Middle East - Anthony Ham [317]
Wornoutboots79
Be there at the end of the day The Red Rose City turns into a palette of deep colours as the day ends. The sun’s rays reach into areas of the carved facades unseen in the harsh desert light, and as the sun sets, a band of golden light gradually snakes to the top of the valley.
mscott
Pretend to be Indiana Jones Visiting the ancient ruins of Petra was a dream come true. No really, since watching Indiana Jones it was a lifetime goal! The immense structures carved straight out of the mountain side were stunning, and yup I saw where they filmed.
evilthecat
Give yourself time Give yourself at least three days, and explore the farther-off bits. Tip: hire a donkey if you’re too tired to climb up all the steps to the Monastery. In decent shape? Then ask a local for the ‘secret’ path [above Royal Tombs] to overlook the Treasury.
santamonica811
Watch the sunset A beautiful and surprisingly peaceful view is from the main road south of Wadi Musa. The sun turned the rocks from red into a spectacular glowing red as it slowly sunk behind mountains into Wadi Araba.
louby_lou35
What’s your recommendation?
www.lonelyplanet.com/middle-east
* * *
Sleeping
Prices for hotels in Wadi Musa fluctuate wildly, depending on the season and amount of business. Discounts are common.
BUDGET
Unless otherwise noted, all the following hotels are in Wadi Musa village, close to the central Shaheed Roundabout.
Valentine Inn (Map; 2156423; valentineinn@hotmail.com; s/d/tr JD10/15/18, dm without breakfast from JD3; ) Still struggling to slough off its past image as a hostel mainly for men, the Valentine is the quintessential backpackers’ hotel with a raft of add-on services, including tours along the King’s Highway. Rooftop sleeping costs JD2; the excellent vegetarian dinner is JD4.
Cleopetra Hotel (Map; 2157090; www.cleopetra.jeeran.com; s/d/tr JD12/16/21) One of the friendliest budget hotels in town, small rooms all have private bathroom (with hot water) or you can sleep on the roof (JD4, or JD5 with breakfast). There’s a cosy communal sitting area that feels like your aunt’s front room. Their recommended tours to Wadi Rum take the hassle out of finding transport.
Al-Anbat Hotel II (Map; 2157200; www.alanbat.com; s/d/tr JD15/20/30; breakfast JD1) The bright, white-marble lobby promises better accommodation than the rooms deliver – particularly as the plumbing needs attention and the staff are conspicuous by their absence. The double rooms at the front aren’t bad and the excellent Salome Turkish Bath (JD20) is opposite.
Al-Anbat Hotel I (Map; 2156265; www.alanbat.com; s/d/tr JD18/30/36; buffet dinner JD6 ) Located out of town on the road between ‘Ain Musa and Wadi Musa, this three-storey resort offers large rooms (mostly with views) with satellite TV and balconies. There’s a Turkish bath (JD18 for guests) and small pool. Free transport to/from Petra is available. Campers (per person JD5) and camper vans are welcome, and there is access to toilets, showers and a kitchen.
MIDRANGE
El-Rashid Hotel (Map; 2156800; wailln@hotmail.com; Shaheed roundabout; s/d/tr from JD20/35/45; ) This is a well-run, friendly hotel with attractive, marble-floored lobby and elegant furniture. The rooms are not so appealing but the satellite TV will take your mind off the bright green walls.
Petra Moon Hotel (Map; 2156220; www.petramoonhotel.com; s/d/tr JD25/35/45) Behind the Mövenpick Hotel, this hotel is convenient for the entrance to Petra and is perennially popular with travellers (reservations advisable), who congregate in the foyer. The comfortable rooms have fridge, TV and two windows, good for enjoying the sunset.
Amra Palace Hotel (Map; 2157070; www.amrapalace.com; s/d JD42/65; d with extra bed JD90; ) This lovely hotel lives up to its