To start things off, the answer to “are there hostels in Amman?” is yes, there are, though the hostel scene isn’t as developed as other places worldwide (business opportunity anyone?).
I’ve stayed in quite a few hostels in my travels over the years and though they have their advantages and disadvantages (i.e. the roomie that likes to turn the lights on while everyone else is asleep, the snoring roomie, the smelly one, etc.), they’re a good way to instantly have a social life as a solo traveler.
When I first visited Amman for a one week vacation, my friend and I didn’t opt for the hostel route, and then later on when I moved to Amman I ended up renting a small apartment via Airbnb. Because of these reasons, I will be upfront, I have no hostel experience in Amman or Jordan in general, meaning the hostels listed below are places I haven’t personally stayed. However, they come with high recommendations based on their hundreds of reviews, so if you’re looking for a hostel in Amman it’s probably a pretty safe bet to check out the following:
Sydney Hostel
Sydney Hostel (officially named Sydney Hotel) has been around as a hotel since 1963 but has recently been renovated in 2017.
Location: Amman’s downtown historic district. Close to the Roman Amphitheater, Citadel and Rainbow Street (map)
Distance from Queen Alia Airport: 40 minutes drive. Well connected by public transportation, taxi, and free private parking nearby if you rent a car. Pre-arranged airport pick-up service 25 JD per car.
Dorm options: Mixed with shared bathroom and fan; mixed with private bathroom, AC and balcony; and one female only dorm with private bathroom and AC. Private rooms also available.
Price: Dorms range from ~7/8 JD ($10-12)
Lockers: Yes. But you must bring your own lock or buy one for 1 JD
Age Limit: Dorms are for age 50 and below.
Breakfast Included: No. Optional for 3 JD
Smoke-free: Indoors, yes.The outdoor area is a smoking zone.
Free WiFi: Yes
Other Amenities: Washing machine, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and utensils.
Communal Area: Yes
Outdoor Area: Yes
Tour and Trip Organization Available: Yes
Tip: Ask for a room with a balcony
Book: You can book Sydney Hostel on booking.com
Jordan Tower Hostel
Jordan Tower Hostel (officially named Jordan Tower Hotel) has recently been renovated to provide shared dorms and ensuite rooms.
Location: Downtown Amman, in the center of the souq, 30 meters from the Roman Amphitheater (map)
Distance from Queen Alia Airport: 50 minutes drive. Well connected by public transportation, taxi, and free private parking nearby if you rent a car. Pre-arranged airport pick-up service 25 JD per car (30 JD if after midnight).
Dorm options: 8-bed female only dorm or 12-bed male only dorm. Private rooms also available.
Price: ~10-11 JD ($15-16) Note: 10% service charge and 16% city tax not included in price
Lockers: Yes
Age Limit: None
Breakfast Included: Yes
Smoke-free: Not stated
Alcohol: Prohibited
Free WiFi: Yes
Free Towels & Bedding: Yes
Communal Area: Yes
Outdoor Area: Yes, panoramic roof terrace “CHILLAX Cafe”
Tour and Trip Organization Available: Yes, about 2 trips organized daily.
Book: You can book Jordan Tower Hostel on booking.com
