Seeing the ancient city of Petra tops the must-do list for most of Jordan’s visitors. Luckily, the nearby town, hills, and desert offer lodging options to accommodate every taste and budget. Whether you value convenient location, local culture, or a room with a view, this list of excellent places to stay (and a few alternatives) have you covered.
## Discovering Petra’s Finest Accommodations: A Detailed Guide
The ancient city of Petra, a jewel in Jordan’s crown, beckons travelers from across the globe. To fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this historical site, choosing the right accommodation is paramount. Beyond mere convenience, the perfect stay can enhance your experience, providing a haven of comfort after a day of exploration and a gateway to the region’s rich culture. Let’s delve into some exceptional lodging options near Petra, each offering a unique perspective on this extraordinary destination.
### Hyatt Zaman: A Journey Through Time
The name might initially mislead you, conjuring images of a familiar global hotel chain. However, the **Hyatt Zaman** offers a truly unique and authentic experience, entirely independent of its namesake. The “Hyatt” here derives from the Arabic word *hayat*, which translates to “life,” a fitting description for a hotel breathing new life into history.
Re-opened in March 2018 after a change in ownership that signaled a renewed commitment to excellence, the Hyatt Zaman is an architectural marvel. It is constructed almost entirely from the meticulously restored sandstone structures of a 200-year-old Jordanian village. Each building whispers tales of the past, seamlessly blended with modern luxury.
Imagine residing in a room within an original structure, complete with high ceilings that reach for the sky and elegantly arched passages that guide you through time. Each room is a testament to individuality, adorned with traditional textiles that tell stories of Jordanian heritage and furnished with comfortable, modern beds ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
One unique aspect of the Hyatt Zaman is the intentional absence of Wi-Fi within the guest rooms. This is due to the considerable thickness of the ancient stone walls, which unfortunately, impede wireless signals. However, connectivity is readily available and entirely free of charge in the welcoming hotel lobby and throughout most of the common areas, ensuring you remain connected when needed.
When it comes to dining, the Hyatt Zaman presents a variety of options to satisfy every palate. Guests can indulge in an excellent buffet-style breakfast and dinner, a feast for the senses featuring a diverse array of local and international cuisine. For a truly immersive cultural experience, the plush, traditional lounge tent outdoors offers bonfires under the starlit desert sky and the enchanting melodies of Arabic music filling the air.
While the Hyatt Zaman is not located directly in the bustling town of Wadi Musa, its position approximately 15 minutes from Petra, nestled within the serene surrounding hills, is a deliberate choice. The hotel provides a convenient shuttle service multiple times each day for its guests, ensuring easy access to the ancient city. This slight distance from the main tourist hub is a blessing in disguise, offering a peaceful retreat from the crowds. With a refreshing pool, a fully equipped gym for maintaining your fitness regime, an authentic *hammam* (Turkish bath) for ultimate relaxation, and an upscale *souq* (market) on the hotel grounds offering a curated selection of local crafts and souvenirs, the Hyatt Zaman provides ample opportunities to unwind and enjoy your time after a long day of exploring the wonders of the Rose City.
### Petra Bed-and-Breakfast: A Home Away From Home
For travelers who cherish close proximity to Petra and the personalized charm of a bed-and-breakfast, the family-run **Petra Bed and Breakfast** is an exceptional choice. Situated a mere three minutes by car, or a pleasant 15-minute downhill walk, from Petra’s main entrance, this multi-story property occupies an elevated position in the hills. This vantage point provides guests with a sense of peaceful isolation, a welcome respite from the lively crowds below.
The rooms, each featuring its own private bath, are designed for comfort and relaxation. The Petra Bed and Breakfast boasts multiple common areas where guests can socialize and unwind, including a shaded garden offering a tranquil escape and a large terrace that showcases breathtaking views. These panoramic vistas might even tempt you to forgo visiting Petra for a day, choosing instead to simply relax and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
A significant draw for travelers with a passion for equestrian pursuits is the presence of an on-site stable. Here, guests can arrange unique day-long and even overnight horseback riding excursions into the nearby mountains, guided by experienced local professionals. For the truly adventurous, an extraordinary six-day riding expedition to Wadi Rum can be organized, allowing you to traverse the stunning desert landscape and camp under the vast, star-studded sky.
It’s important to note that the rooms, breakfast area, and deck are all situated up a flight (or more) of stairs, and the property does not have an elevator. For those who require more accessible accommodations while still appreciating the ambiance of a hillside bed-and-breakfast, the **Petra Fig Tree Villa** is a suitable alternative. While more spartan in its amenities, offering shared bathroom facilities and limited hot water, the beds are exceptionally comfortable, and the views are equally captivating.
### Seven Wonders Camp: Embracing Bedouin Hospitality
To truly connect with the Bedouin culture, many travelers venture into the vast desert wilderness of Wadi Rum. However, a collection of authentic Bedouin camps reside right in Petra’s backyard, providing accessible cultural experiences. Among these, **Seven Wonders** stands out as a highly regarded option. It is conveniently located just north of Petra, nestled on the edge of Siq Al-Barad, an archaeological area affectionately known as “Little Petra” due to its similar geological features and historical significance.
