The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and pools but consistently grumble about the slow service and exorbitant food prices.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
$200-450/ night
Book this if You want the undisputed 'Grand Dame' of the Dead Sea with a sprawling, Babylonian-style campus that feels more like a lost city than a hotel.
Why People Love It
- 9 freshwater pools means you never fight for a chair
- The Ishtar Spa is the largest in the region and genuinely world-class
- Private beach access with complimentary mud buckets and showers
Quick Take: It's a massive, stone-carved labyrinth that feels incredibly luxurious until you buy a $10 soda or fight the flies at breakfast.
Reviewed by @dongk12: I stayed at this incredible spot on the Dead Sea and floating at the lowest point on earth was mind-blowing. The unlimited mud masks were so fun, and ending the day with a beer overlooking the water was the perfect vibe. Definitely a bucket-list stay.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Main Building' rooms feel like a standard Marriott; the real magic is only in the 'Ishtar' villas closer to the sea.
- You love infinity pools (there are several)
- You want a self-contained resort where you never have to leave
- You are looking for a romantic, quiet escape (book the Ishtar villas)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Turn-down service often includes chocolates.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate stone bathrooms. High water pressure.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some outdoor furniture shows wear from the harsh salt air.
- Linens & towels: Plush, heavy, and plentiful. Beach towels are large and readily available.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of lemongrass and luxury; outdoor areas can occasionally smell sulfurous (it is the Dead Sea, after all).
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- DJ music from the adult pool area (daytime)
- Golf carts buzzing by ground-floor rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The minibar (soft drinks and beer) is often complimentary in Ishtar rooms—check your specific rate.
- Valet parking is free and reliable.
- You cannot bring outside food or alcohol into the hotel (security scans bags at the entrance).
What to pack
- Old swimsuit (the Dead Sea mud and salt can ruin delicate fabrics)
- Water shoes (the shoreline is rocky and salt crystals are sharp)
- Strong bug spray (for the flies)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ishtar Terrace Room (closest to the sea, huge private balconies)
- Ishtar Superior Room (better value than Main Building, includes free minibar)
Rooms to avoid
- Main Building Superior Rooms (feel generic, further from the pools/beach, enclosed balconies with less view)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the Ishtar section, preferably on an upper floor to minimize golf cart noise and maximize the Dead Sea view.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the mud free?
Yes, there are large pots of Dead Sea mud available for free at the private beach, along with mirrors and showers.
Can I walk to dinner outside the hotel?
No. The hotel is isolated. You need a car or taxi to get to the nearby Samarah Mall.
Is it kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes. There are dedicated family pools, but the 'Ishtar' area tends to be quieter and more adult-focused.
How far is it from Amman?
About a 60-minute drive. It's an easy trip.
Is the wifi good?
Yes, generally strong enough for streaming throughout the resort, even near the pools.
Do they serve alcohol?
Yes, there are several bars, but expect to pay $15-20 for a cocktail.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to the 'Lazy River' pool in the Ishtar section—it's often empty because everyone crowds the main infinity pool.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for the shuttle to Samarah Mall if you want to escape the hotel food prices.
- ✨
The sunset view from the lobby terrace is arguably the best in Jordan—grab a spot by 4:30 PM.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Main Building' is a solid 10-minute walk uphill from the beach.
💡Security is tight; you will go through a metal detector and bag scan every time you enter.
💡The salt crystals on the beach can slice your feet open—seriously, bring water shoes.
💡There is a 'burkini' policy in some pools, but generally, swimwear rules are relaxed for tourists.
💡The 'Lemon Mint' drink at the pool bar is legendary but costs about $12.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is located and what's nearby.