Where to Stay in Jordan: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

This post is part of my Egypt & Jordan series, following our family trip from Cairo’s pyramids and museums to Luxor’s temples, the Dead Sea, and Petra. Throughout the series, I share how we planned the trip, where we stayed, how we used points and travel credits, and what I’d do differently next time, including where I wish we’d slowed down. You’ll find more guides in the Continue Exploring Egypt & Jordan section at the end.

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Choosing where to stay in Jordan shaped our trip more than I expected. We loved our Dead Sea resort, but using it as our base for Petra meant roughly six hours of driving around an already demanding sightseeing day. I’d happily return to the hotel, but I’d change where it fitted into the itinerary.

For a longer first visit, I’d choose accommodation around four experiences: exploring Amman, walking through Petra, spending a night in Wadi Rum, and relaxing at the Dead Sea. Each calls for something different, from neighborhood access and entrance convenience to desert views and inviting pools.

This guide brings together our experience at Hilton Dead Sea and the hotels and camps I’d consider elsewhere, including Grand Hyatt Amman, our original booking before we changed plans. There are points opportunities, memorable splurges, and more affordable alternatives, with a clear reason to consider each.

Understanding Jordan’s Main Overnight Bases

These are complementary stops rather than competing choices for one hotel base. Amman anchors the northern part of this route, including an excursion to Jerash. Farther south, Wadi Musa is the town beside Petra, while Wadi Rum calls for a separate camp booking. The Dead Sea resort area provides another setting for the relaxation portion of the trip.

For a longer visit, I’d plan Amman → Petra/Wadi Musa → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea, checking flight times before deciding where to spend the final night. With less time, I’d reduce the number of stops rather than try to reach everything from one hotel.

All cash prices below are approximate estimates in US dollars, not guaranteed rates. Dates, room categories, taxes, and meal plans affect the total. Camp prices may include different combinations of meals, transfers, and excursions, so compare inclusions before booking.

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Where to Stay in Amman

Amman is where I’d begin a longer Jordan trip, with time for the Citadel, Roman Theatre, Downtown markets, and cafés around Rainbow Street. It also makes a useful base for an excursion to Jerash before heading south.

Location matters within the city. Staying closer to historic neighborhoods makes independent wandering easier, while a hotel farther west may appeal more for its facilities. I’d weigh what I wanted nearby against the transportation needed for sightseeing.

Grand Hyatt Amman: Best for a Comfortable Stay with Hyatt Points

Typical price: Around $130–$200 per night, depending on dates and room type

Points examples: Many dates at 4,500 World of Hyatt points, with some at 6,000 points in the calendar I checked

Grand Hyatt was our original choice before we changed our itinerary and added a second night at the Dead Sea. As a Category 1 Hyatt, it was an easy option for a points stay. The dates I checked showed how a few nights here could leave plenty of rewards available for the rest of Jordan.

Its hilltop location in Jabal Amman comes with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and several restaurants. I’d appreciate those facilities after exploring the Citadel or returning from Jerash, while planning transportation rather than expecting every sight to be outside the door. Selected room categories offer views toward the Blue Mosque, so compare descriptions if that outlook appeals to you.

For me, this is the practical points pick: a full-service hotel without requiring a large redemption. I’d compare the final cash rate and confirm award availability before transferring points, particularly for consecutive nights.

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Four Seasons Hotel Amman: Best for a Luxury Stay with Poolside Downtime

Typical price: Around $400–$550+ per night, depending on season and room type

Four Seasons would be my choice to investigate for a more luxurious city stay. Its pale limestone exterior, hilltop setting, and indoor and outdoor pools give it an appeal beyond somewhere comfortable to sleep. It was also the first Four Seasons in the Middle East, making it an established luxury option in the capital.

The Fifth Circle location means planning transportation for the Citadel, Roman Theatre, and evenings around Rainbow Street. I’d choose it for a stay that combined sightseeing with time at the hotel, returning for a swim, dinner, or the spa.

The decision here would be whether those facilities and the setting justified the premium over Grand Hyatt or The House. For a brief sightseeing stop, I’d lean toward the other options. For a longer stay where the hotel was part of the experience, Four Seasons would be worth comparing.

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The House Boutique Suites: Best for Extra Space and Exploring Jabal Amman

Typical price: Around $140–$220 per night, depending on dates and suite category

The House Boutique Suites would be my alternative for more living space and a location closer to Rainbow Street. Accommodation ranges from studios to larger suites, with kitchenettes for keeping snacks or preparing something simple between outings. For friends or family, I’d compare larger suites with the cost of separate rooms.

An outdoor pool, terrace, breakfast buffet, and guest laundry room add useful facilities for a longer trip. The combination of space and neighborhood access makes this stand out to me, particularly for mornings sightseeing followed by time around Jabal Amman’s cafés and restaurants.

Being closer to Rainbow Street doesn’t put every attraction within an easy walk, so I’d still plan transportation around the hills and the day’s activities. Check the suite layout, sleeping arrangements, and kitchen facilities included in your category before booking.

