Petra Jordan: Uncover the Lost City's Secrets!
Petra Jordan: Uncover the Lost City's Secrets! – My Chaotic, Wonderful Adventure (and Maybe Yours Too!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered (and probably slightly messy) truth about my time at the Petra Jordan: Uncover the Lost City's Secrets! hotel. Forget perfectly-polished brochures; I'm here to tell you what really happened, from the jaw-dropping beauty of Petra to the slightly wonky Wi-Fi.
(Disclaimer: I'm no travel writer. I’m just a regular person who loves exploring, loves food, loves a good (or bad) spa treatment, and definitely loves complaining. So, here we go…)
First Impressions and Getting There (and Accessibility - Let's Talk About That!)
Arriving in Jordan – stunning! Flying in was a breeze with a decent airport transfer arranged by the hotel. They were very efficient about that. This is super important, especially since, you know, jet lag is real. Airport transfer! They had it. Check!
Now, the accessibility. This is where things get a little… layered. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and they have an elevator. That's a plus! But it's important to delve deeper. How easy is it to navigate Petra itself if you have mobility issues? I'm not in a wheelchair, but I saw some folks struggling on the uneven terrain. I’d strongly suggest contacting the hotel directly and asking VERY specific questions about access to the actual Petra site (Access). Don't just take a list at face value. And Facilities for disabled guests would be great to be more explicit about just what facilities.
The Room – My Temporary Kingdom (and the Wi-Fi Saga)
Okay, the room. Clean, comfortable, and with an Air conditioning. Necessary! The bed was super comfortable - Extra long bed. The bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch (I wore the slippers everywhere). Loved the Coffee/tea maker and the Complimentary tea. The Free bottled water was a lifesaver given the heat. I had an Internet access – wireless, and the Wi-Fi [free] option was great… when it worked. Honestly, sometimes the connection was faster in the (ahem) Coffee shop. I'm talking dial-up speeds at peak times. Internet access – LAN was also available apparently. The Laptop workspace was okay, but I spent more time staring out the window that opens at the amazing view. The Interconnecting room(s) available could be great if you're traveling with family. The Mini bar was decent, but I mostly raided the Free bottled water again. It also had Non-smoking and Smoke detector and Alarm clock. The Daily housekeeping was fantastic - always a fresh towel and a tidy room.
The Food – A Feast (and Occasional Fumbles)
Let’s talk food, because, well, I live to eat. The Restaurants at the hotel were impressive. The Breakfast [buffet] was AMAZING. Seriously, the Asian breakfast offerings were a delightful surprise. I'm talking fresh fruit, pastries, and more. I actually skipped on the Western breakfast altogether (sorry, bacon, you lost to the spiced omelet). I’d get excited just thinking about the Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Coffee shop was also a lifesaver for those wi-fi-induced coffee breaks and a quick Snack bar. I did try some of the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and it was pretty good. The A la carte in restaurant options were there too, but I loved the Buffet in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant offered some great temptations. Soup in restaurant. Salad in restaurant. They had a Bar, and a Poolside bar. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I was jet-lagged and craving a late-night snack and Bottle of water. I did notice the Vegetarian restaurant options. Now, with all their Safe dining setup, and Individually-wrapped food options, the food was safe and delicious!
Things to Do – Petra… Obviously! And Then…?
Okay, Petra. I mean, the main event, right? Getting there is half the battle. They do offer Airport transfer, and Taxi service. This is where you really need to focus your energy. Book your tours, your guides, and your transport BEFORE you go. Trust me.
Once you're done exploring the amazing place, a trip to the Shrine is well worth it, and Indoor venue for special events is great for business.
Ways to Relax – Spa Day! (With a Twist)
Now, the spa. Ah, yes, the spa. The promise of relaxation. They boast a Spa, Spa/sauna and Sauna. They had Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap. The Pool with view was really lovely, and the Swimming pool [outdoor] was perfect after a long day of exploring. Okay, the massage. I booked a supposed 'relaxation' massage, but it turned out to be more of a deep-tissue… assault. I came out feeling like I'd wrestled a badger (a very strong badger). My advice? SPECIFY your pressure preference. Clearly, I failed at that. Still, it was a fun memory (and my muscles got a good workout). The Gym/fitness was also available.
