Where to Stay at the Dead Sea in Jordan: Top 9 Hotels + Areas

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, chances are the Dead Sea is already on your itinerary—and for good reason. The Dead Sea is famous for its minerals and mud, which are said to cleanse your skin and leave it feeling super soft (and yes, it really does work!). When we spent a whole month exploring Jordan, we made sure to take advantage of everything the Dead Sea has to offer.

Trust me, after days filled with early mornings, hikes, jeep tours, and nonstop adventures, spending time here was the perfect way to take a break after an exhausting time exploring Jordan. That’s why I’ll show you our favorite hotels and areas in this guide on where to stay at the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea area is all about relaxation, luxury, and a little pampering. It’s the ideal spot to wrap up your Jordan trip, with its stunning resorts, fancy spas, and resort vibes. That said, you won’t find many budget-friendly options here because, honestly, the experience is all about access to the Dead Sea water itsel. When you visit the dead see you will want private beaches, Dead Sea mud baths, and outdoor pools galore, its just part of the experience.

If you can make it work within your budget, I highly recommend splurging on one of the luxury hotels. They’re not as expensive as you might think, and if you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, you’ll have plenty of options too!

So, as you get ready to plan your visit, just know that a stay at the Dead Sea is all about taking it slow, pampering yourself, and soaking up the incredible health benefits of this magical place.

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Where We Stayed at the Dead Sea in Jordan

Before I get into the different areas and hotels at the Dead Sea, let me start by sharing where we stayed, what we loved, and what we didn’t like as much. Honestly, that’s probably the best kind of recommendation—straight from someone who’s been there!

We stayed at the Dead Sea for three nights, and in my opinion, that’s plenty. As I mentioned earlier, the Dead Sea is all about relaxing, doing nothing, and soaking up the calm vibes. That’s why we saved it for the very end of our Jordan trip. Since most of your time will be spent at the hotel, even one night is enough to experience what the Dead Sea has to offer.

For the first two nights, we stayed at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, and wow—this place felt like stepping into a dream straight out of 1001 Arabian Nights! The rooms were stunning, the views of the Dead Sea were incredible, and the spa facilities were next-level. They even have their own private beach right on the Dead Sea. Honestly, the hotel grounds were so beautiful you could easily spend an entire day just exploring and lounging around.

For our final night, we switched things up and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort. It was a bit cheaper, and since we had an extra night to spare, we thought, why not? While it wasn’t quite as magical as the Mövenpick, it was still super luxurious, with all the amenities you’d expect—think hot tubs, spa facilities, and more. It felt more like a big Dead Sea resort than a boutique luxury hotel, but it also had private Dead Sea access, which is really the main thing that matters.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Dead Sea is not an ocean; it’s a salt lake. In fact, it’s the lowest point on Earth, and its salt concentration is so high that you can easily float on the surface. The Dead Sea region gets especially hot in the summer, and since the water is more salt than water, it’s not the most refreshing place to take a dip. Visiting is more about the health benefits than cooling off from the sun!

How to Get to the Dead Sea

When we visited the Dead Sea, we had a rental car, and honestly, that’s what I’d recommend to anyone traveling through Jordan. Renting a car is hands-down the best way to explore—it gives you so much freedom to move around at your own pace. The drive from Amman to the Dead Sea takes just about an hour, and the highway is super smooth and well-paved, so getting there is a breeze. Heads up, though—you’ll need to pay an entrance fee since the Dead Sea is part of a national park, but the good news is that it’s included in the Jordan Pass!

You can also take a bus from Amman to the Dead Sea. Public buses are a great budget-friendly option. Jett is the best coach company for this—it’s similar to Greyhound or FlixBus and can get you pretty much anywhere in Jordan for a reasonable price.

If you’re not planning to stay overnight at the Dead Sea but still want to experience its magic, there’s another awesome option—you can book a day trip! Many of the hotels offer day passes that let you use their facilities, or you can check out the public beach for a more low-key vibe.

►Planning on staying in Amman? Check out our guide with the best cafes to work from in Amman, Jordan

What It’s Like to Swim in the Dead Sea?

I had mixed feelings about swimming in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea minerals and Dead Sea mud are known to have great health benefits and are probably good for your skin, so trying one of the spa treatments at your resort is a great way to take advantage of that.

Floating in the Dead Sea is also a lot of fun—it’s a surreal experience because you’re literally floating effortlessly. It’s a unique and enjoyable activity, especially when the sea level is high enough.

However, taking a dip in the Dead Sea isn’t refreshing at all, so don’t confuse it with swimming in the ocean. The water is extremely salty, it can sting your skin a bit, and it’s very warm, so there’s a good chance you’ll actually be sweating while you’re floating.

