Location. The Marriott Petra hotel is located in Wadi Moussa, Jordan, five kilometres from the entrance to the Petra Valley, and 110 kilometres from Wadi Rum. Hotel Features. Perched on a hill above the Petra Valley, the eight-storey Marriott Petra offers unhindered views of the Jordanian desert. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa with massage, sauna, Turkish bath and treatments. Complimentary newspapers and coffee are available in the cool interior of the marble lobby, where guests can relax with views of the valley. Safe-deposit boxes and banking facilities are provided at the 24-hour front desk. Multilingual staff can organise tours to Petra and surrounding sites. Laundry services can be arranged and complimentary parking is provided.

An American-style buffet breakfast is offered at the Marriott Petra each morning (surcharge). For lunch and dinner, the Dushara restaurant features Middle Eastern cuisine with views of the Petra mountains, while L'Affressco serves Italian dishes and fine wines. Drinks and snacks are available on the terrace beside the pool and from Aretas Bar and Lounge. Room service is provided around the clock.

The hotel offers conference rooms with audio- visual equipment and wireless Internet access in public areas (surcharge). There is a technology help desk on site.

Horse riding, mountain biking and scooter rental can be organised near the Marriott Petra.

Guestrooms. The 100 air-conditioned guestrooms have gold and green decor and most have views of the surrounding desert. All rooms have satellite television, direct-dial phones, high-speed Internet connection, safes, and minibars with complimentary bottled water. Hair dryers and complimentary newspapers and toiletries are provided.

Expert Tip. When visiting Petra, make the trek up to the monastery early in the day, when the steps are still in the shade.

Room Types:

Deluxe Room:   One king or two double beds. 30 square metres. Traditional decor. Air conditioning, satellite television, high-speed Internet connection, and multi-line phone. Minibar, hairdryer, and complimentary newspaper.

Executive Room:   1 king bed. Larger room with separate sitting area. Complimentary newspaper. Satellite television. Minibar. Complimentary bottled water. Safe.

Mountain View Room:   1 king bed or 2 double beds. Mountain view. Complimentary newspaper. Satellite television. Minibar. Complimentary bottled water. Safe.

One Bedroom Suite:   1 king bed. Separate living room. Complimentary newspaper. Satellite television. Minibar. Complimentary bottled water. Safe.

Driving Directions: From Amman-Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): Distance to the Marriott Petra is 200 kilometres, approximately 2.5 hour's drive.

Getting there. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Fares to the hotel cost around 70 JOD.

Getting around. Taxis and shuttle buses run to tourist areas. A private car is useful for exploring further afield.

Driving directions. From Amman-Queen Alia International Airport: Take the I15 south. Exit at the junction for Unayza and the city of Wadi Moussa. Drive through Shobak city, then take the Taybeh road. Continue for about 4 kilometres. The hotel is located on the right.