Moevenpick Resort Residence Aqaba, Jordan

The Cranley Report®: Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba

Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba , Jordan

Hotel Address

King Hussein Street
P.O. Box 678
77110 Aqaba
Jordan

Cranley Rating

Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba

Photo 1 of 28. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category

Resort Hotel

Hotel Opened	1999
Refurbishment	Palm Court Restaurant due to be refurbished from March 2008

Cranley Summary

The Moevenpick Resort & Residence is a high quality resort hotel, located in the centre of Aqaba overlooking the Red Sea. The hotel is an architectural delight, featuring a mix of European and Arabesque designs with a feeling of grandeur and luxury. The lobby lounge and many of the restaurants and bars overlook the Palm Court Terrace, which is a focus for much activity both day and night and evokes a lively atmosphere. The main building and Residence have a wide selection of rooms, from Standard, Deluxe and Executive, to a variety of Suites and Duplexes, as well as the luxury of the Presidential Suite with its large terrace. The hotel has three swimming pools and a children's pool with an adjoining activity area. Guests can walk through the landscaped grounds to reach the hotel's own beach, where a variety of water sports and day or nighttime cruises are on offer. There is a spa, which offers a small selection of treatments and has its own male and female saunas. There is also a small gym. The hotel's Conference Centre overlooks the Palm Court Terrace and can host functions for up to 400 delegates. Smaller meeting rooms and a fully equipped Business Centre are also available.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Moevenpick Resort & Residence is located in the centre of Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea. It has its own beach which is just a short stroll through landscaped gardens. The souk at Aqaba is about a fifteen minute walk away. Guests can shop at the international boutiques of the Aqaba City Centre Mall which is also about fifteen minutes away by taxi. Eilat in Israel is only 10 minutes away across the border, which opens up more shopping possibilities. The hotel is 12km from King Hussein International Airport at Aqaba.

Airports
Distance	12 km
Airport Transfers	Complimentary hotel shuttle - journey time about 20 minutes.

Cities and Sights
Distance	100 km
City/Sight Transfers	Tours can be arranged via the concierge. Taxi transfers are available.

Hotel Layout

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Layout Description

The hotel entrance is just off the main road, protected by a security barrier. The main building is U-shaped and when entering the hotel, the reception desk is to the left. Three guest lifts are a little further on and beyond those is a car hire desk, the Business Centre and the Al Sufra Restaurant. The Palm Court Restaurant and the Abu Nawas Fun Pub are both at the level below. For the Residence, guests need to cross the Resort Bridge. The bridge also provides access to hotel shops, cafes, the Spa, the pools, the Gym and the beach, as well as the Al Shatt Restaurant and the Red Sea Grill. The Conference Centre is in a separate building on the other side of the Palm Court Terrace.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic and several other languages are spoken
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	24 Hours with all major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged	The hotel has its own taxi pool for guests. Street taxis can also be arranged on request
Tours Arranged	Tours can be arranged on request. These include excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Desert trekking can also be arranged and a whole selection of water based excursions are available through Sindbad Yacht Cruises.

Guest Relations	Standard services
Concierge Services	Standard services
Medical Facilities	Doctor on call 24 hours. Typical response time of 20 minutes according to the hotel.
Parking	Complimentary covered hotel parking with approximately 120 spaces. Valet parking available.

Cranley Comment

Guests entering the main building of Moevenpick Resort & Residence, will notice the delightful mosaic on the arched roof of the entrance hall and the gentle rhythm of the fountain at its centre. The Front Desk is situated just to the left of the fountain and has a lounge area in front with views down to the Palm Court Terrace. The Al Sufra Restaurant is situated to the left of the Front Desk, whilst the Al Nafoura Lounge Bar and Terrace is off to the right.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Souk Zara is open 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00 selling essentials, quality gifts, souvenirs and beach goods
Aristocrat is open 09:30 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 selling bags, watches and jewellery
Elite Beauty Salon is a ladies hairdresser
The Bakery Shop is open 09:00 to 23:00 selling bread, cakes, sandwiches and Moevenpick ice-cream. It has a small terrace where guests can sit and eat al fresco.

