There's a reason Enjoy Jordan is rated #12 on Tripadvisor and NOT #1 and this is why.
I booked my trip last minute through a tour operator who coordinated with Enjoy Jordan. I had some vacation time and decided to take a trip last minute. I was specifically interested in a hiking adventure on the Jordan trail rather than a city sightseeing tour.
My review is based on my own experience and it will not be everyone's experience. Having said that, I felt I needed to share my experience as honestly as possible so that other potential travelers who plan to book through this site and specifically through Enjoy Jordan can understand the good and the bad when planning an itinerary, following through the itinerary, and actually experiencing it once you are on your trip.
Since I paid almost $6,000 USD as a solo traveler, I expected a high level of customer service that is above and beyond what I actually received.
The biggest issue is that the confirmation letter did NOT match the itinerary. I will post pictures showing what I mean. This caused a level of confusion that made my trip experience less enjoyable than it could have been. Meaning - my trip could have gone a lot more smoothly than it did.
For example, my itinerary would list a hotel and the confirmation letter would list another hotel. On top of that, I had no idea which meals I paid for were actually included as the confirmation letter was not clear and again did not match the itinerary. It was really a mess trying to figure this whole thing out.
The confirmation letter itself was a short 3 page voucher while the detailed itinerary was 29 pages long. There was no way the confirmation letter was clear enough nor did it have enough details to give any traveler a good idea of what they were to expect. The details of the confirmation letter were short and condensed down to 3 pages.
Finally, I paid for an extra day but realized that my flight on the last day of my trip was a red-eye flight, flying out of Amman at 1am. I sent my flight information to the person arranging my itinerary ahead of time (samir) and he nor anyone even bothered to inform me before I went on my trip that I booked an extra day. A person with excellent customer service skills would have gone above and beyond to do just that on top of their existing job. I know because I have been in customer service for several years and what makes someone great is thinking ahead for the client and being on top of things.
I booked an extra day by mistake including an overnight stay at Wadi Rum Enjoy Desert Camp and the only refund I got was $100 and my daily activities paid for in Wadi Rum which was a camel ride, 4x4 jeep adventure, and a short hike with a personal guide.
Keep in mind I paid over $6,000 for my entire trip for 9 days/8 nights which does NOT include the flight. I had sent my flight information in advance of my trip and NO ONE looked at it nor bothered to inform me of the extra day I booked and didn't even bother to refund me. I figured this out in the middle of my trip and had an argument with Samir in the middle of my trip about a refund for the extra day. Seriously, this just made my entire trip less enjoyable. There were a few other issues with Wadi Dana eco-camp sending a local hiking guide when I already had booked my entire trip and my guides through Enjoy Jordan. I mention that in my review from Dana to Feynan.
I would have to say my entire trip was not worth $6,000 and I will not be booking through this site again.
Hotel Reviews
Shams al weibdeh hotel apartment
Amman
I arrived at my hotel around 1:30am- 2am and thought it was comfortable.
The guy at the front desk was friendly, took my luggage up to my room and left.
The room itself was comfortable. It had a kitchen sink, cups, a small living room with a sofa, tv, and a coffee table. I was only there for a night to sleep so it was fine. I did find a small dead bug on the floor and quickly cleaned that up. The bed was comfortable, the shower was fine. I had hot water and it worked for me.
The breakfast the next morning was OK. I didn't eat much. I just had a boiled egg, small pancakes with Nutella spread, and 2 small muffins. They had much more selections and options for breakfast but it just didn't appeal to me.
Dead Sea Spa Hotel
Sweimeh
First of all Dead Sea Spa hotel is rated a 4 star hotel. When I arrived to my room, the fabric on the bed frame was completely ripped and torn. Please see pictures. Although the room was large and spacious, the condition of the room was just not a 4 star hotel. The walls were also scuffed.
The room looked old and outdated and smelled of smoke.
I requested another room with one queen or king sized bed. My room at 2 beds.
