Hundreds of metres up a rubbish-strewn road leading up from the coastal highway, the initial impression is "This was a mistake". But owner/manager Talal and his staff dispel much of the disappointment with their warm welcome and efforts to make your stay enjoyable. The rooms are unspectacular, but comfortable, overlooking a small but serviceable pool; there is no TV in the room but there is free Wi-Fi (which works most of the time); and Abdu will provide a satisfying breakfast of eggs and/or humus, tomatoes and pitta bread.
Really, it's a diving school with a small hotel attached: Talal has many years experience, and uses PADI-qualified English staff to conduct the training, which is personal and effective. They also provide entry tickets into the nearby private Berenice beach at less than half the normal entry price (JD 7 instead of 15); and will arrange taxi rides to Aqaba at the same price (each way), and tips about where to go in town. We would go back there just for the staff.