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Where to Stay at the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is where I’d make the hotel a bigger part of the itinerary. Floating and trying the mud are memorable experiences, but pools, comfortable outdoor spaces, dining options, and somewhere to enjoy the sunset matter just as much, especially if this is your chance to unwind between sightseeing stops.

I’d choose a resort with direct Dead Sea access and leave enough time to enjoy it, keeping Petra as a separate overnight base. Our stay at Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa showed me that you can enjoy this setting even if floating doesn’t become your favorite activity.

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Best for a Comfortable Resort Stay with Hilton Points

Typical price: Around $150–$250 per night, depending on season and room type

Points examples: Frequently 47,000–50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, with higher-priced dates

Hilton Dead Sea was our home base for two nights, and I’d happily return. The pools, restaurants, and waterfront setting were especially welcome after our long day exploring Petra. We originally planned just one night here, but replacing our Amman overnight with a second resort night was a decision I was glad we made.

Direct water access made trying the mud and floating experience straightforward. My family enjoyed that part more than I did, but I loved having several pools and places to relax without returning to the salty water. Sunset over the Dead Sea was a highlight, and my parents’ generous room upgrade through Hilton Diamond status made our stay especially comfortable. An upgrade isn’t guaranteed, but it added real value on this trip.

The award calendars showed many nights within the range above, alongside higher prices and gaps. I’d compare awards with the full cash rate before redeeming and reserve time for the resort rather than use it mainly as a base for long excursions.

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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: Best for a Luxury Escape with Pools and Spa Time

Typical price: Around $300–$550+ per night, depending on dates and accommodation category

Kempinski Ishtar would be my choice to investigate for a more luxurious Dead Sea stay. Its expansive grounds, terraces, and pools overlooking the water make it appealing for a visit centered on the resort itself. After several days of archaeological sites and early departures, I’d welcome having different spaces to settle into without another sightseeing agenda.

The range of pools and spa facilities is what I’d compare most closely with Hilton. The resort advertises nine pools across the property, while Ishtar Spa by Resense offers bathing facilities and treatments. I’d check which are included with the room and any age restrictions rather than assume every photographed space is available to every guest.

Rooms and suites occupy different parts of the resort, so I’d compare the outlook, balcony or terrace, and location within the grounds. At this price, I’d want the accommodation and facilities I’d actually use to justify the premium over the other options.

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Crowne Plaza Jordan – Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Best for Resort Facilities and an IHG Points Option

Typical price: Around $145–$250 per night, depending on dates and room type

Points examples: Many dates around 22,000–32,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, with some as low as 19,000 and others considerably higher

Crowne Plaza would be on my shortlist for a full resort stay with another points option available. Its beachfront setting, large outdoor pool complex, and D’Sante Spa offer reasons to linger beyond a quick float. Children’s swimming facilities also make it worth comparing for a family trip.

The variation in award prices caught my attention. Several dates required relatively modest amounts of IHG points, while others climbed sharply. Comparing nearby nights could make a meaningful difference to a longer stay, although I’d weigh the redemption against the cash price for the same room and cancellation terms.

I’d also compare room views, meal packages, and separate spa charges. With cash rates overlapping Hilton’s, my choice would depend on the room, inclusions, and rewards available for our dates, rather than assuming one would always be the better deal.

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Where to Stay Near Petra: Wadi Musa and the Entrance Area

For Petra, I’d stay in Wadi Musa, the town beside the archaeological site, rather than visit from a distant base. Our day trip from the Dead Sea left us balancing the walking with a long drive home. Staying nearby would simplify early starts and returning afterward, especially for a second day or Petra by Night.

Within Wadi Musa, distinguish hotels near the visitor entrance from those farther uphill, where you may need transportation. The three options below prioritize entrance access, though staying near the gate doesn’t eliminate the walking inside Petra. I’d still choose somewhere comfortable to recover.

Mövenpick Resort Petra: Best for Entrance Convenience and a Comfortable Resort Stay

Typical price: Around $200–$350+ per night, depending on season and room type

Mövenpick’s location directly opposite Petra’s entrance is the biggest draw for me. For an early start or returning after Petra by Night, having the hotel just across the road would be worth considering in the budget.

The outdoor pool, spa, and choice of restaurants add to that convenience. I like the possibility of exploring early, returning for a break, and having dinner without another journey. The roof garden is another space I’d look into, checking seasonal opening arrangements.

This would be my pick for entrance access combined with resort facilities. Make sure you’re booking Mövenpick Resort Petra, since the similarly named Mövenpick Nabatean Castle is a different property. Being beside the visitor entrance is central to why I’d choose this one.

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Petra Guest House Hotel: Best for Entrance Access and Cave Bar Character

Typical price: Around $110–$200 per night, depending on dates and accommodation category

Petra Guest House caught my eye while planning our trip, particularly because of the Cave Bar. Somewhere with that much character to sit down after exploring appealed to me, and its location steps from Petra’s entrance made it even more interesting. It would be firmly on my return-trip shortlist.

