Arrival/Check-In: After crossing the border into Jordan and helping one member of our party secure an on-the-spot Jordanian passport, we stopped at the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash en route to Petra with our guide from Isram Tours. The Isram team was outstanding; I even shared photos of an event I hosted years ago in New York with Queen Noor, who remains highly respected in Jordan and has played a key role in fostering strong U.S.–Jordan relations.
We arrived at the Mövenpick late but in time for dinner, which we enjoyed beneath a striking Turkish brass chandelier in the hotel’s grand room. This space links several of the hotel’s dining venues and serves as a comfortable lobby lounge.
We said farewell to our guide, Amjad Sonqret, and our driver, Firas Al Qasem, and arranged to meet early the next morning to explore the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Walking into Petra felt like a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, with the site’s dramatic rock-cut architecture and historical mystery. Petra’s popularity once rivaled Palmyra, though Palmyra has suffered greatly in recent conflicts.
Check-in at the Mövenpick was quick and efficient, and the staff exceeded expectations with warm service. The buffet dinner was satisfying, and the team at Al Saraya Restaurant—where we also had breakfast—made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of throughout our stay.
Guest Quarters: We stayed in room 222, a comfortable suite with a balcony offering views toward the Petra entrance. The suite includes a living area, a spacious bathroom with double sinks, a separate large shower and tub, and thoughtful amenities for anything you might have left behind. The room also featured a complimentary minibar and tasteful Mediterranean-meets-modern décor that continues throughout the property. Standard comforts included a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, HD television and inviting outdoor furniture on the balcony.
Entering the suite, a short hall leads to the living room, where a desk sits on the left and a sectional sofa with chairs and tables occupies the right. A welcome tray of fruit, desserts, nuts and a bottle of wine was provided by the acting general manager, Rania Bawalsa—recently promoted to general manager and noted as the first Jordanian woman to hold that role. She personally greeted guests and visited tables while we dined, which added a gracious touch to the experience.
Services/Amenities: The Petra entrance is literally steps from the hotel’s front door, which makes timing your visit easy. We started early to avoid the larger tour groups that often arrive from cruise lines around midmorning, when increased foot traffic can make viewing the Treasury more crowded and dusty.
The Mövenpick Resort Petra offers five distinct restaurants, ranging from casual to the award-winning Mediterranean spot Al Iwan, each with its own character. Though we didn’t have time to use the gym or spa on this short visit, the walk down into Petra and back provided plenty of exercise for the day.
The Experience: Before this trip I was not familiar with the Mövenpick brand, but the Petra property made a strong impression: friendly, attentive staff; excellent dining options; and a truly unbeatable location. Jordan is a destination worth visiting for its history, scenery and warm hospitality—border officials even encouraged us to return. I look forward to coming back and exploring Aqaba, which also has a Mövenpick property.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Check-in under 10 minutes: yes
Separate tub and shower: yes
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: yes
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: yes
Turn-down service: yes
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Tourism Street
Petra 71810, Jordan
tel 962 3 215 7111
movenpick.com