They gave me a hard time telling me that there were no other rooms available and that they were completed booked for the night. They offered to put the 2 beds together to make it one bed but that wasn't the point. The room was old, outdated, and not in the greatest condition. I knew they weren't completely booked because after some time, they came back to me and said they had another room with a king bed they could switch me to.
I told them I wanted to see the room first so they took me to the room and it was in the SAME condition and smelled of smoke. The fabric on the bed frame was ripped and torn like it hasn't been maintained or kept up in years. How the fabric is ripped and torn badly, I have no ideal. I'm sorry but the condition of the bed was not good and if you are a 4 star hotel, the manager or owner should really be embarrassed about the condition of the rooms.
I don't know if there were new updated or remodeled rooms in another section of the hotel as it is a very large hotel but the room I stayed in was not a 4 star room.
Luckily for the hotel, the short time I had at the Dead Sea was worth it. The hotel, not so much. I don't recommend this hotel.
Location
Great location, a short walk to the Dead Sea
Staff
staff gave me a hard time about wanting to switch rooms to a single bed. Please train your staff for better customer service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fabric on bed frame was completely ripped and torn, walls were scuffed and scratched, room smelled of smoke. Please remodel the rooms, it is outdated and condition can be greatly improved.
Dana Guest House
Al Tafileh, Dana
I arrived in the evening and the staff was very kind and brought my luggage down a flight of stairs to my room.
The room itself is basic but I don't mind. In the morning, I had an amazing view to look out to over the mountains and I did get hot water for my shower. It's basic, but again, I don't mind. Sometimes the most beautiful things are the most basic and simple.
The twin beds were simple and I had extra blankets if needed. I was comfortable and had a good sleep although the tourists in the next room were quite loud. I could hear them for most of the night. There isn't much insulation between rooms so you might hear your neighbors.
Since I traveled alone, I chose to eat outside on the patio/deck which I enjoyed. The dinner was great, a buffet of real authentic local dinner consisting of fish, vegetables, and rice.
In the morning, I had breakfast in the dining area of boiled eggs, a bagel type bread, and Arabic tea which I love very much!
The only issue I had is that for some reason, the hotel sent a local hiking guide named Mohammad to meet me in the morning for my hike to Feynan but I had booked everything (all my guides) through Enjoy Jordan. I had spoke to my guide the day before (his name is also Mohammad) and we agreed to meet at 9am in the morning. Since the hotel sent a local guide also named Mohammad, he arrived at 8:30am and I assumed this was the same guide I spoke to the day before but it was the wrong guide. I left with the wrong guide who also spoke very little English as I figured out 1/4 way into our hike.
This caused a big miscommunication and misunderstanding that should have been sorted out and cleared up before I left for my hike. Just wanted to bring this up.
Authenticity & Character
Simple and basic which I appreciated.
Location
Amazing views of the mountains and scenery
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable, clean and basic which I enjoyed. I got hot water for my shower.
I went on a 4 day hike staying in a movable tent with a mattress and blankets. My guide, driver, and chef were great.
The dinner was amazing. The lunch could have been slightly better, and there is room for improvement but the authentic Bedouin dinner prepared by the chef was excellent. After a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than good authentic comfort food!
The tent was comfortable and I was warm. The tea and sweets were perfect as snacks.
Feynan Eco Lodge
Dana, Feynan
This was such a unique and interesting experience. I enjoyed it very much even though I only stayed one night and left in the morning.
I read some reviews where other tourists thought the value did not match up to the experience and the money they paid.
I'd like to offer a different viewpoint.
The whole point of the Eco Lodge is to EXPERIENCE the beauty of the stars, the beauty of the scenery, of the room with just the flicker of candle lights without the need for technology, TV, cell phones, etc... That is why there are no outlets in the rooms and no electricity besides the bathroom!!
However, if you need to charge your cell phone, there are outlets in the lobby.
So what if I paid a lot more money than a typical hotel that offers a TV, outlets, technology, bars, multiple activities, entertainment, etc.. that Feynan Eco Lodge may not? For people who want these things, then you shouldn't be staying at Feynan Eco Lodge and you are missing the point.
