DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Aqaba

This hotel offers a truly warm welcome to guests, often highlighted by a signature treat upon arrival, and is celebrated for its excellent central location that places visitors at the heart of the city. Guests consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the overall cleanliness of the premises, and the comfortable rooms that provide a relaxing stay. The delicious food served across its dining venues also contributes significantly to a positive experience. This hotel is an ideal fit for sightseers and couples looking to explore the city's attractions on foot, as well as business travelers seeking convenience and comfort. Families also find it accommodating due to its spacious rooms and helpful staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to minimize potential street noise, and it is advisable to confirm the current status of facilities like the spa or pool if they are essential to your travel plans.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities for guest comfort and enjoyment, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The swimming pool is generally clean and available, but many guests note it is quite small and can become crowded, with some mentioning it was under renovation or had issues with cleanliness at times. A heated pool was suggested by some. The fitness center or gym is available and considered good, though some find it slightly limited. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally good throughout the hotel, but several guests reported it being weak or non-existent in their rooms, particularly on higher floors. The elevators are frequently praised for being fast and reliable, minimizing wait times. The spa is a recurring point of concern, as it has been closed for an extended period due to renovations, disappointing guests hoping for massage services. The rooftop bar is a popular feature, offering great views and live music, while valet parking is available and appreciated, despite the parking area being a sandy, open lot for some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness, noting that both rooms and public spaces are well-maintained and tidy. The beds are consistently described as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them too soft for their preference. Rooms are often highlighted as spacious, providing ample room for relaxation. However, noise is a significant recurring issue, with many guests reporting poor sound insulation, leading to disturbances from adjacent rooms, the corridor (including a mention of a screaming cat), and particularly loud street noise, even on higher floors. While bathrooms are generally well-stocked with toiletries, some guests noted missing items like slippers, toothpaste, or hairbrushes, and a few experienced issues with leaking showers or fungus around fixtures. The air conditioning system received mixed reviews, with some finding it effective, while others reported it being set to heat only during colder months or not being strong enough. Some rooms lacked a fridge, requiring guests to request ice buckets for cold beverages.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety, featuring an excellent selection of fresh fruits, yogurts, and hot dishes, including a popular egg station that prepares omelets to order. Guests appreciate the fresh juice and coffee options. While the breakfast is generally delicious, some reviews mention it can be very busy, leading to a messy buffet and occasional issues with food running out or queue jumpers at the egg station. Beyond breakfast, the food quality across the hotel's dining venues, including the main restaurant and pool bar, is often described as delicious, with specific mentions of outstanding desserts and an amazing burger. The rooftop bar is also well-regarded for its offerings. While room service is noted for being superb and fast by many, a few guests found the food to be cold or of poor taste. Dinner options, when included, were sometimes perceived as minimal or not offering sufficient variety, leading some to prefer dining outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, placing guests directly in the middle of the city's vibrant market area, making it incredibly convenient for exploring on foot. It is within easy walking distance to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, providing ample dining and entertainment options. Key attractions such as the Arab Revolt Square, the Yacht Club, and the Aqaba Fort are also easily accessible. While the hotel is close to a local beach (approximately a 10-minute walk), many guests note this beach is primarily for locals and may not be ideal for tourists seeking a more resort-like experience. To address this, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to a private beach club located about 25 minutes away, which is generally well-received, though one review mentioned an issue with the beach club's policy regarding access for single individuals or certain groups. Parking is available, with a convenient valet service often praised for its efficiency and helpfulness, even offering free car charging; however, the parking area itself is a sandy, open lot, which some guests felt was not ideal for a hotel of this caliber.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, helpful, attentive, and professional across all departments, from reception to dining and housekeeping. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is noted as quick and easy, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-in or late check-out. Room service is frequently commended for its speed and efficiency, with items delivered promptly to the door. Housekeeping is also highly regarded for maintaining clean and well-serviced rooms. The valet service is particularly appreciated for its helpfulness, even assisting with unexpected car issues. Many guests mention receiving complimentary room upgrades to more spacious accommodations or rooms with better views, adding to their positive experience. The overall commitment of the staff to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
A distinctive and much-appreciated feature of the hotel is the warm chocolate chip cookies offered to guests upon arrival, which many reviewers highlight as a delightful and memorable welcome. The hotel maintains a partnership with a nearby beach resort, providing guests with convenient and free transfers to a private beach club. However, it's important to note that one review indicated a specific policy at this beach club that restricted access for single individuals or certain groups, which caused disappointment for some guests. While not widely mentioned, the hotel does offer free car charging for electric vehicles, which is a thoughtful amenity for those traveling with such vehicles. The hotel also provides umbrellas in rooms, a practical touch for unexpected weather.