Kerak to Petra
Website for southern Jordan - Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba
http://www.aqaba.jo/english/index.php
After breakfast at the Kerak Rest House, we visit the Dana Reserve (visitors centre). We continue to Shobak, then transfer to our Petra hotel.
Below, two views of the Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel in Petra - our hotel
Our hotel at Petra - Movenpick Nabatean Castle
Movenpick Nabatean Castle O/N
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/pub/your_hotels/worldmap/petra_nabatean_castle/overview.cfm?CFID=4026406&CFTOKEN=77552958
View of the then closed Petra Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel
Petra actually has two Movenpick hotels. The one nearest the entrance is open and was booming when last we were there. But up the hill, overlooking Petra proper is the 'castle.' Our room literature indicated if you stayed in one Movenpick you could use both facilities. So we made our way up to see it.It was closed, with only a lonely caretaker on-hand. He let us look around a bit. This is a view off the back side toward the remarkable views of Petra this hotel enjoys. He indicated the Intifada and then war on Iraq had made it unprofitable to keep the place open. It was surreal to see such a beautiful place so still and quiet.
Reviews from Trip Advisor:
1. “Overpriced, poor standard, not a normal Movenpick”
Kittygangar - Jordan
Feb 22, 2009
We had an overnight stay at this hotel. We had booked using a pre-arranged concessionary rate as 'locals', and wanted two nights but could get only one (Thank God!). As we are 3, we were told it was not possible to add an extra bed in a standard room (It is perfectly possible at no charge in the Marina Plaza in Aqaba, where we had to spend our first night!), so had to book a Junior Suite. On arrival it seems we were upgraded to an Executive Suite. It looked very nice with two rooms, sofas, nice decor and complimentary fruit etc, and an extra bed in the sitting area. The bathroom was very small by comparison but seemed adequate on sight.
However, as our stay progressed we found the following faults:
The indoor swimming pool was too cold to swim comfortably (the only reason we chose this hotel from others in the area), the ill-sitting window in the sitting/child's bedroom caused a freezing draught (the winds blow strong and cold at this time of year), the toilet blocked every time it was used (the plumber was prompt and partially effective), the coffee machine leaked water all over the table, the shower was lukewarm and the hairdryer ineffective.
As far as food goes, dinner was an adequate but unremarkable Arab mezze, and breakfast was a real disappointment. There was very little hot choice and the bread and rolls were not fresh.
To cap it all, we were charged full Junior suite rate for our stay, so had a much worse experience than the night before (Marina Plaza) for twice the price! In spite of arguing with the Manager and detailling our complaints, he insisted we pay up, which we reluctantly did to avoid embarrassment and to get out of the place. The only positive I can say is that the staff were friendly and helpful (except perhaps the manager!), and the views over the Wadi Araba are fantastic (but you can get them for free by stopping at the side of the hotel!)
By far the worst hotel I have ever stayed in in Jordan and certainly not a good advertisement for Movenpick. Never again.
2. “Do Not Stay Here”
KruzQween - Wilson, North Carolina
Feb 21, 2009
We were originally booked in the main Movenpick hotel in Petra, but the royal family took over the hotel and we were moved to the Nabatean. It was horrible. Dirty, small and downright nasty. The air conditioning didn't work. The lobby was ok.
3. “Hated this hotel”
CambridgeJames - Cambridge
Jan 6, 2009
We stayed 2 nights at this hotel at the end of December. We had no choice but to stay here in Petra as all the other hotels were fully booked (at the time we made our reservation).
Despite arriving in the early evening, the room was not ready for us.
The shower was a DISGRACE. It barely dribbled out of the head and on both morning there was no water at all.
On the first occasion, I called reception, who told me that someone would be with me in 5 mins. 15 mins later I called again and was told by reception that they assumed that I didn't want a shower and were going to look at it during the day. I was endlessly fobbed off with pathetic excuses with each person I complained to looking at me as if this was an unexpected issue.
In fact, there was no problem with the shower in the room, but the hotel has a complete water pressure problem (having talked to other guests). There is not enough hot water for the hotel and the pressure is woeful, meaning that at normal times, there is no water for anyone.
For any visitor to Petra - only stay here if it is last resort, unless you plan on not washing for your stay !
Liked — The breakfast was ok
Disliked — No shower
4. “Better than expected”
Paulklib - Brussels, Belgium
Dec 1, 2008
I have spent two nights at the Nabatean Castle as a part of a post-cruise package. We had a freshly renovated room, perfectly clean, with a fantastic view on the mountains surrounding Petra; however, some fellow travellers had complaints about their bathroom or the cleanliness of their room.
The reception and bar staff are very friendly and helpful.
Food is decent, though not really up to Mövenpick standards.
Good swimming pool.
There is a 10 minutes drive to the site of Petra; this is not an issue if you are travelling with a group. The other Mövenpick is located at the entrance of the site, but has no view.