Cleanliness and Safety – Seriously Important (Especially Now)
Cleanliness and safety were HUGE. I’m talking the era of Covid when I travelled. I couldn’t help but notice they were using Anti-viral cleaning products. They’d put up a Hand sanitizer in several public spaces. The staff was trained in safety protocols. It was really comforting to see. They had Daily disinfection in common areas and there was a First aid kit available. They had Rooms sanitized between stays. There also was a Doctor/nurse on call - which made me feel safer.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Okay, so I felt like I needed Babysitting service for my inner child at times. They were super helpful. Things like Cash withdrawal, Concierge, and Currency exchange made life easy. The Doorman was always friendly. I really loved the Meeting/banquet facilities, even though I wasn't there for business, it was nice knowing they were in place. I had the Ironing service and Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. There was Luggage storage. They offered Car park [free of charge]. The Gift/souvenir shop was tempting, too. And there was a Convenience store.
For the Kids – Family Fun?
While I didn't have kids with me, they are Family/child friendly and had Kids facilities and Kids meal.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy?
They had Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. They had Car power charging station.
The Quirks and the Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, so the Wi-Fi. Rant over. The Check-in/out [express] was speedy, the Check-in/out [private] was available. Check-in/out [private]. But sometimes, the service was a bit… slow. I’m talking about a minor thing, but when you're tired and jet-lagged, even a five-minute wait can feel like an eternity. And I'm not sure I'd call the signage perfectly clear. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
My Verdict – Worth It? ABSOLUTELY!
Despite the occasional Wi-Fi woes and the slightly intense massage, I had an absolutely unforgettable time at the Petra Jordan: Uncover the Lost City's Secrets! hotel. The location is unbeatable, the staff are friendly (even if a little slow at times), and the experience of exploring Petra itself is something I'll never forget.
Book Now! – My VERY Persuasive Offer (Seriously, You NEED This!)
Tired of looking at pictures of Petra and wishing you were there? Feeling that wanderlust itch? Then scratch it! The Petra Jordan: Uncover the Lost City's Secrets! hotel isn't just a place to stay; it's a base camp for an adventure.
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Location: Wake up and practically fall into Petra (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea!).
- Delicious Food: From the incredible breakfast buffet to the international cuisine, you're in for a culinary treat.
- Relaxation (Eventually…): A spa, a pool, and a sauna to soothe your weary muscles
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is LESS a schedule, MORE a chaotic, emotional rollercoaster through Petra, Jordan. Seriously, pack your tissues and your sense of humor. And maybe some Immodium. Just in case.
Day 1: Arrival & Sand Between My… Well, You Get It.
- Morning (or what feels like it after a red-eye): Land at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Pray the customs line isn't a mile long. Last time I was stuck behind a guy trying to smuggle… I won't even go there. Just, be prepared.
- FIRST EMOTIONAL REACTION: Honestly? Relief. Just to be out of a cramped airplane. And slight terror because I'm in a foreign country, alone, and probably look even more lost than I feel.
- Mid-morning: Taxi to Wadi Musa ("the Moses Valley," sounds biblical, already loving it). The drive? A mix of jaw-dropping desert vistas and my own internal monologue panicking about the language barrier (spoiler alert: I don't speak Arabic. At all.).
- ANECDOTE: The taxi driver genuinely tried to teach me some Arabic. "Shukran," he said, which I think means "Thank you." I kept saying "Shukran" to everything, even the desert. He started laughing, and I just shrugged and laughed too. It's these small, silly moments that make travel… well, bearable.
- Afternoon: Check in to the Petra Moon Hotel (chosen because the reviews said "charming," which often translates to "slightly crumbling but with character"). Drop my bag, immediately realize I forgot my power adapter, and spiral into brief existential crisis.
- QUIRKY OBSERVATION: Why is WiFi only available in the lobby? Is this some kind of ancient Jordanian punishment for the digitally addicted? Probably.
- Late Afternoon: Finally, descend into the madness that is Petra. I mean, the Siq. That narrow canyon? Breathtaking. The Treasury? Jaw-dropping. The crowds? Let's just say I learned the art of the power-walk-through-tourists.
