Accommodations

A question has long circulated among budget travelers (or at least among budget travelers trying to impress other budget travelers): which is higher in Aqaba—temperatures, tan lines, or prices? Sleeping near the beach or in an air-conditioned room will set you back several dinars. Several cheap hotels occupy the streets near Ailah Sq.—shop around before you decide.

Al-Shula Hotel, Raghadan St. (tel. 31 51 55, fax 31 51 54), behind the Hussein ibn Ali Mosque. Color TV, refrigerators, bidets, balconies, and a charming view of Eilat. Red curtains cast a gory pall over the rooms on sunny afternoons. Singles JD14. Doubles JD21. Breakfast included.

Nairoukh Hotel 2 (tel. and fax 31 29 80/1), down the street from the mosque. New and clean. Comparable to Al-Shula in terms of amenities and prices. Knowledgeable staff. Singles JD10. Doubles JD16.