It took us a little over an hour to drive from Petra to Aqaba. As we entered the seaport city, one could notice that it’s a walkable small town. I was eager to leave the car in the Al Manara Aqaba hotel parking for the next 3 days and enjoy the seaside property.
Palms walkway from Aqaba city centre to Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Location
Al Manara Aqaba is located in the Ayla Oasis district, a new high end coastal residential and leisure development. in the western end of the city. It’s a short 10 to 15-minute walk to the Ayla Circle where the city centre starts.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, main entrance
Check-in
The property was quiet as we made arrived a little after noon.
The lobby is beautifully decorated with a Jordanian bedouin theme: red carpets, sofas and pillows with Bedouin motifs. Carved wood octogon coffee tables, metal vases and plants made for warm multiple lounging areas across the lobby.
The staff was young and efficient. I was granted an upgrade to the Superior room which is a large corner suite. I was glad my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status did its job.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, lobby
Al Manara Superb Superior Room
The suite is at the end of the hallway. A very spacious suite with a large living room and bedroom with a king size bed.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite view from entrance hallAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite smaller bathroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living roomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite balconyAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living room Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, complimentary afternoon snacks: macarons, pastries and fruitsAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite bathroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite bathroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite bedroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite bedroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite bedroomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite walk-in spaceAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite second balconyAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite dinning areaAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living roomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living roomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living roomAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Superior Suite living room
Al Manara Business Centre
The business centre is huge and luxurious. It features 3 work stations, a printer and a boardroom. I used it to print my PCR test results.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, business centreAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, business centreAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, business centre
Al Manara Gym
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, gym facilitiesAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, gym facilities
Al Manara Pool and Beach Side
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, hallway to the pool area & beachesAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, outdoor poolAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, poolside Sabeel barAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, kids poolAl Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, inlet beach
Verdict
Al Manara Aqaba is my top pick in the Luxury Collection portfolio. The property adds a lot of charm to a stay in Aqaba.
The architecture and design brings a sense of peace and relaxation. The staff was amazing: well-trained and forthcoming. I tipped generously both poolside waiters and housekeeping ladies. The property plays in the league of the Ritz-Carlton Doha I reviewed.
This is a sweet spot for Platinum and higher elites: upgrade and complimentary breakfast.