- EMOTIONAL REACTION: Okay, FINE, the Treasury actually made me tear up a little. The sheer scale of it… the history… I felt a lump in my throat. Then I ran into a donkey and that kinda ruined the mood.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant outside the main gate. I highly recommend the Mansaf (lamb and rice dish). Then, back to the hotel, collapsing into bed, and trying to mentally prepare for the mountain of walking I'll be doing tomorrow.
Day 2: Petra, You Magnificent Beast.
- Morning (Again, after a terrible night's sleep because… jet lag): Back into Petra, this time with a mission: conquer the Monastery. This, friends, is where it gets real.
- MINOR CATEGORY: The Donkey Dilemma: I had heard about the donkeys. I avoided the donkeys. I should have taken the damn donkey (or a camel!) The "short" hike took FOREVER.
- ANECDOTE: Roughly 800 steps to the top. I am not an athlete. I may have stopped to "admire the view" (aka, breathe) approximately every 20 steps. At one point, a little kid with a bag of sweets offered me a piece. I almost cried from gratitude.
- EMOTIONAL REACTION: The monastery! Finally! The view from the top? Worth every single aching muscle and near-death experience. It's bigger, grander, and more remote than the treasure.
- Mid-day: Wandering. Exploring. Looking. I found a hidden cave where some locals were playing music. It was a moment of pure, unexpected beauty.
- OPINIONATED LANGUAGE: Screw the "must-sees." Get lost. Wander. Talk to people. Petra is so much more than the Instagram shots.
- Afternoon: The "Royal Tombs". Frankly? They're starting to all blend together.
- RAMBLE: Seriously, after a while everything becomes a giant pile of rocks, the colors kind of blur, I start to lose track. You know, you think you've seen it all, then you see more. It's a sensory overload for your feet!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Attempt to escape Petra. Grab Shawarma from a street cart, the man makes a face at my haggling, and a delicious, quiet, and much needed escape from the bustling streets. Then back to the Petra Moon Hotel, and collapsing into bed again, barely managing to remember that I needed to buy that power adapter.
Day 3: A Final Farewell (and the Truth About the Donkeys).
- Morning (after finally figuring out how to get coffee): A final stroll through Petra. This time taking the "lesser-known" path (because my feet are screaming). See a different perspective on the place.
- DOUBLING DOWN ON AN EXPERIENCE: The Hidden Caves! I find this crazy cave with ancient drawings. The heat, and the sheer feeling of being in this isolated place… it's magical. I sat there for ages, just absorbing the silence and the sense of history. It's a moment that I'm pretty sure will stick with me forever.
- Mid-day: Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid). Feels like a mini-Petra, less crowded, with a different vibe.
- EMOTIONAL REACTION: Actually, I preferred Little Petra. It just felt… cozier. More intimate. Less overwhelming. Plus, no donkey traffic to navigate!
- Afternoon: Time to say goodbye. Last-minute souvenir shopping (I'm trying to be a mindful traveler, but… a few hand-painted ceramics and a Bedouin scarf won't hurt, right?).
- RAMBLE: Okay, so about those donkeys… looking back, I should have used them. They're a necessary evil. Next time. Next time.
- Evening: Taxi back to AMM, and the long flight home.
- FINAL THOUGHT: Petra is messy, beautiful, overwhelming, and utterly unforgettable. You'll be exhausted, you'll be amazed, and you'll probably come home with stories you'll be telling for the rest of your life.
Okay, that's the gist. Go. Get lost. And bring that power adapter. And maybe some comfy shoes. You're gonna need them.
London Luxury: 2-Bed Oasis, 12 Mins to City Center!
Petra, You Say? Unpacking the Lost City (and My Brain!)
Okay, Petra. I keep hearing about it. What *is* it, exactly? (And is it worth the hype?!)
Alright, picture this: a city carved directly into sandstone cliffs. Think Indiana Jones, but *way* more breathtaking. Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom – these super-smart traders, centuries ago. They controlled the spice routes and built this architectural masterpiece. Is it worth the hype? Dude… YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. I mean, you'll feel like you've stepped into another world… a dusty, sun-baked, magical world.
But honestly? The first time I saw the Treasury (that famous facade!), I almost *cried*. Like, actual, ugly-cry-behind-my-sunglasses. It's just… overwhelming. And beautiful. And it makes you feel ridiculously small and insignificant in the most amazing way possible. So yeah, worth it. Bring tissues.