There is nothing quite like walking around the hotel with just lanterns lighted by candles, having dinner with only candle light, your rooms lighted with candle light, watching the stars at night, WITHOUT cell phones, TV, technology, and any distractions. It was magical for me and I enjoyed it. I see the beauty and simplicity in things that other people who are dependent on technology and external sources of entertainment don't.
The food was great. I enjoyed dinner and breakfast very much. The hotel was clean. I read reviews where some tourists mentioned there were trash everywhere and lots of stray cats, but that was not my experience. There were a few stray kittens but not many I saw.
Overall, I highly recommend Feynan Eco Lodge. Perhaps you'll connect with your soul on a deeper level after your experience at the Eco Lodge.
Authenticity & Character
Very unique and enjoyable experience.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Eco Lodge and room was very clean, I LOVED the candle lights. Amazing experience.
Petra Guest House
Wadi Musa
There was a mixup with my hotel and my itinerary listed Petra moon hotel whereas my confirmation letter listed Petra Guest house which is why I ended up at the Petra Moon hotel after my hike. Even though I didn't stay at Petra Moon hotel, the front desk was much friendlier here than Petra Moon hotel who was rude to me.
I highly recommend Petra Guest House over Petra Moon hotel. The rooms are much more modern, better decorated, and cleaner than Petra moon's rooms which look very outdated and old style.
I was told I was the first ever guest in a new room at the Petra Guest House. The room was modern, clean, and very comfortable. I really enjoyed the room. It was nicely decorated and obviously new.
The bathroom, the bed, the layout was excellent and very comfortable. I'm glad I was the first ever guest in the room. Plus, the hotel was very busy with tons of tourists which is always a good sign.
Plus, the breakfast was EXCELLENT. I really enjoyed the breakfast. It was very good with eggs, pastries, selection of fruits, and much more.
Go with Petra Guest House. You won't be disappointed.
Location
Excellent location
Staff
Staff was very friendly and efficient
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very modern, clean, and comfortable. nicely decorated.
Enjoy Desert camp
Wadi rum
I didn't get a chance to stay at Enjoy desert camp and am still waiting for a refund.
I only stored my luggage in a room while I enjoyed camel riding, 4x4 jeep adventure, and a walk through the desert ending with a beautiful sunset with my guide. My guide was excellent by the way.
The room itself seemed comfortable, simple, and spacious even though I didn't stay a night which I wish I did.
It would have been nice to star gaze but perhaps another time. I'll have to come back to Wadi Rum
Location
beautiful location in the wadi rum desert.
Staff
At times, it was hard to find someone to help me as I had several activities for the one day I was in wadi rum and it was challenging to find my guides or to find someone who could help me.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Didn't stay a night but the room where I stored my luggage for the time being seemed comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Meet & Assist - Queen Alia Airport
Jordan
It started off well. I was traveling alone by myself. A rep waited for me before immigrations and had a sign with my name. We walked quickly towards immigrations and he told me to wait in the longest line ever. This was late at night that I arrived. He said he would wait for me at the immigrations counter. I saw him as I moved through the long immigrations line and then he just disappeared. I didn't see him anymore.
I finally finished going through immigrations and I still didn't see the rep, but had no choice and decided to go down the escalator to get my luggage.
I finally saw the rep at the bottom of the escalator, who met me initially. He told me to wait in front of the information/customer service desk and not to move after I got my luggage.
After I got my luggage, I waited for what seemed like forever. I was wondering if the rep will ever come back? At this time, it was already late and I was exhausted after a 20 hour flight.
It was probably around 12:30am-1am at this time, maybe even later.
After what seemed like forever (my guess is 30 minutes or more), I decided to go exchange some currency so I had some Jordanian Dinera on hand for tips. The currency exchange station was right behind the information/customer service desk so I continued to keep an eye out for the rep looking around for him often.
After another 15 minutes I would say, another rep comes rushing towards me and apologizes. He takes me up to my driver. The original rep disappeared and I found out later the original rep who met me initially was taking care of another group of tourists (around 15). I understand the rep having to take care of other tourists in a larger group, and even though I am one person, I still paid a lot of money for my trip which included the meet and greet at the airport. I did not appreciate waiting at the airport late at night after 20 hours of flying, exhausted, wanting to go to my hotel to sleep. Did not sit well with me and my trip started off with a bad taste in my mouth.
