i stayed in the most amazing place in petra - an old village that's been converted...like something out of a movie....
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g318895-d310233-Reviews-Taybet_Zaman_Hotel_and_Resort-Petra_Wadi_Musa.html
I stayed in the Radisson Blu in Aqaba. the resort was stunning with a marina and private beach, the most beautiful view ever. Movenpick in Petra is by far the best as it is closest to the Petra Tourist Site. Amazing places. I wanna go back :( have a great time!
My parents live in Aqaba and I lived in Amman for a couple of years so I know the hotels quite well. The best in Aqaba is the Intercontinental. I have stayed at the Movenpick and it was nice, but the service was average. The Intercon was by and far our best hotel stay. Just don't expect great food in Aqaba or Petra! The Movenpick in town would be the best for food though. Check out Bait Ali at Wadi Rum if you want a pleasant nights stay in the desert.
OK thanks to you both,...
I thought we'd round up the trip with an overnight stay in Aqaba
following all the inland sightseeing....I'm planning an overnight stay in Petra
for sure as it was recommended, we're staying in Amman overnight too
as we have a late evening arrival. We were told to visit the Citadel...
and then head to Jaresh (sp?) for a day trip....visit Mt. Nebo & Maraba enroute.
No young kids but two jet lagged ones will be tagging along :)
Once again, thanks :)
As mentioned, the Movenpick is nice at Petra. We stayed at Crowne Plaza just up the road, as we got a great deal. Rooms small though. There's also a Movenpick in Aqaba, which looked lovely...didn't stay there though. As said, there didn't look much to do there, so passed through quite quickly....
We stayed in the Movenpick at Petra a few years back, right at the gate and very nice. Need at least 2 full days in Petra. There used to be a night walk into the monastry lit by candles, only certain nights of the week and had to book but it was fantastic. Not suitable for small children as you had to watch yr step. Also stayed at the movenpick at the Dead Sea, again, fantastic. Cant remember the hotel in Aqaba but was on the 'beach'. Personally, i wouldnt bother going further south than Petra as didnt find Aqaba or Wadi Rum that special. More interesting north of Amman and Madaba and Mt Nebo. HTH