Where to stay in Petra? In the town of Wadi Musa, the gateway to the famous Petra! Discover the finest hotels, cozy hostels, and beautiful boutique accommodations. With countless options available, finding these hidden gems can be a challenge. As the top destination in Jordan, Wadi Musa offers endless accommodations. Alternatively, consider a unique overnight stay in the desert outside of Wadi Musa. In this blog, we assist you in making a decision. Where is best place to stay in Petra? What are the best areas to stay? And which hostels and hotels are highly recommended?
Booking.comHow to get to Petra in Jordan
The ancient city of Petra is carved into red rocks in the Jordanian desert, near the town of Wadi Musa. Wadi Musa serves as the starting point for the numerous visitors to Petra.
Petra and Wadi Musa hold a central position in Jordan, making them conveniently situated for exploring other destinations within the country. Due to the relatively short distances in Jordan, it is highly advisable to rent a car, as public transportation options are limited. By opting for a car rental, you can reach the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum desert in the south within a two-hour drive, or venture to Aqaba the northern tip of the Dead Sea, home to numerous hotels and resorts, in just three hours. Furthermore, the capital city of Amman is easily accessible within a little over three hours by car. Embracing the freedom of a car rental allows you to maximize your exploratory opportunities and enjoy the diverse wonders that Jordan has to offer.
You cannot get to the heart of Petra itself by car (or other transport). You’ll start your visit at the Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa. That is the entrance to Petra and from there you walk to the Siq gorge that ends at the famous Treasury.
Why Petra is worth a visit
The captivating allure of Jordan lies in its famous ancient city of Petra, a must-see destination for any traveler. Standing tall as the country’s iconic monument, the Treasury embodies the essence of Petra. With its rich history, architectural marvels, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Petra beckons adventurers from across the globe. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this ancient city, where the legacy of the Nabataeans stands as a testament to their remarkable ingenuity and artistic prowess.
Over 3000 years ago, the Nabataeans meticulously carved their temples and tombs into the desert rocks, transforming them into a city nestled amidst majestic mountains. Today, visitors can explore the awe-inspiring remnants of the Nabataeans’ masterful craftsmanship against the backdrop of a breathtaking landscape adorned with desert sands, rugged cliffs, and towering peaks.
Petra encompasses a vast area that holds a myriad of wonders to discover. While the renowned Siq leading to the Treasury might immediately come to mind when envisioning Petra, this magnificent rock structure is just the beginning of your journey. Other must-see sights within Petra include the magnificent ‘monastery’ known as Ad-Deir and the Royal Tombs, both surpassing the Treasury in grandeur. The Royal Tombs, in particular, offer the unique opportunity to venture inside their ancient chambers. Each of these splendid monuments adds immeasurable value to your Petra experience, making it an absolute must-visit destination.
While it is possible to explore the highlights of Petra in a single day, bear in mind that the ancient city spans a vast expanse. Therefore, we highly recommend dedicating two full days to fully immerse yourself in its wonders. On the first day, take the time to admire the viewpoints and the Royal Tombs by traversing the Siq leading to the Treasury. On the second day, embark on an exhilarating hike through Petra’s back door, leading you to Ad-Deir. Descend via the 900 steps, meander through the heart of the old city, and eventually return to the visitor center, passing by the Treasury and the Siq once more.
Where to stay in Petra
Unfortunately, spending the night within the boundaries of Petra itself is not feasible. The few Bedouins who used to inhabit the rock formations surrounding the ancient city are no longer permitted to reside there, as part of the efforts to safeguard Petra as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently, the most favorable option for accommodation near Petra is in the village of Wadi Musa, which is situated in close proximity to the entrance.
Wadi Musa, which translates to ‘Valley of Moses,’ derives its name from the belief that Moses once traversed through this valley. To optimize your experience, we recommend seeking lodging as close as possible to the Petra Visitor Center within Wadi Musa. This eliminates the need to arrange transportation, such as a taxi or parking spot, for your visit. After an intense day of exploring the awe-inspiring rocky landscapes and renowned attractions, you’ll appreciate the convenience of being able to walk directly to your place of rest.
Alternatively, you may consider staying outside Wadi Musa in the Jordanian desert. We had the pleasure of spending a night both in Wadi Musa and at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp in the desert, and it was an exceptional experience. Although it requires a bit more effort to reach the visitor center of Petra on foot, the opportunity to enjoy a unique desert stay at Petra makes it worthwhile.
Where to stay in Petra: 10 best hotels and desert camps
Where to stay in Wadi Musa
#1 Petra Moon Hotel is a comfortable hotel that is only 100 meters away from the Petra Visitor Center. Guests can park their rental car for free at the hotel. The hotel features a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant serving a delicious breakfast buffet in the morning.
#2 LaMaison Hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the entrance. Hotel guests have access to free parking. The hotel has its own restaurant, but there are also plenty of nice eateries nearby.
#3 Petra Cabin Hostel is a budget-friendly option with a prime location. It’s situated 400 meters from the entrance to Petra and offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. The dormitories have cabin-like beds that provide privacy. A buffet breakfast is served in the morning, and the on-site restaurant offers Turkish, Asian, and International dishes. Free parking is available.
#4 Petra Boutique Hotel is a well-rated hotel that is conveniently located just 2 minutes from the Petra Visitor Center. In addition to its perfect location, the hotel receives positive reviews for its extensive breakfast, value for money, and friendly staff. Guests can park for free at the hotel.
#5 Movenpick Resort Hotel offers the best location in Wadi Musa, as this hotel is directly opposite the visitor center. As a 5-star hotel, it offers two restaurants, a wellness center, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests praise the beautiful interior design, extensive breakfast options, roof terrace, and delicious food served in the restaurants.
Where to stay near Petra in the desert
#6 Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp and #7 Seven Wonders Luxury Camp both offer magical tent accommodations in an atmospheric desert setting. Immerse yourself in the Bedouin culture as you sleep in traditional tents and savor endless cups of authentic tea. In the evenings, gather around the large campfire and bask in the captivating ambiance created by the lights illuminating the nearby mountain. The Luxury Camp, as the name suggests, provides slightly more luxurious amenities, including more beautiful tents and private bathrooms.
#8 Petra Bubble Luxotel offers a a luxurious stay in a beautiful camp near Little Petra. This beautiful camp near Little Petra offers glamping tents composed of multiple bubbles. Each tent features a transparent star roof for the bedroom, a separate bubble for the bathroom, and a spacious bubble with panoramic views for the living area. You’ll be delighted to find modern comforts such as air conditioning and a jacuzzi. In the evenings, traditional music fills the air, and dinner is served in the large central tent.
#9 Petra Wassaif Camp is a charming desert camp experience in traditional Bedouin style. This camp offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding area. The tents are equipped with private bathrooms and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay. Previous guests have praised the friendly staff, the delectable food, and the magical location.
#10 Little Petra Bedouin Camp is a very popular choice for accommodation near Petra. This fairytale-like camp is nestled in the desert and boasts beautiful tent setups. Unwind in the large, traditional tent while enjoying tea by the fire. Each evening, a campfire is lit in the center of the camp, providing a cozy spot for guests to gather and warm themselves. As night falls, the mountains surrounding the Bedouin camp are romantically illuminated, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.
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