Hotel Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba (Aqaba City, Jordan)

Reviewers feel refreshed after a day by the huge free-form pool with waterfalls and whirlpools. Others commend the spa for its massages and heated hydro-pool. Of an evening, guests like getting together on the intimate open-air dining terrace to watch live bands and a popular belly dancer.

Many guests remark on the spaciousness of rooms and also their attractive design and earthy colour-scheme. Others are more impressed by the complimentary drinks and snacks in the minibar. Many love the views over the Red Sea and Aqaba Mountains from their private balconies or terraces.

Landscaped gardens meet the sea at this tranquil Gulf-of-Aqabar resort. Guests love the easy access to its private beach with watersports centre, finding plenty to do in the upmarket surrounds with the Royal Yacht Club, the Royal Diving Club and Aqabar Marine Park just minutes away.

The level of cleanliness in rooms at this elegant resort doesn't always reach five-star standards. A few reviewers have mentioned dusty corners and window blinds, dirty utensils for coffee and tea, cracked or moldy bathroom tiles, grubby towels, greying bathmats and stray hairs in showers and baths.

The quality of the legendary Mövenpick breakfast and dinner buffet receives high praise from reviewers but the price of both is viewed as over-inflated by some, especially those who find the service lacking. The service charge added to restaurant, bar or room service bills, isn't too popular either.

On checking in at the official time, several guests were annoyed when they were left sitting in the foyer with bags for up to 90 minutes. Finding their room unavailable due to late cleaning or booking problems, they have to wait until a solution is found.