Visiting Petra is one of those bucket-list travel experiences that truly delivers, especially for families. Walking through the narrow Siq, seeing the Treasury appear at the end of the canyon, and exploring ancient tombs carved into sandstone feels like stepping into a real-life adventure movie.
But Petra is also a big day for kids (and parents). Expect lots of walking, stairs, sun, and dust which makes choosing the right hotel even more important. The best family-friendly hotels in Petra offer easy access to the entrance, rooms that sleep four or more, and ideally a pool for cooling off after a long day of exploring.
But first, let me tell you that the town where the Archaeological site of Petra is located is called Wadi Musa. It has a lot of accommodation options but is still a small town, that is largely built around the demand to visit Petra. There is also another smaller village nearby, Um Sayhoun, which has the local Bedul tribe who moved out of Petra, and also a few accommodations near Little Petra. But with that being said, you most likely want to stay in Wadi Musa. Below are the best hotels in Petra for families, with options ranging from luxury hotels to unique camp-style stays.
Best Luxury Hotels in Petra for Families
Mövenpick Resort Petra
If location is your priority, this is one of the best family hotels in Petra. Mövenpick Resort Petra is located directly across from the Petra Visitor Center, which is a major advantage when traveling with kids. We spent three nights here, and being able to walk back to your hotel without a huge uphill walk into town was one of the best benefits!
Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and families can often book connecting rooms or larger room configurations. We had a King room with a pullout couch that had lots of room for 4 of us (if your kids are find sharing a bed). It also has parking if you have brought your rental car!
Why families love it: unbeatable location + resort feel
Best features: pool, restaurants, babysitting options, and walkability to Petra
Best for: families who want maximum convenience and comfort
Petra Marriott Hotel
Perched on a hill above Wadi Musa, Petra Marriott Hotel is a reliable choice for families who want a well-known brand and a more peaceful setting. This was where we stayed the first time we came to see Petra. The views from the hotel are gorgeous, especially at sunset, and the pool area is a welcome break at the end of the day!
While it isn’t right next to the Petra entrance, it’s still close enough to be convenient if you have a car, and it offers a quieter atmosphere and beautiful views!
Why families love it: scenic views and a relaxing resort vibe
Best features: outdoor pool, comfortable rooms, good meals
Best for: families who want a calmer stay after busy sightseeing days
Petra Moon Luxury Hotel
Petra Moon Luxury Hotel is one of the best newer-style boutique options in Petra. It offers a polished feel without the high-end price tag of the major resort brands, and its rooftop pool is a standout feature in summer and fall!
It’s also close enough to the Petra entrance that you can walk there, which is ideal if you’re trying to avoid taxi logistics with kids.
Why families love it: modern rooms + rooftop pool + great location
Best features: rooftop pool, walkability, stylish feel
Best for: families who want something modern and comfortable near the site
Best Midrange Hotels in Petra for Families
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay without the luxury price point, these midrange Petra hotels are excellent choices for families—especially those needing rooms that sleep four.
Petra Moon Hotel
Petra Moon Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Petra for a reason. It’s located just a short walk from the Petra Visitor Center and offers a rooftop pool, which feels like a lifesaver after a long day in the sun. It has a great family room that sleeps 5 which is not easy to find in Wadi Musa.
Why families love it: rooftop pool + super close to Petra
Best features: walkability, family-friendly rooms that sleep 5, great value
Best for: families who want the best combination of comfort and location
Old Village Resort
Old Village Resort is a favorite for travelers who want something a little more unique than a standard hotel. It has a peaceful, spacious feel and is especially appealing for families who like having room to spread out.
It’s a great choice if you want a relaxing hotel environment after exploring Petra, with a pool area that feels more resort-like than many of the town-center options. The downside to the Old Village is that it is far from the Petra site entrance.
Why families love it: calm atmosphere and excellent reviews
Best features: pool, spacious setting, relaxed vibe
Best for: families who want a quiet “retreat” feel near Petra and who have a car to drive to Petra.
Best Family Hotels in Petra for Location (Walk to the Entrance)
When traveling with kids, being able to walk to Petra can save you time, money, and stress. These hotels are great options if walkability is your top priority.