How do I *get* to Petra? Is it a pain? I'm picturing camels and scorching sun...
Getting to Petra *is* a bit of a trek, geographically speaking. You'll likely fly into Amman (AMM), the capital of Jordan, then you have a few options. You can hire a driver (a good option for comfort and control), take a bus (cheaper, less flexible), or rent a car (gives you freedom, but driving in Jordan can be… intense!).
And yeah, the sun *is* a thing. Brutal. So, bring sunscreen, a hat, and *lots* of water. Trust me. I ran out on the first day and almost turned into a crispy critter. Lesson learned: hydration is your friend. Also, camels *are* around, but mostly for short rides around the entrance. I did ride one. It smelled interesting.
What’s the best time of year to go? So, I don’t melt?
Think about it this way: you want to *see* Petra, not *become* Petra (i.e., a pile of red dust). Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are your sweet spots. The weather's milder, the crowds are slightly thinner (though, let's be real, Petra is always busy). Summer? Forget about it! Unless you're a lizard, I'd avoid it. Winter? Can be chilly, and sometimes they get rain, which can make the trails a little… slippery.
I went in October, and it was *perfect*. Days were warm, nights were cool. Bliss. Although, remember! Even in the "best" months, the sun is STRONG So, protect yourself.
How long should I allocate to explore? A day? A week? What’s realistic?
Okay, here’s the truth bomb: A single day is just… *not enough*. You can see the Treasury and a few highlights, but you'll be rushing, utterly exhausted, and feeling like you missed, well, *everything*.
I'd say aim for *at least* two full days. Three is even better! Trust me. There's so much more to explore than just the main sights. The Monastery (a hike!), the High Place of Sacrifice (amazing views!), the Royal Tombs… Plus, you need time to just… *be*. To soak it all in. To wander. To maybe have a little picnic with some Jordanian bread and hummus (highly recommended!).
What should I wear? Is there a dress code? (I'm a bit of a fashionista...sort of)
Comfort, comfort, comfort! Petra is a LOT of walking. Think comfortable walking shoes (broken-in hiking boots are ideal), breathable clothing (loose-fitting is best), and layers. The temperature can fluctuate.
As for a dress code? Jordan is a Muslim country, so it's respectful to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites (which you will inevitably encounter). But mostly, just be comfortable and practical. Leave the stilettos at home. (I actually saw someone try to wear heels once. I felt terrible for her. It was a disaster.)
Okay, what's the deal with the guides? Do I NEED one? Are they worth the money?
This is a tough one. You *don't* absolutely *need* a guide to see Petra. You can walk the main paths and explore on your own. However, a good guide can seriously enhance your experience. They can tell you the stories, the history, the details you'd otherwise miss. Plus, they know the best photo spots (which, let's be honest, is important!).
I hired a guide (for a half-day) and it was fantastic. He was a local, he knew the history inside and out, and he opened my eyes to so much I would have missed. I swear! Finding a good one can be tricky – ask for recommendations, read reviews, and be clear about what you want from a guide. And be prepared to haggle a bit on the price. It's part of the culture, but also, be respectful of their livelihood.
Food! What kind of food can I expect in Petra? And is it… safe?
Oh, the food! Prepare for deliciousness. Jordanian food is amazing. Think hummus, falafel, shawarma, mansaf (lamb cooked in yogurt sauce, a national dish), fresh salads, and beautiful, fluffy bread.
Is it safe? Generally, yes. Stick to reputable restaurants and be mindful of street food (though, honestly, I ate street food, and it was delicious and I was fine. Your mileage may vary). Drink bottled water. And try the fresh juices! They are heavenly, especially the pomegranate juice. I may have had a slight pomegranate juice addiction while I was there.
The Treasury. It's all I see in photos! Is it *really* as amazing as it looks?
Right? The Treasury. The money shot. The… *thing*. Yes. It is. Even more so than you think. Those photos? They don't capture the scale. The light. The sheer, breathtaking *wow* factor.
I remember walking through the Siq (that narrow gorge leading to the Treasury), and the anticipation just building. Then, bam! There it was. And… I froze. Like, completely stopped in my tracks. My jaw dropped. I think I might have started drooling. It’s made of sandstone, carved into the face of a cliff. I was lookingStay Finder Review