Luckily, my driver Hasan met me with a huge smile and a friendly personality, I totally let go of the experience at the airport!
Quality of Experience
The entire process was not smooth and could be improved significantly.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver was excellent, the rest of the reps who met me at the airport were not.
Transport
Hasan is excellent!
Valleys Hiking And Abseiling ( MUJEB VALLEY- SIQ TRAIL )
Jordan
I had so much fun I would go back and do this again! I got lucky because one of the lifeguards told me that the day I went was the last day they were open and that they were going to be closed for 5 days straight. Not sure if this is true, but I'm glad I went when I did.
They give you a life jacket which you have to wear no matter how great of a swimmer you are.
I highly enjoyed this fun water adventure. It was challenging because you have to climb up rocks,and boulders, hang on to ropes, know how to swim, but the scenery, the gorge, the rocks, and the waterfall at the end was so WORTH it.
The only thing is that I wish I had were water sandals or water shoes. I just had my sneakers which is still OK to use, as I had another pair of sneakers with me for the rest of my trip. Water shoes/sandals would be a lot easier.
Also, I did pay 10 Dinera to rent a water proof bag to hold my cell phone which is a rip off so bring your own waterproof bag if you want to bring your cell phone to take pictures.
Highly recommend it. I love water adventures so this was a highlight of my trip.
Quality of Experience
The scenery, the water adventure was a lot of fun.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Qais was an excellent lifeguard. Highly recommend him
Transport
My driver Hasan was great
The Dead Sea was amazing but the Kerak Castle experience could have been better. The reason is because I started my sightseeing with a local who was sitting outside the castle and decided to try and be a "guide."
He followed me inside and I let him. He started talking about the castle but it was hard to understand him because his English wasn't great.
All he did was point out each room to me and I heard bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and that's about it. I didn't really hear the history and the story behind each room. He helped me take some pictures and then at one point he stopped and asked me if I wanted him to continue further and if so, he would then become my guide.
I was like that's fine. I know he wanted a tip and I didn't care either way at that point in time. Of course, after I wish I just went on my own to explore the castle.
This local man continued to walk through the Castle with me and as his English isn't great, he wasn't much of a guide and didn't explain anything of value to me compared to a "real" guide.
At the end, I gave him 5 dinera which was generous considering he wasn't a real guide and was just a local trying to pretend to be a guide in order to get money in the form of tips.
He then asked me for 10 dinera, can you believe it?? We were right beside a large group of tourists with a REAL guide (thinking back I should have just signed up with a real guide but my driver didn't mention it and I didn't think about it). I was so tempted to call him out and say out loud that he is not a real guide and he did not deserve 10 dinera.
I ignored the man and left on my way. He did not deserve 10 dinera and my driver even told me 5 dinera was generous for the local man.
Left a bad taste in my mouth and colored my experience of the Castle.
On another note, the restaurant my driver took me to, Kir Heres restaurant was excellent. The food was amazing.
Quality of Experience
Stop the local people from pretending to be a guide just because they want money in the form of tips. They are taking business away from the real guides who actually have knowledge and experience and provide value.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wadi Rum (Full Day)
Jordan
I enjoyed my time in Wadi Rum. My guide was great, but in the beginning, it was challenging and a bit difficult to know what was going on. I was asking for my guide once I arrived at Enjoy Desert camp but I didn't really get a straight answer. It wasn't very clear what was going on or what activity I would be going on first.
I stored my luggage in a room and some staff told me to go and have lunch first and that afterwards my guide will meet me.
The lunch was good and I enjoyed the buffet lunch of chicken, rice and salad.
Afterwards, I again asked where is my guide and what activity I should go on first. I am someone who likes things to be organized and likes things to go according to the itinerary as planned. I also respect when I am handed off properly to the right people for my activities.
