Jordan’s capital is a Middle Eastern melting pot that oozes old-world – or, more accurately, ancient – splendour. But it is future-looking, though not in a space-age Doha or Dubai cyber-city kind of way. It’s a capital that’s rooted in where it’s come from but knows where it wants to go. No surprises then that the W Amman is a popular choice for those who want to experience the modernity of the city.
An oasis of colour and contemporaneity in the sand-washed city, the W is located in Abdali, an area set to be the new, hip downtown once it’s finished. For the moment, though, its glass-fronted shops are vacant, but a giant ‘I (HEART) Amman’ letter sculpture is clearly intended for our Instagram grids.
The hotel’s impressive canyon-like entranceway is a recreation of the rock crevasses of the Siq, the main entrance to the city of Petra. Inside, the funky, signature W aesthetic is present throughout, incorporating hyper-colourful design and playful touches, slogans and artwork that are on-brand but not without local flavour. We loved the WET deck’s Arab-art-meets-OBEY-esque murals and the traditional Jordanian soft furnishings screen-printed with camel-themed Pop Art.
Our corner suite was very spacious compared with other Ws we’ve stayed at and the playfulness we liked so much in the W living-room area continued in-suite and in the endless, fun amenities we enjoyed during our stay. It also afforded us great views over the city.
The concierge (or ‘W Insider’, as he’s called here) went the extra mile to create a fun itinerary that maximised our all too brief stay in Amman.
The food and beverage team at the property’s pan-Asian restaurant Enso treated us like old friends; we spent a lot of time chatting with them. Alongside a crowd-pleasing choice of dishes from Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and beyond, there’s an impressive cocktail menu with an Asian flair.
At the time of our visit, there was still a lot in the works, but it’s clear that this place is going to be one hell of a hotspot. We can just imagine the pool parties, fashion shows and contemporary art events that will take place here. Add to that the young, enthusiastic staff and it’s a surefire success.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | AQJ | GMT +3 |
| While you’re Out There |
| While the vibe at the hotel is contemporary, make sure you speak to the W Insider to plan a trip to old-town Amman. Be sure to walk its jewellery quarter and old market streets and take in the Citadel. |
Photography by Leo Morgan and courtesy of W Amman
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