Cranley Comment

The hotel shops - Souk Zara, Aristocrat and the Elite Beauty Salon are all situated on the resort bridge between the Main Building and the Residence. The Bakery Shop is just outside the entrance to the hotel, alongside the Conference Centre building. In addition to the on site shops, the Souk and old city of Aqaba is about 15 minutes walk away and the Aqaba City Centre shopping mall, with International shops and boutiques is about 15 minutes by taxi. Aqaba is a duty free zone, so most items can be purchased free of tax.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	6
Total Rooms	296
Elevators	11 (5 in Main Building, 6 in Residence)
Rooms per Elevator	27
Total Staff	330
Staff per Room	1.1

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability, up to 18:00 at a supplement of 50%
Smoking Rooms	Available on request
Room Service	Full menu served 24 hours
Laundry Service	Collections before 10:00 are returned same day, otherwise next day return. An express service is available at a 50% surcharge.

Cranley Comment

The Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba is a stylish hotel, featuring elegant rooms blending European and Oriental styles. Guests looking for more traditional designs may prefer the rooms in the main building, which contrasts with the more contemporary design of the Residence. All rooms have 50+ channel TV, wireless/high speed internet access, minibar, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities as standard. With 11 different types of rooms in addition to the Presidential Suite, the hotel will meet most guests' requirements. The Residence, with its added privacy and range of apartments and duplexes, should appeal particularly to long stay guests.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard	145	City or Mountain	Self controlled heating system Air-conditioning Television (50+ channels) Direct dial telephone/voice mail Wireless LAN/High speed internet access Mini-bar Tea/coffee making facility Safe Desk/chair 2 armchairs and high table Bath/shower WC Bathroom amenities	2 Adults	40

Cranley Comment

Situated on all floors of the main building, guests approach the Standard Rooms along spacious corridors, decorated in pale colours with marble flooring throughout. The rooms are all in pastel shades and the floors are covered in rugs of an oriental design. The bedrooms are a blend of European and Oriental styles, furnished with king size or two double beds. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces with a bath and shower over, bidet and wc. Standard Rooms all have mountain or city views.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	39	City or Red Sea	As per the Standard Room with the added benefit of: Seaview	2 Adults	40

Cranley Comment

Superior Rooms are decorated in pastel shades and the floors are covered in rugs of an oriental design. The bedrooms are a blend of European and Oriental styles, furnished with king size beds and cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces, with a bath and shower over, bidet and wc. Superior Rooms are identical to Standard Rooms, except that they all have views of the beach and Red Sea.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	28	City or Red Sea	As per the Superior Room with the added benefit of: Balcony Table and 2 chairs	2 Adults	40

Cranley Comment

Deluxe Rooms are decorated in pastel shades and the floors are covered in rugs of an oriental design. The bedrooms are a blend of European and Oriental styles, furnished with king size beds and cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces, with a bath and shower over, bidet and wc. Deluxe Rooms are identical to Superior Rooms, except they all have a balcony with views of the beach and Red Sea. The balconies are furnished with a table and two chairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Junior Suite	9	City or Mountain	As per the Deluxe Room with the added benefit of: Large low table Sofa Large desk	2 Adults	56

Cranley Comment

Junior Suites all benefit from a corner position in the Main building. This gives them 16 square metres of extra space and an additional window with sea and mountain views. The bedrooms are a blend of European and Oriental styles, furnished with king size beds and cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces, with a bath and shower over, bidet and wc. Junior Suites all have city or mountain views.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	10	City or Red Sea	As per Junior Suites with the added benefit of: Lounge area with TV Bath and separate walk-in shower Armchair in bedroom Terrace with table and 2 chairs	2 Adults	80

Cranley Comment

All Executive Suites are conveniently situated on the second floor of the main building, styled as a 'designer' suite with more artwork and artefacts decorating the walls. The bedrooms are well furnished with king size beds and cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces with a bath and separate walk-in shower, bidet and wc. Executive Suites all have sea views.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
1/2 Bed Suite	10	City or Red Sea	As per Executive Suite with added benefit of: Small kitchen with breakfast bar Electric oven Fridge/freezer Dining table and 4 chairs in lounge area 2 bed suites are directly linked to adjoining Deluxe Rooms (see Deluxe room for in-room facilities).	2/4 Adults	80 /120

