JORDAN FOR THE FIRST TIME

Depends on how you define "best." If you want to be right next to the entrance, the Movenpick is brand new and probably the most expensive in Petra. Had drinks at the bar, which is very nice. Seems to cater to well-to-do Europeans and tour groups from cruise ships. At the other end of the spectrum, the Petra Moon is a fairly basic 2-star, but clean and runs around $60 US/night. A mixture of backpackers and budget tourists. Also near the entrance are the Crowne Plaza and Guesthouse. I didn't step foot in either so can't tell you anything more about them.

As for time in Petra, again depends on how much time you have. We spent one afternoon and one long day, which gave us time to make it all the way back to the Monastery and to wander through a lot of the site. You'll need more time, though, if you really want to do some trekking. If you do decide to go for a hike, you should get a guide.

Edited by: jpm150

Hi Doralaura,

Most of the hotels at the Dead sea are really expensive five star resorts. The Dead sea is best visited by a day trip from Madaba to Amman Tourist Beach. The Mariam Hotel and Salome hotel in Madaba arrange daytrips to the Dead sea. For more information about the trips see http://www.mariamhotel.com/trips.html

I think it is also better to visit Jerash as a day trip from Amman or Madaba. The Farah Hotel in Amman is a good budget Hotel.

If you have time you should spend at least two whole days (and three nights) in Petra. The Rose City hotel is a good budget hotel.

If you are interested in more information about accommodation and transportation in Jordan see my previous threads

Amman : I also recommend the Farah Hotel. Its in downtown, close to the Roman ruins.

Petra : The hotels down by the gate are all very expensive (except for the Sunset Hotel). We stayed in the Petra Palace and it was overpriced and mediocre. Sunset Hotel is a better deal. If you want to save money, rather stay up in town (Wadi Musa) and walk down every day - its easy. Walking back up again is a lot tougher, but the taxi ride is only 2 JD. Even if you take a taxi Wadi Musa-Petra and back every day it will still be a lot cheaper to stay up in town than down by the gate.

Jerash : There are 2 hotels. The Olive Branch is up in the hills above town and very hard to get to except by taxi. Its quite smart and clean, but a bit overpriced in my opinion. Much more convenient is Hadrian's Gate Hotel, in town and directly opposite Hadrian's Arch and the road that has the entrance to the ruins. Much cheaper and still OK. Their phone number is +962 7 7779 3907

Dead Sea : There are no cheap or mid-range hotels on the Dead Sea. Better to do a day trip from Madaba or Amman. The Mariam Hotel in Madaba is a fantastic place - cheap, clean and friendly. They also organize day trips to the Dead Sea and other places.

Hi,

Maybe you can contact some Jordan travelagencies. They know exactly what's going on. I can recommend:
http://jordanartisttours.com/
email: info@jordanartisttours.com

Good luck and have a nice stay in Jordan!

Marjan

I spent two full days in Petra and loved it but still did not see all the main attractions. One day will not do it justice.