During a tour around Jordan this week, I spent my first night of the trip at The Regency Palace Hotel. As we reached the building I remembered that I have previously visited this hotel back in 2012 and the experience was not swell at all. All I remember is an old hotel, bad service with amenities and overall stay that was not up to the standards of a five star.
As we reached the hotel, the bell boy ran for the bags. I grabbed mine and walked in to the reception. The staff was still the same as I remember them, unwelcoming; No smiles, no warmth... You would expect more from a five star hotel. Let's consider, this is how much they know and start looking at the more positive things around... Before going up the room, I toured around the lobby. The reception being on the left and on the other hand, the hotel boasts a large cafe/restaurant that welcomes guests all day long and a piano lounge that serves international cocktails, light snacks and à la carte selection, a comprehensive collection of classic and new world vantages are available to accompany your meal along with live-performed piano melodies. The first impression is nice, a waterfall and an aquarium next to it adding touches of luxury. I got the chance to discover a beautiful room this time. An old ottoman style space with catchy designs on the walls and ceiling, as well as relaxing sofas. From it you'll reach the terrace area where argile or shisha are offered. My room was ready, so I took the elevator up to the 10th floor. The rooms were clearly cleaner than the last time, a fruit basket has been added, two complementary water bottles and a reasonable set of amenities... up to the standard of a four star. The improvement since last time is clear, three years have passed after all.. But sadly I can't say the same for the bathrooms; an antiquity!
The rooms:
- The size of the room is reasonable (30sqm), contemporary in style with large window that offers a view of Amman. The rooms are covered in red carpet
- You can welcome friends in your room. It has a working desk, two sofas and a table
- Although their website states that the 9th and 10th floor are both non smoking, it seems all rooms are smoking since I received an ashtray and matches
- The room offers: Slippers, shampoo, a safe and a mini bar
- The bathrooms are way too old for the 21st century
Restaurant and Bars:
- Trader Vic?s Restaurant & Lounge
- Al Madafa Restaurant
- Le Piano Lounge
- Ernesto Cigar club
- The Library
What I like in here:
- Traders Vic’s restaurant is a must visit
- Enjoy a lovely view from the pool located on the 20th or the gym on the 19th
- Internet is free of charge around the hotel
The unacceptable:
- The staff requires more training
- The bathrooms are bad, really bad. Old and broken. What are you waiting for? They need to be changed promptly
- Breakfast needs reshuffling
Although they advertised that they have renovated the hotel, it still feels old. But I must admit that it has improved since the last time I was here. If you're seeking to stay somewhere calm with a touch of old style, then this hotel is perfect for you... Don't forget to head up to the 19th and 20th floor for a beautiful view of the capital.