The Best Hotels at the Dead Sea Jordan

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

We had the best experience when we stayed at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea. It’s right on the water, and you can’t get any closer than that! We got a room with a balcony that overlooked the Dead Sea, and it was magical—totally worth the upgrade! The best thing about this hotel is that it has its own private beach—you don’t have to share with other tourists or locals! You also have access to two pools—one for adults only (perfect if you’re traveling without kiddos) and one family-friendly pool.

► Click here for more information & bookings

Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa

Another top hotel at the Dead Sea is the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa. It’s a luxurious resort with all the amenities you could want for a relaxing stay. The rooms are spacious and modern, and many come with balconies overlooking the water. They also have a private beach, multiple pools (including an adults-only infinity pool), and a spa that offers traditional Dead Sea treatments.

► Click here for more information & bookings

Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa

For those looking for a more luxurious option, the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa is a great choice. The hotel is situated right on the water with stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay. They also have multiple pools, including one that has direct access to the Dead Sea.

► Click here for more information & bookings

How to Decide Where to Stay at the Dead Sea in Jordan

The Dead Sea coast isn’t heavily populated, likely because it’s located in the middle of a desert. The area near Amman has a small town and a stretch of beach with resort hotels.

When choosing where to stay, it’s not so much about the specific area but more about picking a hotel you like—especially if you have a rental car, as it makes getting around much easier. Just ensure you book a hotel on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea rather than the Israeli side!

For those arriving via public transport, consider staying near Swemeh to avoid needing a taxi or arranging a hotel transfer.

Option 1: Amman Beach

Amman Beach is right on the Dead Sea, and it’s where you’ll find most of the big, luxurious Dead Sea resorts. If you’ve booked one of those fancy hotels, chances are this is where you’ll be staying—just like we did! Here’s the thing, though—there’s literally nothing here except hotels. Seriously, nothing. So, when you’re booking your hotel, make sure it has everything you need to enjoy your time, because you’ll likely be spending most of it there.

That said, if you have your own car, you can totally spice things up with day trips to Wadi Mujib for some adventure, the Jordan Rift Valley or the Masada National Park for history and stunning views.

Pros of Staying at Amman Beach

• You’re super close to the Dead Sea, and most hotels have private access to the beach and salt formations
• The resorts here are all about luxury, so if you’re up for pampering, this is your spot.
• It’s a great base for day trips, whether you’re driving yourself or booking tours through the hotel.

Cons of Staying at Amman Beach

• Not many dining options outside of your hotel, so be ready to stick to their restaurants.
• Prices can get pretty steep, so keep that in mind.
• Activities are mostly limited to what the hotel offers, so choose one with plenty to keep you entertained!

Best Hotels at Amman Beach:

($$$) Kempinski Hotel Dead Sea: This hotel has everything you could possibly need, from a private beach and multiple pools to a spa and fitness center.

($$$) Hilton Dead Sea Resort: Way more affordable than the Kempinski, this resort still offers a private beach and pool, plus views of the Dead Sea.

($$) Dead Sea Spa Hotel: This mid-range hotel is a great option for those who want to experience the Dead Sea without breaking the bank.

Option 2: Sweimeh

Sweimeh is a small town located about an hour’s drive south of Amman. It has a few resorts with private beaches as well as some budget-friendly accommodation options. This area can be a good choice for those looking for a more local experience and are willing to sacrifice some luxury.

Pros of Staying at Sweimeh

• Less touristy, more authentic experience
• More budget-friendly accommodation options
• Easy access to nearby attractions such as the Baptism Site, Ma’in Hot Springs, and Mount Nebo ( Where Moses saw the Holy Land)

Cons of Staying at Sweimeh

• Limited dining options outside of the resorts
• Public beach can get crowded during peak season
• Not as many amenities and activities compared to Amman Beach

Best Hotels in Sweimeh:

($$) Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, an IHG Hotel: This 5-star resort offers stunning views of the Dead Sea and a private beach. It also features a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.

($) East Hotel: The best value-for-money option in Sweimeh, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool with views of the Dead Sea.

($) Private Apartment: For a more authentic and affordable experience, consider booking a private apartment.

Where to stay at the Dead Sea – Final Words

The Dead Sea is an absolute must-see when you’re in Jordan—seriously, it’s such a unique experience! I highly recommend making time for it one way or another. Personally, I think staying at one of the nicer hotels really makes a difference. Unlike places like Petra, where it doesn’t matter as much where you stay because Petra is just magical no matter what, the Dead Sea is all about relaxing and treating yourself. Booking a great Dead Sea hotel allows you to fully soak in the experience (pun intended!)—think spa treatments, floating effortlessly in the salty water, and just pure pampering. Trust me, it’s worth it to splurge a little here!

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