Black Iris Hotel — Hotel in Madaba

Corneille taught us that sometimes "la valeur n'attend point le nombre des années" but in the case of the Black Iris the value increases with the number of years. New building, new people, new generations, new investments. It's not bad at all. As a tourist, everyone understands how comforting it can be when you see a hotel business grow so beautifully over the years, earning your respect for them and your respect for yourself for choosing to appreciate those who took pleasure further in being eternal hosts. In a Madaba that lives in an forever spring, the Black Iris is a truly remarkable flower.||Now, giving up the poetry and thinking like a stingy, practical and demanding tourist, I must reward myself for choosing the best room that reasonable money can buy in Madaba. It's all about us and our satisfaction. Considering the quality of the whole - building and service - the price is surprisingly good. The room was large, bright, fragrant and extremely clean with a large window. Big bathroom with hot water all the time and all the amenities you need. In fact, I can't find anything lacking in terms of comfort in the room.||Moreover, for those with knee problems, you should know that they have an excellent elevator, it takes you quickly and quietly to the dining room without shaking from all the screws. It gives a nice feeling of going to heaven and not hell. Downstairs in the restaurant there is always hot water, coffee, tea and milk, to the misfortune of the men who have to serve their princess consort with a coffee in bed so that she doesn't get angry all morning. Very pleasant is the choice of where to eat - outside or inside, sun or shade, the dining area has two sections, smokers can be happy because they don't have to be caged. I'm not saying it wouldn't be worth it. They serve a nice breakfast, everything is quite tasty and very fresh.||Before making financial and gastronomic mistakes, it's good to know that they serve good quality meals to a reasonable price, including during the evening, they always have beer and soft drinks. In the city we had a bad experience at a well-known restaurant, we paid more than double for both food and beer, the second course was really horrible (frighteningly salty and tasted like food made yesterday) and the waiter who brought the pints was a bit unstable on his feet ;-) Maybe I shouldn't have insisted that he necessarily make sure that the beer is good and cold.||Buying some souvenirs, salt and mud (half price comparing to the main street) from the store opposite Mystic Pizza (a tasty place btw!) I told the owner what I experienced at Zaman and he told me as consolation like "you tried!" and he also told me at dinner in town I can count on Ayola and Haret Jdoudna, but at a price. It was quite strange because years ago those two were the only restaurants I ate in Madaba. I had a flashback remembering the shy waiter at Ayola giving me a free cake because the tip was way too high and the arrogant and rude waiter at Jdoudna who was left without a tip even though the food was excellent. I also asked how it was possible that the one across the street with such good pizza was not full of customers at the time. He replied that the locals are used to eating Arabic and that they make up the bulk of the clientele. I got my business lesson that day.||Wandering around the city I visited all the historical areas, the wonderful mosaics, the old Roman structures, the Orthodox and Catholic churches, but I didn't have enough time for the Mosque and I regret it very much. The surprise was the constructions under the foundation of the Catholic church, impressive, not to be missed.||The staff were very helpful, they have a contract with Crowne Plaza and for a very reasonable fee you get access to their hotel for a full day at the Dead Sea beach, swimming pools, sunbeds, towels, refreshments and lunch, all included. Sounds good, doesn't it? Besides, the staff helps you with any kind of information and solves any kind of needs you may have, whether it's transportation or telling you where you can wash your car. A good idea is to go to Ma'In Hot Springs in the public area for the best ever hot water massage. What jacuzzi?! This word is nothing compared to the hot waterfall. Even if you are in Jordan, there is no need to take a shirt and tie when you go to the pool, just a standard and decent bathing suit.||One of the most spectacular drives in the area was to Mukawir Castle via the Ma'In Hot Springs crossroad. Another is a road that descends from Madaba to the Dead Sea that ends right in front of the Holiday Inn. Narrow, steep and exceptional. We parked the car in front of the hotel or in their designated parking lot, you always have a place to park it. It's worth renting a car, it's absolute freedom and Jordan has a lot to offer. We drove 1200km, to the surprise of the person I handed it to at...

This was my fourth time staying at the Black Iris Hotel in Madaba, and once again, it was an exceptional experience. Each visit reminds me why I keep coming back—this hotel offers warm hospitality, comfort, and genuine care that you simply don’t find everywhere.||Outstanding Staff – Especially Safa|One of the true highlights of my stay is always Safa, who is an absolute gem. She is incredibly professional, kind, and always goes out of her way to ensure guests feel welcome and well looked after. Her local knowledge is fantastic—she gives excellent recommendations on everything from restaurants and historical sites to day trips and transportation.||Thanks to Safa, I discovered hidden local spots I wouldn’t have found on my own, and her restaurant suggestions were always spot on. She’s patient, detail-oriented, and genuinely cares about making your stay as smooth and memorable as possible. Safa’s service alone makes the Black Iris feel like a second home.||Comfortable, Clean, and Quiet Rooms|As always, my room was spotless, quiet, and very comfortable. The beds are cozy, the bathrooms are modern and well-maintained, and there’s a sense of peacefulness throughout the hotel that’s perfect after a day of sightseeing.||Great Location|The hotel is perfectly located—within easy walking distance to Madaba’s top sites like the Madaba Map at St. George’s Church, local markets, and great places to eat. It’s also a convenient base for trips to Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, and Amman.||Delicious Breakfast and a Friendly Atmosphere|Each morning starts with a fresh, delicious breakfast featuring a variety of local and international options. The breakfast area is a welcoming space, and it’s easy to strike up conversations with other travelers.||Excellent Value and Consistent Quality|Four visits in, and I can confidently say that Black Iris Hotel offers unbeatable value. The consistent quality, fair pricing, and top-notch service—especially from Safa—make this hotel a rare find.||Final Thoughts|Whether it’s your first time in Madaba or your fourth, like me, I highly recommend Black Iris Hotel. It’s a place where guests are treated like family, and Safa's care and dedication are at the heart of that experience. I’m already looking forward to...

Black Iris Hotel was absolutely my favourite hotel I stayed in whilst touring Jordan - my only grumble is that I was only there for one night!||I arrived a little early and was warmly welcomed by Safia. Her English is superb, and she was incredibly kind and helpful. ||Location is excellent; although you are just a street away from all the shops, cafes and restaurants, the hotel is very peaceful.||Rooms are spacious, modern, clean, and very well appointed. My favourite part of the room though was the shower - which was powerful and I was able to adjust the temperature to suit me. It was an absolute joy not to have a shower that either boiled me alive or was freezing cold!||I also loved that you can help yourself to free tea and coffee throughout the day, which is downstairs in the dining room. You can also refill your water bottles too.||As it was my last night in Madaba I opted to have dinner at the hotel, which cost JOD 10 and caters for vegetarians. The meal was excellent, and far too big for me to finish, but it was absolutely delicious. ||The hotel also has a bar where you can purchase alcohol.||Unfortunately I didn’t get to try the breakfast, as I had to leave the hotel in the early hours. ||The reception desk is manned 24hrs and someone was there to check me out when I left at 4.30am||I adore this hotel, its facilities, food, but most especially the staff - who were all fantastic. I wish I could have stayed for longer.||I highly recommend staying at...