InterContinental Aqaba, an IHG Hotel

I went to the InterContinental in Mekkah last year, and I was expecting the same level of luxury at Aqaba. I'm not saying it was bad but there is no way we can compare this to that. Coffee was the main issue, there is one expresso machine that is located very far away in the breakfast area, we discivered it by accident and we couldn't use it directly, we had to wait for one of the staff to handle it. In Mekkah, our room had an expresso machine. The breakfast was more luxurious in Mekkah as well. Saying that, when we asked for extras during the breakfast the staff went ahead and immediately provided everything we needed and they exceeded our expectations. So, I wouldn't blame the staff, maybe its related to budget cutting due to tourism situation in Aqaba caused by the issues happening in the countries around us. The cleaning lady was excellent, she cleaned everything really well

I booked a single bed room but was upgraded to a double bed room with a balcony with sea view was amazing, the beach and pools were clean and tidy. For open buffet breakfast there was plenty to choose from even for the most demanding guests. All of the staff were friendly and very helpful, from the security at the gate and front entrance to the receptionist and spa employees. The gym is excellent and my favorite was the rowing machine.

The friendliness of the staff. We were lucky to get an early check-in then we were informed that not only breakfast but all soft drinks and snacks would be free at different locations during the day because we had taken a club room with the panoramic view. Pay that little extra and be treated like royalty. There were also free alcoholic cocktails along with diner snacks which were not snacks but a full meal. There is a Nespresso machine in the room which has a huge bathroom. The reception area is very inviting with high ceilings and confortable sofas. The beach loungers and tents are very comfortable in it's a nice touch that they give you water bottles at the same time as your huge beach towels. Being an older hotel the vegetation around the pools is luxuriant with tall palm trees. One of the pools was heated and the outside jacuzzi was warm too, highly appreciated in March.

Pool and sun terrace all well maintained and pleasant. Hotel clean and well maintained. Breakfast good.

We were met at Aqaba airport with the hotel shuttle bus. It was a lovely surprise to find our rooms ready well before official check in time. The rooms are comfortable, clean and, with lovely sea views. We were able to relax and orientate ourselves. The hotel is a short walk into Aqaba town. The reception staff were supportive when trying to arrange day trips but in the end we chose to make independent arrangements. The private beach and pools are very clean and the beach staff helpful. There was ample choice at the breakfast buffet. Service was great. We tried the evening buffet food on the last night it was delicious, a good variety. We had dinner one evening at the hotel restaurant Burj Al Hamam. We were served by Haleem, the restaurant manager. Haleem was very helpful and gave us great advise on our food choices. The food was fabulous, very tasty and great value, highly recommended.