Guests can expect comfortable private tents furnished with beds adorned with multiple layers of thick blankets, ensuring warmth and coziness even on the coolest desert nights. Shared bathroom facilities are well-maintained and modern. An outdoor fire pit provides a gathering place for storytelling and camaraderie under the stars, while traditional food is served buffet-style, allowing you to sample the flavors of Bedouin cuisine.
A central element of the Seven Wonders experience is the *beit shar* communal tent. Here, guests are welcomed with endless cups of sweet tea infused with fragrant sage. They are invited to relax on comfortable floor pillows and engage in conversation with fellow travelers around the crackling fire. While at the camp, seize the opportunity to book a guided excursion. Trekking, horseback riding, and sightseeing tours are readily available, led by knowledgeable locals who share their insights and stories of the region. If you only have time for one excursion, embark on the Monastery hike through Petra’s “back door.” Unlike the more crowded southern ascent involving 900 steps, the trail from Little Petra follows a gentle uphill gradient. You may even find yourself enjoying the tranquility of the trail with minimal encounters with other tourists.
For an even more secluded and authentic experience, consider the **Ammarin Bedouin Camp**, operated by the local Ammarin tribe, adding another layer of cultural immersion. Situated in a particularly remote area called Siq Al-Amti, the accommodations here are simple yet genuine: mattresses placed on concrete floors within sections of a long, traditional tent. While the accommodations are basic, the food and the strong sense of community more than compensate. Furthermore, the camp houses an interesting museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Ammarin tribe, providing a fascinating glimpse into their heritage. At most camps, convenient pickup and dropoff services can be arranged in Wadi Musa for a small fee. The Ammarin Bedouin Camp offers pickup at the Petra Visitor Center, streamlining your arrival and departure.
### Petra Moon Hotel: A Convenient Oasis
The 4-star **Petra Moon Hotel** is ideally located in the heart of Wadi Musa. Its prime location, a mere 300 feet from the entrance to the Petra archaeological park, makes it an exceptional choice for travelers eager to begin their explorations early. After a long day of hiking under the desert sun, you’ll be particularly grateful for the short, easy stroll back to the comfort of your room. While a number of reputable hotels line the town’s main road, the Petra Moon stands out for its family-friendly amenities, making it a superb choice when traveling with children.
Guests can reserve a spacious “family room” equipped with five beds, providing ample space for everyone to spread out and relax. One child under the age of 12 can stay for free, further enhancing the value proposition. All rooms are equipped with essential modern conveniences, including air conditioning for maintaining a comfortable temperature, flat-screen TVs for entertainment, and soundproofing to minimize any potential disturbances from street noise.
The hotel’s sizable rooftop terrace is another highlight, sure to impress travelers of all ages. From April through September, guests can unwind poolside, taking a refreshing dip and soaking up the sun. Alternatively, they can relax in the tranquil garden, surrounded by the majestic mountains of Petra providing a stunning backdrop. The terrace hosts a lively nightly barbecue, offering a delicious and social dining experience.
Should the Petra Moon Hotel be fully booked, consider the **Petra Guest House Hotel** as an alternative. Situated at the very entrance to the Siq, the iconic narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury, the rooms and chalets here offer similar amenities and comforts. The property boasts several inviting spots to lounge and relax. It is also home to the famous Cave Bar, an atmospheric establishment built into an ancient tomb, offering a unique setting and one of the few places in the area where alcohol is served.
### Mövenpick Petra: Unrivaled Location and Luxury
The **Mövenpick Petra Hotel and Resort** is a landmark that simply cannot be overlooked when considering accommodations near Petra. While it is indeed part of a global chain of luxury hotels, this particular property stands out for very good reason, namely its literally unbeatable location directly across the street from Petra’s main entrance. This unparalleled convenience is often the deciding factor for many travelers.
Beyond its prime location, the Mövenpick Petra boasts a bright and beautifully appointed courtyard lobby that welcomes guests with its elegance and charm. Intricate mosaic tile work adorns the property, showcasing the region’s artistic heritage. The hotel offers an excellent breakfast buffet, providing a perfect start to your day of exploration. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing swimming pool and nearly 200 well-appointed rooms featuring European amenities and views of the breathtaking Petra mountains, or even the Petra site itself (available at a premium).
If the Mövenpick Petra Hotel and Resort is sold out during your travel dates, do not despair. A sister property, the **Mövenpick Nabataean Castle**, offers a comparable level of luxury in a more secluded setting, approximately 10 minutes away. Perched on a hilltop, this hotel commands panoramic views of the area’s iconic red desert landscape. It provides opportunities for hiking to Wadi Rum and Dana Reserve, allowing you to further explore the natural beauty of Jordan. An expansive indoor pool and the same exceptional amenities are also offered at this location.
Choosing the perfect accommodation near Petra is a crucial element of crafting an unforgettable journey. Whether you seek historical immersion, Bedouin culture, convenient access, or luxurious amenities, these diverse options cater to every traveler’s preference, ensuring a memorable experience in this captivating corner of the world. By carefully considering your priorities and selecting the accommodation that best aligns with your needs, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the wonders of Petra and create lasting memories of your time in Jordan.
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