I was only going to stay five nights, but decided to stay a full week after discovering how great the place was, even though the owner, Charl, tried to talk me out of it, despite the fact that it would cost him business.
Charl is a great guy, and a mine of unbiased information. He'll not just tell you about the best ways of seeing the country, but I also talked to him at length about the politics and culture of Jordan and the Middle East in general. I've studied this subject in depth, and even given a few lectures at university on the subject, and even though I might not agree with his opinion, he is certainly knowledgeable. As a Christian Arab, it is also a very interesting and rarely heard perspective.
He cares passionately about his business too, and you can see that in the quality of care shown in the hotel, and the way the hotel has been adapted to the needs of modern travellers. It had everything I could possibly need for an enjoyable holiday in Jordan: free wifi internet for my laptop, cable TV, a good restaurant and bar, and a pick up point for all my tours, which Charl and his wife gladly arranged for me.
The tours are run by local taxi services which Charl personally vets to ensure your enjoyment. He solicits feedback on them, just as keenly as he does his own hotel, because their services reflect back on him. He claims to not take money out of them, and I can believe that when he would often insist I take public transport to places instead of a taxi.
The hotel is extremely clean, and the staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful. The staff insisted on bringing my beer to my room on a silver tray, with an ice cold glass, and a big smile, even though I was perfectly happy to get it myself. The restaurant serves good food, and they were happy to modify the dishes to my unusual tastes (vegetarian). The home made lentil soup was particularly good.
Unique Qualities: There isn't much in the way of bad things to note, but to be fair I should point out that some of the rooms are a bit noisy. I'd suggest avoiding my room, number 12, as this is on the ground floor, near the busy road outside, and next to the foyer and one of the corridor to the restaurant. I think the best rooms are probably those that overlook the swimming pool at the back.
The furniture and decor is homely, spartan and comfortable rather than fashionable and brand new. Some of the furniture is a bit scuffed, but nothing is broken and everything functions as it should.
The location of the hotel in Madaba is a little out of the center, perhaps a five minute walk.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40
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Address: Madaba - Aisha Um Al Mumeneen St., P.O.Box 780, MA
Website: http://www.mariamhotel.com/
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on Jan 7, 2007
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