What's New in Jordan

Sleepy Aqaba is now accumulating a luxury hotel scene. The new Movenpick Aqaba Hotel (tel. 03/203-4020 in Jordan) is the most luxurious place to stay in Aqaba, but the neighboring new Aqaba Intercontinental (tel. 03/209-2222 in Jordan) is a very close second. Although they're luxury hotels, rates here are low compared to those in comparable Eilat hotels. With the addition of a new beachfront Marriott, Aqaba is becoming an increasingly good option for travelers looking for a day or two of seaside rest en route to or from Petra in southern Jordan.