Jordan is a country of ancient churches, castles, beaches, and mountains, and its rich culture and safe, welcoming, and comfortable cities are rewarding to explore.
The prime attraction in Jordan is Petra, a dramatic city tucked in the Shara mountains in the south. The ancient city has fired imaginations since its discovery in 1812, and its setting in a deep canyon only adds to its intrigue. The city was carved from sandstone and can only be accessed through a siq, or narrow cleft, in the rock. The Khazneh is the most famous ruin, and its beautifully carved facade greets visitors as soon as they emerge from the siq. Other ruins include an imposing monastery, the Temple of the Winged Lions, and an 8,000-seat amphitheater carved from the deep, rusty stone. Many Jordan hotel packages include tours to this top attraction for special discount prices.
The country's capital, Amman, is a modern metropolis where Jordan hotels stand next to newly constructed towers of steel, glass, and sand-hued government ministries and the homes of more than 1.5 million residents.
Located five minutes from Amman's downtown district hotels in Jordan, Citadel Hill is the highlight of the capital. The hill's upper terrace is dominated by the ruins of the enormous Umayyad palace constructed during the early 8th century. The middle terrace is marked by the Roman Temple of Hercules, and its dramatic columns form a striking silhouette against the cloudless skies.
Eighty-five percent of the country is desert, but there are wide variations in climate. The best time to book reservations for rooms is during the spring, when the temperatures are warm, but not unbearable. During this time, the desert is carpeted with wildflowers, and the valleys in central Jordan are lush and colorful. Cheap hotel deals in Jordan can often be found in March, when the annual rains still pummel Amman and the surrounding hilly areas.
Jordan hotel deals are often affordable in summer, when the temperature creeps up and Amman sizzles. Hot winds blow through Aqaba at ths time, and the desert is bleached of beauty, while locals often rest in the cool indoors during the afternoons.
Autumn is a great time to find a cheap Jordan hotel deal because the temperatures begin to shift and the first rains don't fall until mid-October. The temperatures become more manageable, the countryside bursts into bloom again, and rates are generally reasonable.
Winters in Amman can be quite chilly, and freezing temperatures have been recorded in Petra. If you crave sunshine and its warmth, head to Aqaba or Rum in winter. The two Dead Sea cities remain balmy and comfortable even in the depths of winter.
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