabic at 3 AM because I couldn't sleep. My brain still hasn't quite recovered. So, yeah, prepare for pretentious. Embrace the pretentious. Or, at least, be prepared to laugh at it.
Is it... actually *fun*? Or is it just a bunch of academics rambling on about existentialism?
Okay, this is the big one. Honestly? It's a mixed bag. The owner, Omar (more on him later), is a passionate, *slightly* over-the-top devotee of philosophy. He’s got this intense stare and a way of asking questions that makes you question your entire existence. That can be… intense. But, there's this raw, genuine energy. He *genuinely* believes in this stuff. And, surprisingly, it *is* fun, in a weird, intellectual-stimulation-and-self-flagellation kind of way. One morning, during breakfast (which, btw, is AMAZING - best labneh I've ever had!), we had this HUGE debate about whether our cat, Mittens, truly experiences the world. It started with lighthearted banter and ended with someone nearly crying about the inherent loneliness of being an animal. So, yeah. Fun. And potentially scarring. Your mileage *will* vary.
Tell me about Omar. He sounds... a character.
Omar. Oh, Omar. He's the beating, philosophical heart of the place. He’s a walking quote machine—everything's a philosophical problem, even ordering eggs. He'll start a conversation about Kierkegaard while you're trying to decide between scrambled and fried. He's got this way of looking right *through* you. The story is he actually *left* a lucrative career in international law because he felt he needed to create a place to explore the big questions. Now, I find that a *little* dramatic, but hey, who am I to judge? He's also a phenomenal chef. Seriously, like, Michelin-star-level good. And, get this, he *hates* small talk. He finds it "intellectually vapid." So, prepare for deep dives. And maybe a few moments of awkward silence while you contemplate the futility of existence. He's a brilliant, eccentric, and slightly intimidating human. But he's also kind and deeply passionate. Just... don't ask him about reality TV.
What's the *hotel* part actually like? Is it comfortable?
The rooms are… charming. Let's go with charming. They're not super luxurious, but they're clean, comfortable, and have a certain… rustic elegance. Think: exposed brick, bookshelves overflowing with well-worn tomes, and no TVs. (Thank the philosophical gods.) The bathrooms are… adequate. The hot water isn't always reliable. And yes, I did find a small, friendly spider in my room once. (I named him Socrates. Don't judge me). But the beds are comfy, the views are amazing (especially at sunset), and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and just… *be*. Or, you know, contemplate the meaning of "being" until you're cross-eyed.
Okay, you mentioned food. Is it any good? (And what about local stuff?)
The food is *phenomenal*. Seriously. Omar (surprise, surprise) is a culinary wizard. Breakfast is included and is a glorious spread of local fruits, freshly baked bread, the aforementioned *divine* labneh, and eggs cooked to perfection. Dinners, which you can order, are equally amazing–freshly prepared Jordanian cuisine with a philosophical twist. I swear, one night, he served lamb tagine and gave a mini-lecture on the ethics of eating meat! It was a bit… much, but the meal was *divine*. You're also right in the heart of Amman, so you're surrounded by amazing local options. Have some Mansaf and shawarma, explore the souks, and be prepared for a sensory overload in the best possible way. Just pace yourself, you know? And be ready for a philosophical food coma.
What kind of people *go* there? Is it all just bearded philosophers?
Ha! No! Though, okay, I *did* see a few beards. It's a mix, actually. You get solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends, people who are probably running away from something (like me, maybe, though I won't admit it). You get a lot of curious people, people who are genuinely interested in learning and exploring. People who are open to new experiences. People who aren't afraid to disagree. And, thankfully, not *everyone* is a philosophy professor. Some are artists, writers, students. I was there with a lawyer, a teacher, and a graphic designer! It's a really diverse group, and that's part of what makes it so interesting. You’ll meet people from all over the world. But be prepared to share your deepest secrets over breakfast! This is not a place for shallow small talk. Trust me.
Is it expensive?
It's not the cheapest hotel in Amman, but it's also not ridiculously pricey. You're paying for the experience, the unique atmosphere, and the incredible food. And, considering the sheer *uniqueness* of the whole thing, I’d say it's worth it. Honestly, it's a bargain compared to some of the sterile, soul-sucking hotels I've stayed in. But, budget-wise, check prices. Get a feel for what's right. Don't expect a hostel, but you also won't need to remortgage your house. It's a good value, considering you're getting a philosophical education, amazing food, and a potential existential crisis all rolled into one.
Any downsides? What should I be aware of?
Okay, here's the real talk. The downsides: The hot water situation can be iffy. TheHotels In Asia Search