I had 3 activities planned for the day before I rushed to the airport. Luckily, my flight was a red eye flight at 1am the next morning.
Finally I went on a camel ride first which I think it just a one time experience for me. I enjoyed the camel ride but my bum hurt :)
The 4x4 jeep adventure was so much fun. I really enjoyed it with my guide who was also the driver. He is a young fellow but very knowledgeable and an excellent photographer. He had so many great and creative ideas for taking photos that I ended up with some amazing photos!
After the 4x4 jeep adventure, I went on a hike with my guide where we ended up watching the sunset. I wish I had time to spend on night in Wadi Rum to star gaze and enjoy the red desert but another time!
Overall, I enjoyed my time at wadi rum and would absolutely go back again.
Quality of Experience
I enjoyed all the activities planned for the day
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The drivers were great. The staff were a bit disorganized and wasn't clear who was actually in charge or who my guide would be.
Trekking from Dana to Feynan lodge
Jordan
The trek didn't start off as planned. I spoke to my Bedouin hiking guide the day before on the phone and his name was Mohammad. His English was pretty good. We planned to meet at 9am to start our trek at Wadi Dana Eco-camp where I was staying overnight.
At 8:30am I was informed my hiking guide Mohammad arrived. I was a little surprised because we agreed to meet at 9am the day before. In any case, I hurried and finished packing and brought my luggage up next to the dining area and met my guide Mohammad. My luggage would be transported to Feynan.
Before I started the hike, I asked my guide Mohammad if I needed hiking poles. He said no. My hiking poles were in my luggage.
We went on our way and started our hike. During our hike, my guide spoke very little and I tried to engage in some conversation with him. I realized somewhere along our hike, there was something wrong. My guide didn't speak much English and he was hiking faster than me.
While trying to keep up with him, and going downhill that was fairly steep, I slipped on some gravel/rocks. The fall was pretty bad. I punctured my skin on my left leg and was bleeding. My left thigh was completely bruised and my left arm was scraped up.
At this point, I was really frustrated. I didn't have my first aid kid with me and my guide who didn't speak much English did not have a first aid kid with him either. He didn't have any antibiotic ointment or bandages. All he had was a thin white wrap that I used to wrap my leg in where my skin was punctured pretty badly.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue hiking as it was a pretty bad fall. I heard him take a phone call and wasn't sure who he was talking to. It turns out I went with the wrong guide! Both guides were named Mohammad and for some reason, the staff at Wadi Dana Eco-camp where I stayed the night before called a local hiking guide in the area to meet me. I'm really not sure why as I booked everything all inclusive with Enjoy Jordan. There was no communication between anyone at Enjoy Jordan or the staff at Wadi Dana Eco-camp. I felt this could have been totally avoided and I wouldn't have ended up leaving with the wrong hiking guide.
In any case, I continued to walk slowly after being injured on my fall. My guide found a study enough branch that I could use as a pole to guide me on my trek. My hiking guide and I walked just a little bit further to meet my real guide at a location on the trail. While waiting for my real guide, I was just frustrated because this whole situation could have been avoided in the first place.
My real guide who spoke better English showed up with his truck and my luggage at the meeting point. Once I had my luggage, I cleaned up, and put on antibiotic ointment and bandages.
My real guide offered me this bread (I forgot the name). It was bread most Jordanians eat for breakfast. It was SO GOOD. I think that made up for the fall and the wrong guide. Afterwards, I decided I was OK to continue on my hike to Feynan. I made sure I walked slowly and checked on my injuries along the way.
Along the hike, I really enjoyed the scenery and my guide and I met up with a young shepherd, herding his goats and sheep. We also met up with another group of hikers (3 french hikers, a French Jordanian hiking guide, and a Bedouin guide) along the way which was nice.
With several breaks along the way and a cup of Arabic tea, we arrived at Feynan Eco Lodge.
The day didn't start out great but it sure ended great. I didn't let a fall ruin my hike and I enjoyed the journey from Dana to Feynan.
Quality of Experience
My hiking guide Mohammad Daifalla was excellent
Guides, Drivers and Staff