Where to Stay in Petra 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Petra is Jordan's crown jewel - a 2,000-year-old Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The gateway town of Wadi Musa exists solely to serve visitors. Most people visit for 1-2 days, entering through the dramatic Siq canyon to see the Treasury. Early morning access before crowds is essential.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Near Petra Gate

Be among the first through the Siq when gates open at 6am - the Treasury without crowds is transcendent. Premium hotels here put you steps from the entrance, allowing early start and midday rest before the cool afternoon. Worth the extra cost for serious visitors.

Budget & Practical

Wadi Musa Town

Early Access & Luxury

Near Petra Gate

Backpackers & Views

Taybeh

Mid-range & Views

Hillside Hotels

Desert & Adventure

Little Petra Area

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Wadi Musa Town Center: Budget hotels, local restaurants, practical base, walking to gate
Near Petra Gate: Early morning access, luxury hotels, closest accommodation
Taybeh (Upper Town): Budget guesthouses, local atmosphere, valley views
Hillside / Valley View Hotels: Panoramic views, mid-range options, quieter setting
Little Petra Area: Desert camps, Bedouin experience, Little Petra access, stargazing

Things to Know

  • Hotels far up the hill require taxi - not ideal for early starts
  • Some budget places have unreliable hot water
  • Little Petra camps are great but you'll need transport to main Petra
  • Beware touts at bus stations directing to commission hotels

Understanding Petra Geography

Wadi Musa is built on hillsides leading down to the Petra Visitor Center. The town center is mid-hill with most services. Premium hotels cluster near the entrance gate. Budget options are higher in Taybeh. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is 9km north with desert camps.

Main Districts Wadi Musa Center (main town), Near Gate (premium), Taybeh (budget upper), Hillside (views), Little Petra (desert camps).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Petra

Wadi Musa Town Center

Best for: Budget hotels, local restaurants, practical base, walking to gate

$32+ $86+ $216+
Mid-range
Budget Convenience First-timers Practical

"Gateway town built to serve Petra visitors with all practical needs"

5-15 min walk to Petra gate
Nearest Stations
JETT bus stop Taxi
Attractions
Petra Visitor Center Local restaurants Shops
8
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe tourist town.

Pros

  • Closest to entrance
  • Most options
  • Local restaurants

Cons

  • Tourist-focused
  • Less charming
  • Busy

Near Petra Gate

Best for: Early morning access, luxury hotels, closest accommodation

$65+ $162+ $432+
Luxury
Luxury Early access Convenience Views

"Premium location right at Petra's doorstep for earliest access"

2 min walk to Petra gate
Nearest Stations
Walk to gate
Attractions
Petra Visitor Center (steps away) Petra entrance
9.5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, hotel security.

Pros

  • Steps to entrance
  • Early access
  • Premium hotels

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited dining options
  • Tourist bubble

Taybeh (Upper Town)

Best for: Budget guesthouses, local atmosphere, valley views

$16+ $43+ $108+
Budget
Budget Local life Views Backpackers

"Upper hillside village with budget options and local character"

15 min steep walk or 5 min taxi to gate
Nearest Stations
Taxi or steep walk
Attractions
Valley views Local life Budget stays
5
Transit
Low noise
Safe but steep streets. Use flashlight at night.

Pros

  • Great views
  • Budget-friendly
  • Local atmosphere

Cons

  • Steep walk to Petra
  • Basic facilities
  • Need taxi at night

Hillside / Valley View Hotels

Best for: Panoramic views, mid-range options, quieter setting

$43+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
Views Mid-range Quiet Photography

"Hillside hotels with stunning valley and mountain views"

10-15 min taxi/shuttle to gate
Nearest Stations
Taxi or hotel shuttle
Attractions
Valley views Sunset spots Petra (via shuttle)
5.5
Transit
Low noise
Safe hotel areas.

Pros

  • Beautiful views
  • Quieter
  • Good value

Cons

  • Need transport
  • Far from restaurants
  • Steep roads

Little Petra Area

Best for: Desert camps, Bedouin experience, Little Petra access, stargazing

$32+ $86+ $216+
Mid-range
Desert Bedouin Adventure Stars

"Desert wilderness experience with Bedouin-style camps"

15 min drive to Petra gate
Nearest Stations
Private transport only
Attractions
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) Desert landscape Bedouin camps
2
Transit
Low noise
Safe with reputable camp operators.

Pros

  • Unique experience
  • Little Petra access
  • Desert stars

Cons

  • Far from main Petra
  • Basic facilities
  • Need transport

Accommodation Budget in Petra

Budget

$28 /night
Typical Range: $22 – $32

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$68 /night
Typical Range: $59 – $76

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$143 /night
Typical Range: $119 – $162

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Rocky Mountain Hotel

Wadi Musa

8.3

Reliable budget option with helpful staff, rooftop views, and good location near restaurants.

Budget travelersSolo travelersPractical stays
Check Availability

Petra Gate Hotel

Near Gate

8.1

Simple hotel just 100m from Petra entrance with early access convenience at budget prices.

Early accessBudgetLocation
Check Availability

Sharah Mountains Hotel

Hillside

8.4

Family-run hotel with warm hospitality, valley views, and excellent value.

Budget travelersFamily atmosphereViews
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Petra Marriott Hotel

Hillside

8.6

Comfortable hotel with valley views, good pool, and reliable service with shuttle to Petra.

ViewsPoolReliable comfort
Check Availability

Petra Guest House

Near Gate

8.7

Historic hotel at the gate with famous Cave Bar (in actual Nabataean tomb) and excellent location.

History loversLocationUnique bar
Check Availability

Old Village Hotel & Resort

Wadi Musa

8.5

Charming hotel with traditional stone architecture and warm hospitality in the town center.

CharacterTraditional styleCentral location
Check Availability

Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp

Little Petra

8.4

Bedouin-style camp near Little Petra with traditional tents, dinner, and desert atmosphere.

Unique experienceDesertLittle Petra access
Check Availability

Hayat Zaman Hotel

Taybeh

8.9

Restored 19th-century village complex with beautiful stone rooms and spectacular views.

HeritageViewsUnique architecture
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Movenpick Resort Petra

Near Gate

9.2

Luxury resort directly at Petra entrance with beautiful interiors, excellent restaurants, and unbeatable location.

LuxuryEarly accessConvenience
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Petra

  • 1 Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) are ideal - book 2-3 weeks ahead
  • 2 Summer is extremely hot (40°C+) but cheaper
  • 3 Winter can be cold with occasional snow - dress in layers
  • 4 Petra by Night (Mon, Wed, Thu) requires separate ticket
  • 5 2-day Petra passes offer better value than single day
  • 6 Jordan Pass includes visa and Petra entry - essential purchase

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Petra?
Near Petra Gate. Be among the first through the Siq when gates open at 6am - the Treasury without crowds is transcendent. Premium hotels here put you steps from the entrance, allowing early start and midday rest before the cool afternoon. Worth the extra cost for serious visitors.
How much does a hotel cost in Petra?
Hotels in Petra range from $28 per night for budget accommodation to $68 for mid-range and $143 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Petra?
Wadi Musa Town Center (Budget hotels, local restaurants, practical base, walking to gate); Near Petra Gate (Early morning access, luxury hotels, closest accommodation); Taybeh (Upper Town) (Budget guesthouses, local atmosphere, valley views); Hillside / Valley View Hotels (Panoramic views, mid-range options, quieter setting)
Are there areas to avoid in Petra?
Hotels far up the hill require taxi - not ideal for early starts Some budget places have unreliable hot water
When should I book a hotel in Petra?
Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) are ideal - book 2-3 weeks ahead