We are traveling from Israel for a few days in Jordan, mostly to see Petra, but other adventures would also be welcomed. For starters, any advice on whether we should stay near the Dead Sea at Kempinski, or near Petra at Movenpick -- or other hotels? I would prefer something that has a middle eastern feel. Any other thoughts are recommendations on things to see and do would be so welcome! thank you.

I've been wanting to stay at the Kempinski ever since I read this terrific trip report from a regular Fodor's poster:

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...dan/index.html

If you want to see Petra, which I highly recommend, you should stay AT Petra. This will let you enter Petra early, ahead of the crowds, and also take advantage of the Petra at night opportunity. I recommend at least three nights - two full days - for Petra. There is much more to see than the iconic Treasury. I thought the Dead Sea quickly became boring.

For some incentive to spend time at Petra, see: http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/C...st-2009/Petra/

Note that if you are going to Jordan there are some worthwhile mosaics at Madaba - most tours just see the map in St. George's but there is plenty more to see.

Thank you both for such wonderful replies -- you've given me much to consider. I don't know of any hotels near Petra other than Movenick, but I can look them up -- unless others out there would like to offer some suggestions??

As for the mosaics idea -- wonderful! I would love that.

As for spending considerable time at Petra, should we get a guide? My guess is that we could download something on our iPhone, which is a better option if you get a dull, predictable guide. But a great guide is a like a great history teacher -- so enriches the experience. But how to know who is a great guide?

And thank you for the get-there-early reminder. We are going during Xmas vacation, and so we will be one-of-many and so early rising is a great idea (I will tell the teenager that and see how much eye-rolling ensues...).

No need for a guide. You can read up on the history, the routes are easy to follow, and it is a feast for the eyes. Click on my name for my TR including Jordan.

Unfortunately I can't recommend the hotel I stayed at near Petra, but there are several in Wadi Musa, which is the town. The Movenpick is closest to the entrance to Petra.

Thanks eks!

Pediatrician12 - as mentioned we loved the Kempiniski and the Movenpick by the Petra gates was good too.....but are you asking if you can stay at the Dead Sea and visit Petra? No - too far without an overnight (or two).

We did have a guide at Petra whom we adored (see blog link above) but as thursdaysd says you could get along fine without one.

What is a 'few days'

How are you entering Jordan from Israel? Mid-country at Amman or South from Eilat? Or even flying into AMM?

Will you be using a taxi service, renting a vehicle or having a tour operator provide driver/vehicle for you?

Just enjoyed Liz and Richard's blog - thanks for the link, eks. If I had stayed at that hotel I think I would have liked the Dead Sea much more! (And I did go in - or rather on - the water.)

After enjoying the pictures on the blog, and taking another look at my own, now I want to go back to Petra!

I've stayed at both the kempinski and movenpick at the Dead Sea and recommend the movenpick for a more authentic middle eastern feel...in fact, it's built to resemble a Bedouin village. Neither hotel have stellar service, IMHO, and the kempinski is nice also but could be anywhere.

As for Petra, I can't recommend the two places I stayed but do recommend the movenpick there also...it's right at the entrance and looked lovely inside.

Unlike the other posters, I was satisfied with 1 full day at Petra and was glad I did not have more days there. We chose a guide at the visitor's centre on arrival and he was only with us for about 2 hours then we were free to do whatever we wanted. I cannot recall the cost so I figure in that case it wasn't exorbitant so maybe get the guide, but if they are no good, just let them go. It gives a local a job.

In Petra I stayed at the Marriott. This was a short ride from the gates. I feel it was more "middle eastern" than other hotels we stayed at and not your traditional Marriott that could be located in any other city. Sitting outside on the terrace at night was lovely as the sunset over the mountains was wonderful.

We had a suite at the Dead Sea Marriott but it was a highly contested decision as I also loved the look of the Dead Sea Kempinski. The Dead Sea Marriott has been one of my top five hotels for a number of reasons - rooms, service, atmosphere, relaxation, fun and just floating around!