The Cave Bar occupies an ancient Nabataean rock-cut space, giving the evening a setting connected to the destination. I love the idea of letting the experience continue after leaving the archaeological site, with time for a drink or meal before settling in for the night.

The hotel offers guest rooms and chalets, so I’d compare layouts and access, especially when traveling with my parents. For me, the combination of convenience and atmosphere makes this stand out, with an evening spot I’d look forward to enjoying.

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Petra Moon Hotel: Best for Value, Family Room Options, and a Rooftop Pool

Typical price: Around $70–$130 per night, depending on dates and room type

Petra Moon would be my option for a comfortable stay near the entrance at a lower cash price. The hotel places itself approximately 150 meters from the gate and stands on the site of the owners’ original family home, adding a personal connection to Wadi Musa.

The rooftop pool makes it more appealing than simply choosing somewhere inexpensive to sleep. After hours of walking, a swim or quieter afternoon upstairs would be welcome. I’d check pool availability for our dates, particularly outside the warmer months.

Rooms include doubles, twins, triples, and family accommodation, making it worth comparing bed arrangements and the total price with booking two rooms. Be sure to select Petra Moon Hotel, rather than the separately listed Petra Moon Luxury Hotel, when checking rates and facilities.

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Where to Stay in Wadi Rum: Make the Desert Part of the Experience

We didn’t reach Wadi Rum on our first trip, but on a longer visit, I’d want an overnight stay with time for a guided excursion, sunset, and an evening under the stars. Here, the accommodation would be part of the experience itself.

A panoramic dome, a furnished tent with a private bathroom, and a simpler camp can offer different stays. I’d compare the setting, bathrooms, heating or air conditioning, meals, and transfers alongside the photographs. The prices below cover different accommodation categories and inclusions, so I’d confirm the total with our preferred excursion before choosing.

SunCity Camp: Best for a Martian Dome with Hotel Comforts

Typical price: Around $130–$220+ per night for tent accommodation, with Martian Domes priced separately by date

SunCity would be my starting point for the desert-dome experience. Its Martian Domes have panoramic windows and private terraces, bringing the landscape into the stay. I like the idea of returning from an excursion and sitting comfortably while the light changes across the mountains.

The camp lists private bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning, and heating across its accommodation, with breakfast and dinner included in its published room descriptions. Conventional tents and family suites provide alternatives if a dome doesn’t suit your group or budget.

The lowest advertised rate may not cover the dome pictured, so I’d compare categories and confirm excursion costs separately. For me, the upgrade would depend on the outlook and how much time we planned to spend enjoying it.

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Memories Aicha Luxury Camp: Best for a Special Glamping Stay with Panoramic Room Options

Typical price: Around $210–$400+ per night, depending on tent category and season

Memories Aicha would be on my shortlist for a stay where the room itself felt special. Its furnished tents and panoramic accommodation offer different ways to enjoy the mountain setting, with private bathrooms and air conditioning bringing hotel comforts into the desert.

The panoramic categories catch my attention, but I’d compare them with the conventional luxury tents before paying more. For one night with an excursion and dinner filling much of the schedule, the upgrade might matter less than it would over two slower nights.

I’d check meals, transfers, and excursion arrangements alongside the room price. My choice between this and SunCity would come down to the specific accommodation, outlook, and package available for our dates.

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Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp: Best for Combining a Comfortable Camp Stay with Desert Exploring

Typical price: Approximately $255 per night for a Double Deluxe Tent or $310 for a Double Martian Tent, including dinner, breakfast, and return transfers from Wadi Rum Village; excursions cost extra

Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp appeals to me for its combination of comfortable accommodation and excursion choices, from shorter jeep outings to longer tours and hiking or scrambling programs. I’d choose around our family’s interests and energy, rather than assume we needed the longest or most demanding option.

The Deluxe Tents already offer private bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning and heating, plus windows and terraces overlooking the landscape. Martian tents provide another option if the dome design matters to you. Those comforts would make either category easier to consider when traveling with my parents.

The published direct rates specify meals and village transfers while separating the tour cost. I’d request a total for our preferred tent and excursion, giving us a clearer comparison with the other camps before booking.

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Choose the Stay That Makes Your Jordan Trip Better

I loved our time at Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. The sunsets, pools, and time together as a family made it memorable. Next time, I’d give Petra its own overnight base so we could enjoy both places without the exhausting drive between them.

Near Petra, Petra Guest House and its Cave Bar would be high on my shortlist for entrance convenience and character. In Wadi Rum, I’d weigh the camp experience and excursions as carefully as the room. For Amman, Grand Hyatt would remain an easy option to consider with points.

You don’t need to splurge at every stop to have a memorable trip. I’d spend where the location or experience would improve our days, use rewards when they offered worthwhile value, and leave time to enjoy the places we chose. The right stay should make exploring easier and give you somewhere you’re happy to return to.