Liked — the view
Disliked — the food
5. “Much better than expected”
mungoandmaria - tunbridge wells uk
Oct 31, 2008
Having read comments on Trip Advisor we were not really looking forward to our three nights here, but we had a great stay and were really pleasantly surprised.
When we arrived we were given a room over the kitchens which was full of the smell of food so we managed to change it and had a great view over the valley. The room was newly decorated and the fittings very clean and good. As reported earlier, the aircon was useless so we slept with the window open which was probably healthier anyway!
We were in a small group of 14 people and were given our own table in the dining room which saved all the hassle of reserving a table. The buffet food was excellent with a large variety including many local dishes. Alcoholic drinks were very expensive with a small glass of wine costing over £6 after adding the 'plus, plus'. We were on a tour so we have no idea about the food prices. We did have a drink beforehand in the very pleasant bar with a large terrace outside. There is only one barman so if you arrive just after a group there will be a long wait for your drink.
The hotel is some way from the town but judging by the traffic chaos near the other Movenpick hotel, this seemed to be a much better choice as it was very quiet with great valley and mountain views.
6. “Could do better”
traintravelLondon - London
Aug 3, 2008
Some friendly staff at the security entrance and in the dining rooms, but in general a poor experience. No air con for much of the time (desk response: there are too many people staying" and difficult to get a response from the desk.
On the other hand, nice pool, spectacular views on one side of the hotel, nice Dead Sea products in the bathroom and good breakfasts. A long walk from Petra.
The iron (difficult to get hold of in the first place) had seen better days.
7. “Worst experience ever!!!”
mhogstad - Columbia, SC
May 18, 2008
This hotel advertises as a 5 star, but is more of a 2 star in quality. The trick is they have features like a (crappy) restaurant and a pool I didn't see. This place MAY have been nice...in the 80s but now, it is rundown and awful. It wouldn't be so bad if you knew what you were getting into, but they still charge as if they were on the up and up.
With all that aside, the staff and customer service is AWFUL!!! They didn't even know where rooms were on their level....it was an ordeal just trying to get extra toilet paper....and then when I was happily leaving....they tried to double bill me. I booked through travelnow.com and the MORONIC staff didn't understand how the system worked and tried to bill me again. I spent an hour telling them I already paid. And it has nothing to do with language barrier b/c I speak Arabic. They are just not trained well have no customer service.
Another bizarre thing is they turn off all the lights at night. Not exactly safety oriented....
STAY AWAY FROM THIS HOTEL, even if it is the only one available. At least if you stay at a different, cheaper hotel, then you get what you pay for.
Liked — had a decent view
Disliked — EVERYTHING
8. “Just for big groups”
maperrin - rio de janeiro
Feb 28, 2008
We have been staying in this hotel In January 2008, having booked directly on Movenpick website. Room is fair, clean and view is splendid. However service is just nil. No Internet (broken during 4 days). No same day laundry available. Very cold in-door swimming pool. Poor buffet dinner that you cannot compare with the Other Movenpick hotel in Petra. This hotel is now exclusively dedicated to big groups of foreigners, coming by bus from Amman. No class. no charm.
Liked — view
Disliked — service
9. “Fantastic location”
Athens85 - Lugano
Feb 16, 2008
I stayed 3 nights in Mövenpick Nabetean Castel. The hotel is qualified as a 5 stars Hotel but in fact is like a 4 stars Hotel. The main restaurant is fantastic with excellent food for both breakfast and dinner. If you look for something close to the site of Petra forget Nabetean Castle. In fact, it takes 10 min by car to go to entrance of Petra's site. The rooms were fine but needed to be refurbished. The staff was extremely friendly especially in the restaurant. From the bar you have an excellent view on the valley.
Liked — Food
Disliked — Room quality
10. “Fantastic Views - The better of the 2 movenpicks in Petra!”
hm_in_sa - Johannesburg
Jan 31, 2008
If for nothing else stay at this hotel for the fantastic views.
After a long drive from Amman on the Kings Highway we were greeted at the palatial hotel lobby by a very friendly reception who was so excited to tell us that we had been upgraded to the Petra Movenpick by the city gate down town. We were a little disappointed to be changing hotels but decided nevertheless to go and see.
When we arrived at the other Petra hotel next to the city gate we were greeted with noise and a frantic bustle. It took us over 15 mins before someone was available there to check us in, as most of the other customers were complaining about the state of their rooms. A while later we were shown to a small unmade room overlooking a dingy street! We definitely were not staying there!
We demanded to go back to the Nabatean Castle, as the one in Petra seemed more like a downgrade than an upgrade!
The rooms in the Nabatean may be a little less modern, but they make up for it by being more spacious with better views. As the hotel is much quieter, there is more attention to staff and the hotel staff really went out of their way to help. It is also much quieter and darker at night for a quiet nights sleep. Just a note that the food is really not great, although there is a wide selection.
All in all, this is a great hotel for fantastic views. Could do with some modernising in the rooms and perhaps a stocked bar fridge?
Liked — Views
Disliked — Food
