Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
by the TopOfHotel team
The most luxurious address on the Dead Sea — 7 pools, a serious spa, a private beach and round-the-clock butler service.
The most luxurious address on the Dead Sea — 7 pools, a serious spa, a private beach and round-the-clock butler service.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Kempinski Ishtar has more than 345 rooms and villas, decorated in a Mediterranean style mixed with Middle Eastern touches. The Dead Sea View rooms look straight across the water to the Israeli side, and they're at their best at sunset, when the sky shifts to gold and orange. Every room type has a private balcony and proper luxury fittings, from a Nespresso machine to Hermes bath products, and some villas come with their own pool — which makes them a natural pick for a honeymoon or a special occasion. The detail guests keep coming back to in reviews is the 24-hour butler service, which they describe as quick and genuinely attentive.
Food and amenities
The 7 pools are what set Kempinski apart from the competition — an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, an infinity pool on the edge of the Dead Sea and a separate kids' pool. The Ishtar Spa uses real Dead Sea mud and minerals in its Mud Wrap and mineral-bath treatments, and most reviews rate it as well worth the money. The private beach is set up so you can get in and float easily, with staff on hand and free Dead Sea mud to slather on. 5 restaurants cover the range — fine dining, Middle Eastern food, a poolside buffet and a pool bar. If you're wondering whether the high price is worth it, the answer is yes for a honeymoon, an anniversary or a big celebration; the experience earns its keep.
Location and getting there
The resort sits right on the Dead Sea, about 55 km from Amman — roughly an hour's drive. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is about 70 km away, again around an hour. There's a paid airport shuttle, but renting a car is more convenient, since public transport out to the Dead Sea still isn't easy. Two of the best day trips nearby are Madaba, the mosaic-map town (35 km), and Mount Nebo (40 km), both simple to reach from here.
Things to know before booking
This is the priciest hotel on the list — rooms open around $357 a night and suites run well past $1,000 — so it really suits a special occasion rather than a casual stopover. It's a large resort with more than 345 rooms and villas, so it won't feel as intimate as a smaller property. And because it's an hour out of Amman with limited public transport, plan on a car or the paid shuttle to get around.
Our take
Kempinski Ishtar is the most luxurious address on the Dead Sea, and its 9.0/10 on Agoda (and 9.1 on Booking) reflects a consistently high standard. The 7 pools, the Ishtar Spa, the private beach and the 24-hour butler service add up to a stay built for honeymoons and celebrations. If your budget stretches and you want the top of the Dead Sea cluster, this is the one to book.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- 7 pools in total — indoor, outdoor, a separate kids' pool and an infinity pool that looks across to the Israeli side.
- The Ishtar Spa uses real Dead Sea mud and minerals in its Mud Wraps and mineral baths, and most reviews call it well worth the money.
- A private beach lets you walk straight in and float in the Dead Sea, with staff on hand and free Dead Sea mud to slather on.
- 24-hour butler service is the thing guests praise most — quick to respond and genuinely attentive.
- 5 restaurants cover fine dining, Middle Eastern food, a poolside buffet and a pool bar.
- It is the highest-priced hotel on the list, starting around $357 a night and running past $1,000 for suites — really one for honeymoons, anniversaries and special occasions.
- It sits about 55 km from Amman, an hour's drive away, and public transport to the Dead Sea is still awkward, so you'll want a car or the paid airport shuttle.
- With more than 345 rooms and villas it's a large resort, so it lacks the intimacy of a smaller boutique property.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Dead Sea
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Insider Tips
- Book a Dead Sea View room — the view across to the Israeli side is at its best at sunset, when the sky turns gold and orange.
- Reserve the Ishtar Spa ahead of time; the Dead Sea Mud Wrap is the treatment not to miss.
- Get in the water early, before 8am — it's quietest then, the surface is still and the light is at its best.