How to get there
Royal Jordanian Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from New York.
Taxi drivers at Amman airport will take you to the Dead Sea for about $42. If you stay at the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa, the hotel will send a car to meet you for about the same price.
Americans do not need to obtain visas in advance to travel to Jordan; however, all travelers must purchase a visa (about $16 per traveler) at the passport control in the airport. There is an exchange booth just before the passport control; however, the rate will be better at your hotel.
Where to stay
Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa 011-962-5-3560400
Dead Sea Road, Dead Sea
www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/QMDJV
Friendly, English-speaking staff can set you up with day trips to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba.
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
011-962-5-3561111
Swiemeh, Dead Sea Road
www.moevenpick-hotels.com/hotels/HKDDSHH
Dead Sea Spa Hotel
011-962-5-3561000
Swiemeh, Dead Sea Road
Has an outdoor, poolside bar that serves canned beer (about $4), and fruit-flavored hookahs, or tobacco water pipes ($7 per smoke). The hotel has several freshwater pools and a spectacular collection of water slides for children.
Where to eat
The Marriott and Movenpick feature Arab-style cuisine, and a choice of European and American fare.
Kan Zaman restaurant
011-962-6-4128393
Yadoudeh, Airport Road
The all-you-can-eat buffet (about $14 per person) features international and traditional Jordanian cuisine
What to do
When you're not in the sea, or the pools, try the souvenir shops that line the road from the airport to the Dead Sea.
The Marriott and Movenpick feature disco nights, when the youth of Amman swarm into the resorts.