- Movenpick Petra is always my first suggestion, as the entrance is right across the street.
- Petra Moon Luxury Hotel, Petra Moon Hotel, La Maison, and Edom Hotel are also all very close. After the first set of hotels, there is a big hill and most of the other hotels are farther up the hill. After a long day, saving that hill walk will be worth it! I will warn you that once you get away from the Luxury category into the midrange hotels like Edom etc, there is a very noticeable difference in appearance. However, the midrange hotels all have clean beds and decent food.
Best Unique Stays Near Petra for Adventurous Families
If you don’t happen to be going to Wadi Rum for a night in the desert, you should at least get a bit of the camping vibe with one of these unique accommodation options near Petra.
Seven Wonders Luxury Camp
Staying in a luxury camp near Petra is one of the most fun experiences families can have in Jordan if you are not spending a night in Wadi Rum. And to be honest, even if you are, this is a fun place to stay and has lots of room for the kids to run around if they have any energy after Petra. Seven Wonders Luxury Camp is located near Little Petra (about 10 minutes drive to the Petra Visitor’s center) and offers a desert-style stay with a bit more adventure than a traditional hotel.
Kids often love the novelty of sleeping in a tent-style suite, and parents love the peaceful setting and the unforgettable atmosphere.
Why families love it: unique desert camp experience
Best features: outdoor vibe, family-friendly setting, memorable stay
Best for: adventurous families or anyone looking for a unique outdoor style stay. Best for those who have a rental car.
Best Budget Hotels in Petra for Families
If you’re traveling Jordan as a family, costs can add up quickly—especially if you’re staying multiple nights. These options are great for families who want comfort without overspending.
La Maison Hotel (Petra)
La Maison Hotel is a popular budget-friendly choice in Wadi Musa and is often recommended for families. It’s simple, comfortable, and well-located for visiting Petra, especially if you don’t need luxury amenities.
Why families love it: excellent value and solid location
Best features: budget pricing, practical family rooms
Best for: families who want affordability and convenience
Candles Hotel
Candles Hotel is directly behind Movenpick, so quite close to the Petra site entrance. It has affordable rooms and different options for larger families.
Why families love it: excellent value and solid location
Best features: budget pricing, practical family rooms
Best for: families who want affordability and convenience and are not too picky about luxury
Quick Tips for Staying in Petra with Kids
Before booking, here are a few things families should know:
Choose walkability if possible.
The closer you are to the Petra Visitor Center, the easier your mornings (and the end of your days) will be. It is also nice if you are traveling with teens to be in an area where they can easily explore.
A pool is a huge bonus.
Petra is hot for much of the year, and kids will appreciate having somewhere to cool off after exploring. Note that some pools are not heated. The pools can be quite cold in spring and fall. If you are early or late in the season, check to see if their pools are open all year! We stayed in the Mövenpick in March, and the pool was very cold!
Look for family rooms or connecting rooms.
Many hotels in Petra have standard doubles, so if you’re traveling with 2–3 kids, it’s worth confirming your room setup before booking. Sometimes the family rooms are available, but they are just not advertised well!
Plan at least two nights.
Even if you only visit Petra for one day, staying two nights makes the trip far more relaxed, especially for families. Plan to get there at the end of the day, spend one night, sightsee and spend another night before moving on! If you have 10 days in Jordan, it is worth having a few days to explore Petra.
So, Where Do I Suggest Families Stay in Petra?
I have been to Petra several times and have stayed at quite a few properties. If you want the most convenient location, Mövenpick Resort Petra is my number one suggestion. For families who want an easy walk to the entrance, a comfortable stay and a swimming pool, Petra Moon Hotel is another good choice. And if you want something memorable and adventurous, a stay at Seven Wonders Luxury Camp (I would not suggest it from November to February as it can be cold and wet in Petra and you will want to warm up in a hotel, even if the camp has heated tents.
When you are looking at hotels on the map, the map is flat. Let me tell you that Wadi Musa is built on a hill, so even if it looks like it is close, it will be up hill. So keep that in mind if you are planning on walking to your hotel. If you plan to drive, there is a parking lot at the visitors centre.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.