The Old Village Resort Petra takes a different approach to a stay in Wadi Musa. Instead of a block close to the entrance, it is laid out in the manner of a traditional village, with low buildings of local stone, courtyards, arches and gardens, in the hills above the main strip. Rooms are spread through the complex, which gives it a more private, spacious feeling than most of the town’s hotels. Guests praise the pool, the generous breakfast and the friendly front-desk team, and the setting is peaceful once the day trippers have left. Because it is away from the gate, it suits travellers who value atmosphere and quiet over being able to walk into Petra, and who do not mind taking a short taxi ride in the morning. After a day on the trails, there is something very appealing about returning to a garden and a pool, and watching the sun go down over the hills of southern Jordan.
Living in it
You will need transport to reach the site, so ask the resort about shuttles or arrange a taxi for your first morning. Taxis in Wadi Musa are plentiful and inexpensive by international standards, and it is usual to agree the fare before you set off. Guests speak well of the breakfast, and for dinner you can ask the resort what it serves or take a short ride to the restaurants of the town.
The pool is a real draw in warm weather, but like many pools in the region it may not be heated, so ask about winter operation before you pack your swimsuit. The village layout means paths and steps between buildings, so if you have difficulty with stairs, ask for a room that is easy to reach.
Trade-offs
This is not a hotel for people who want to be first at the gate, since you will lose some time to the transfer in the morning. Facilities vary by room type, and as with any older, stone-built property, the character is part of the appeal and also means that rooms differ in size and layout, so check photos and read recent guest comments.
Nights from November to March can be very cold in the hills, so confirm that your room has good heating and extra blankets. The hotel may also be quieter than the busy central hotels in the evenings, which many guests see as a bonus.
Who it suits
Couples looking for a romantic, characterful base, and independent travellers who like a garden to come back to. It also works well for those on a longer stay who want to alternate Petra days with rest days, since the pool and the gardens are easy places to relax. Plan two full days at Petra, one of them with an early start for the Monastery, an evening at Petra by Night, and a half-day trip to Little Petra or a Bedouin cooking class.
Ask the staff to recommend a licensed guide for your first morning, and book a taxi for your return leg, so you are not hunting for a ride when you are tired. If you are travelling with a car, check the parking arrangements and the access road, which can be steep in places.
Why stay here
- ✓Traditional village-style stone buildings
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Breakfast praised by guests
- ✓Gardens and courtyards
- ✓Easy taxi access to Wadi Musa restaurants
- ✓Quiet hillside setting
- ✓Staff praised by guests
- ✓Rooms spread through the grounds
Good questions
Can I walk from the Old Village Resort to Petra?+
No. It sits in the hills above the main strip, so plan to take a short taxi or shuttle ride to the visitor centre.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, guests mention a pool, but ask about winter operation before you travel since it may not be heated.
Is it a good choice for winter?+
It can be, but nights are cold in the hills, so confirm heating and extra blankets when you book.
