Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba

The hotel offers a truly luxurious and memorable experience, distinguished by its stunning architecture and elegant design that incorporates local elements, providing an immersive atmosphere. Its signature feature is the direct access to both the Red Sea and a serene lagoon, offering diverse aquatic relaxation options. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, who are praised for their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine desire to pamper visitors. The property's immaculate cleanliness and the spacious, comfortable rooms also contribute significantly to a relaxing stay. This hotel is an ideal fit for couples seeking a romantic and luxurious escape, families looking for a safe and accommodating environment, and relaxation seekers who appreciate a quiet and serene ambiance. It is also notably pet-friendly, offering dedicated facilities for animal companions. To enhance your visit, consider taking advantage of the hotel's highly-rated spa services and be prepared for a tranquil atmosphere, as the hotel is primarily geared towards relaxation rather than high-energy activities.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's comprehensive and well-maintained facilities. The property boasts multiple pools, including a central pool and a dedicated baby pool, though some guests noted the main pool's depth is relatively shallow. Direct access to two distinct private beaches, one on the Red Sea and another on the lagoon, provides ample space for relaxation, with a specific pet beach available for animal companions. The fitness center is described as well-equipped, though a few guests suggested it could benefit from an upgrade in terms of weights and equipment. The luxurious spa facilities are highly recommended, offering excellent massages and a serene environment for rejuvenation. A stylish lounge/bar area provides a pleasant setting for evening entertainment. While the hotel offers a wide array of amenities, some guests noted a lack of water sports directly on site, such as diving or jet skiing, indicating a focus on tranquil relaxation rather than active aquatic adventures.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread acclaim for its exceptional cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations. Rooms are consistently described as immaculate, spotless, and beautifully designed, often featuring spacious layouts and elegant local touches. Guests frequently highlight the superior comfort of the beds and the quality of the pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are noted for their luxurious feel, often equipped with amazing showers and a good selection of bath amenities. Many rooms offer breathtaking sea views from their private balconies, enhancing the overall experience. The quiet ambiance of the rooms is also appreciated, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing stay, with guests reporting minimal disturbance from outside noise, making it an ideal environment for unwinding.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experiences are a significant highlight for many guests, particularly the breakfast service. The morning buffet is consistently praised for its delicious and diverse selection, offering a wide variety of both local Arabic and international options, with some guests noting it's so substantial that lunch becomes unnecessary. The food quality across all dining venues, including the restaurants like Levantine and Amwaj Sea Food, is highly rated, with specific mentions of tasty dishes and excellent presentation. Guests also appreciate the convenience and quality of room service. The pool bar and main lounge/bar areas provide pleasant settings for drinks and casual meals. While the dining atmosphere is generally excellent, a few guests found the hotel's restaurant prices to be on the higher side compared to outside options, and some noted a limited food selection in certain venues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, offering a blend of tranquility and convenient access. Situated directly on the beachfront, it provides a quiet escape away from traffic noise while remaining within easy walking distance or a short drive to various attractions and the city center. Guests appreciate its proximity to attractions such as the Royal Yacht Club, Ayla Marina, and the main street of Aqaba, making it an excellent base for exploring. The hotel also offers convenient parking services, with staff assisting guests upon arrival. While the immediate surroundings are peaceful, the hotel's strategic position ensures that shops, restaurants, and other points of interest are readily accessible, contributing to a well-rounded and enjoyable stay for visitors.

Staff & Service
The hotel's exceptional service is a recurring theme in guest reviews, with the staff consistently receiving high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and the staff's genuine willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The seamless check-in process is often mentioned, contributing to a positive first impression. Specific teams such as housekeeping, concierge, valet, pool staff, and lifeguards are commended for their efficiency and helpfulness. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests reported initial difficulties with reservation confirmation during check-in, which were ultimately resolved by management. The hotel's commitment to providing pet-friendly service is also noted, with staff extending their care to animal companions.

Additional Information
The hotel stands out for its pet-friendly policy, being one of the few establishments in the area that warmly welcomes pets and even provides a dedicated pet beach. Guests should be aware of the hotel's no outside food and drinks policy, and some have noted that spa access fees are separate from the room rate. While the hotel generally offers a serene and quiet atmosphere ideal for relaxation, this means it may not be suitable for younger groups seeking a lively, activity-filled environment, as there are limited on-site water sports. A few guests experienced the pool maintenance during their stay, which temporarily affected access. Minor points of feedback include occasional observations of frequent security checks upon entry and exit, which some found slightly intrusive, and a few guests noted the playing of holiday music for an extended period. For those interested in loyalty programs, the hotel is part of a major brand, offering loyalty program benefits to members.