How to Choose Accommodation Near Petra
Stay in Wadi Musa town for budget options and easy access, or book inside Petra at Feynan Ecolodge for luxury. Book 2-3 months ahead during peak season (March-May, September-November).
- Pick your base location. Wadi Musa town is your main option - it's 5 minutes from Petra's entrance with hotels, restaurants, and ATMs. Avoid staying in Amman (3+ hours away) or Aqaba (2+ hours). Little Petra area has fewer options but more authentic Bedouin experiences.
- Choose your price range. Budget hostels: $15-25/night (Cleopetra Hotel, Valentine Inn). Mid-range: $40-80/night (Petra Moon Hotel, Al Rashid). Luxury: $150-300/night (Movenpick Resort, Feynan Ecolodge). Book directly with hotels for better cancellation policies.
- Consider proximity to entrance. Stay within 1km of Petra's main gate to avoid taxi fees ($3-5 each way). Hotels on Tourism Street are closest. Movenpick Resort is literally at the entrance - you can walk to Petra in 2 minutes.
- Check essential amenities. Confirm hot water (desert gets cold at night), reliable WiFi, and air conditioning for summer visits. Many budget places have inconsistent hot water - read recent reviews on Booking.com and Google Maps.
- Book timing strategically. Reserve 8-12 weeks ahead for March-May and September-November. Summer (June-August) and winter (December-February) have more availability. Avoid booking during Ramadan without checking if hotel restaurants will be open.
- Can I camp near Petra?
- Official camping isn't allowed inside Petra, but Bedouin camps near Little Petra offer authentic desert camping experiences for $30-50/night including meals. Feynan Ecolodge has luxury camping-style accommodation.
- Is it safe for solo female travelers?
- Yes, Wadi Musa is very safe. Choose hotels with 24/7 reception and good lighting. Rocky Mountain Hotel and Petra Guest House are popular with solo female travelers. Avoid walking alone late at night, but this applies anywhere.
- Do I need to book tours through my hotel?
- No. Most hotels will try to sell you tours, but you can buy Petra entrance tickets directly at the gate and hire guides there. Hotel tours often cost 20-30% more. Exception: Feynan Ecolodge includes excellent nature guides.