Cranley Comment

1 and 2 bed Suites are all situated on the 6th floor of the Main building. They are identical in design and décor to the other rooms but being on the 6th floor have the benefit of great views. The kitchen and dining facility will make this Suite attractive to families. The bedrooms are a blend of European and Oriental styles furnished with king size beds and cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces with a bath and separate walk-in shower, bidet and wc.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
3/4 Bed Duplex	5	City or Red Sea	As per Two Bed Suite with the added benefit of: Additional double bedroom with en-suite bath/shower/wc/bidet Large master bedroom with en-suite separate bath and walk-in shower, wc, bidet Upper level has: Large kitchen with table and 4 chairs Large dining area with dining table and 4 chairs 4 Bed Duplex in addition has a 50sqm Master Bedroom with en-suite bath and shower/wc/bidet	6/8 Adults	280/330

Cranley Comment

There are four three Bed Duplexes and one four Bed Duplex at the Moevenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba, all on the 6th floor of the main building. The upper level of each duplex extends to the 7th floor, which offers panoramic views of the mountains, city of Aqaba and the Red Sea. With walls covered in artwork and artefacts and a skylight above the stairs, these rooms provide a homely environment . All the bedrooms are furnished with king size beds and cushions. The en-suite bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces with a bath and shower over, plus bidet and wc for the double bedroom, whilst the master bedroom en-suite has a separate walk-in shower.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Presidential Suite	1	City or Red Sea	As per Executive Suites with the added benefit of: Small kitchen/bar area which can be set up for catering. Large lounge area (approximately 54 sqm) with: Large sofa, armchair, dining table and eight chairs, shower/wc, large main bathroom with separate shower. Large private terrace area (approximately 500 sqm) with dining table and eight chairs, low table and four chairs, two loungers.	2 Adults	140

Cranley Comment

The Presidential Suite occupies an imposing and private position on the second floor at the end of the corridor. An adjoining Executive Room can be linked to the Presidential Suite if required. The bedroom has a king size bed and is sumptuously furnished. The suite has an outstanding area for receptions or a large al fresco dinner party, with a huge open terrace which has commanding views of the Red Sea. The terrace is however, overlooked by the rooms above.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Studio (Residence)	8	No view	Self controlled heating system Air-conditioning Television (50+ channels) Direct dial telephone/voice mail Wireless LAN/High speed internet access Mini-bar Coffee/tea making facility Safe Desk/chair Sofa, 2 armchairs and high table Kitchenette with hob and fridge/freezer Shower, WC and bidet Bathroom amenities	2 Adults	80

Cranley Comment

The Residence is accessed via the covered walkway from the main building and the Studios have a private entrance down some steps from the outside of the building. Guests enter into a spacious lounge area, which is furnished in a modern design in earthy colours and quality fabrics. The lounge has a kitchenette to the rear. The bedroom has a king size bed and benefits from a separate dressing room and is nicely furnished with large cushions. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces, with a bath and shower over, bidet and wc. All the Studios in the Residence are on the lower ground level and feature a small terrace and large windows allowing some daylight.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
2 Bed Apartment (Residence)	34	City or Red Sea	As per Studio with the added benefit of: Master bedroom with bath and shower. Balcony or terrace with views of Aqaba city, Eilat or the mountains. Some 2 Bed Apartments have a partial sea view.	4 Adults	100

Cranley Comment

The Residence is accessed via the covered walkway from the main building. Two Bedroom Apartments are furnished in a modern design in earthy colours and quality fabrics. The bedrooms have king size beds and the master bedroom has an en suite bath with shower. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces. All 2 bedroom apartments have a balcony or terrace with inland views, whilst some have a partial seaview.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
2 Bed Duplex (Residence)	3	City or Red Sea	As per the Two Bed Apartment with the added benefit of: Study room with desk and sofa Stairs to upper level with large lounge and toilet Terrace with lounger, table and 6 chairs	4 Adults	185

Cranley Comment

All Two Bed Duplexes are located on the 5th and 6th Floors of the Residence and have a terrace featuring views over the Red Sea, as well as the hotel pools and beach. With two large bedrooms and a study room with desk, the Duplex is suitable for guests who need to work in the room. Both the bedrooms are well furnished with king size beds and cushions and one of the bedrooms has a private balcony. The bathrooms have marble floors and surfaces with a separate bath, shower, bidet and wc.