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The Cranley Report®: Moevenpick Resort Petra
Moevenpick Resort Petra, Jordan
Hotel Address
P.O. Box 214
Wadi Mousa 71810
Petra
Jordon
Contact Details
Telephone: +962 3 215 7111
Fax: +962 3 215 7112
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
Cranley Rating

Moevenpick Resort Petra: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 26. Click arrows to view
Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Hotel Opened
 1996
Refurbishment There was new upholstery in all public areas in 2007. More refurbishment is planned for 2008.
Cranley Summary
The Moevenpick Resort Petra, is situated on the edge of the mountainous desert and is surrounded by hills of rust coloured sandstone. The entrance to the historic site at Petra, built by the Nabateans, is just a two minute walk from the hotel, making it the closest hotel to the site. Its 183 spacious rooms and suites are all decorated and furnished to a high standard. There is beautiful oriental architecture throughout the restaurants, lounges and bars and the Moevenpick Resort Petra, offers its guests a unique, tranquil environment in which to enjoy this ancient city. The hotel has a stunningly designed bar and a number of restaurants serving International and Arabic cuisine. One is situated on the rooftop, giving breathtaking views of the mountains and spectacular sunsets. On the ground floor situated off the lobby area, there is a small Shopping Mall, a Business Centre and conference facilities. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a small gym and a games room, as well as a library.
Location & Layout
Location Description
Moevenpick Resort Petra is located close to the entrance of the rose red sandstone historic site of Petra, which was built over 2000 years ago. With its soaring temples, elaborate tombs and a Roman theatre, it was voted one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. Downtown Petra is just a few minutes drive away and has amenities for shopping, banking etc. Within a 15 minute drive, there are 8,000 year old excavated Stone Age villages at Beidha and Bast and within an hour's drive is Dana, a large Nature Reserve. The hotel is 200 kilometres from Amman (Queen Alia Airport) and 110 kilometres from Aqaba (King Hussein Airport.)
Airports
Distance
 110 km
Airport Transfers
 The hotel will arrange taxi transfers and car hire through an agent.
Cities and Sights
Distance
 81 km
City/Sight Transfers
 The hotel will arrange taxi transfers and car hire through an agent.
Layout Description
Guests enter the hotel into a marble lobby area with a mosaic fountain. The reception desk is to the right and directly opposite are the lifts to all rooms, which are located from the Mezzanine level to Floor 4. Past the lifts is the Al Multaqa atrium lounge. From there, the Al Maqa'ad Bar is off to the left, the Al Iwan restaurant is to the right and Al Saraya restaurant is straight ahead. The Business Centre, meeting rooms and Zara, the hotel's Gift Shop, are all located on the ground floor. The gymnasium and steam rooms are on the lower ground floor and give access to the swimming pool and terrace.
Lobby and Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 Hours
Languages Spoken English, Arabic and other languages are spoken
Payment Methods All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange 24 hours - All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged Taxis arranged on request
Tours Arranged The Hotel uses an agent to arrange tours. These include Wadi Rum, where uniquely shaped mountains present a challenging climb and Dana, where one of the country's best nature reserves, offers superb walking tours. Aqaba, with its coral reef diving is also a popular tour.
Guest Relations Standard Services
Concierge Services
 Standard Services
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours with a response time of approximately 20 minutes according to the hotel. There is a Hospital located in downtown Petra and is a few minutes drive away.
Parking There are no parking areas available at the hotel. The Concierge will arrange to have cars taken to a car park out of the hotel.
Cranley Comment
Guests enter the hotel into a marbled lobby, which has a central mosaic fountain. The reception desk is on the right and the Bell Captain's desk is to the left. The hotel's two lifts, serving all floors are situated opposite the reception desk. A short walk through the lobby area leads into the magnificent Al Multaqa atrium lobby lounge, stylishly decorated with beautiful inlaid marble works, finely hand crafted wood decorations and a large comfortable seating area. Access is gained to the restaurants, bars, shopping mall, business centre and meeting rooms from the lounge.
Shops & Amenities
Description
The hotel's small shopping mall can be found on the ground floor and is reached via a passage from the lobby area. There is a gift shop, a small art gallery and a cake shop called Caravan Stop.
Cranley Comment
Moevenpick Resort Petra has limited on-site shopping. The gift shop, Zara, supplies sweets, postcards, toiletries and souvenirs from Jordan, which include silver, jewellery, embroideries, decorated wooden boxes and much more. Entrance to the Art Shop is gained from the Zara gift shop. Caravan Stop, the cake shop, has a small seating area outside and serves light refreshments including the famous Moevenpick ice cream.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 5
Total Rooms 183
Elevators 2
Rooms per Elevator 92
Total Staff 192
Staff per Room 1
Check-in Time 15:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Late check out subject to availability, at an additional charge.
A day room facility is available.
Smoking Rooms 155 smoking rooms
Room Service Breakfast Menu: 06:00 to 11:00
All Day Menu: 11:00 to 00:00
Laundry Service Regular Service collection before 10:00 will be returned after 18:00 the same day.
Five hour Express Service is available from 08:00 to 17:00 at a 50% surcharge.
Dry Cleaning is also available.
Cranley Comment
The Moevenpick Resort Petra offers five room types - Standard, Superior, Junior Suites, Executive Suites and Royal Suites. Rooms are bright, airy, tastefully furnished and decorated in bright modern colours. Most of the rooms have outside views, except fourteen rooms which overlook the inner Atrium Lobby Lounge, Al Multaqa. Most Standard Rooms do not have a balcony, apart from four which look out over the Atrium.
Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Standard Room 81

9 Street
33 Entrance
21 Rear
14 Atrium
4 Pool

Air Conditioning / Heating
High speed internet connection
Cable television
Work desk / dressing table with lamp
Direct Dial Phone
Minibar
Full size mirror
Hairdryer
Bath/shower
WC
Bidet

 2 Adults 20
Cranley Comment
The rooms are approached along brightly lit carpeted corridors, some with wooden slatted windows overlooking the atrium. The rooms are spacious, decorated in earth and pastel colours and a choice of king or twin beds. The rooms benefit from plenty of cupboard space, a work desk, a small sitting area and both wireless and broadband Internet access. Most Standard Rooms have no balcony, apart from 14 rooms which overlook the Atrium.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Superior Room 73

42 Street
5 Entrance
12 Rear
12 Pool
2 Mountain

As per the Standard Room, with the addition of:
Balcony

 2 20
Cranley Comment
The rooms are approached along brightly lit carpeted corridors, some with wooden slatted windows overlooking the atrium. The rooms are spacious, decorated in earth and pastel colours and with a choice of king or twin beds. The rooms benefit from plenty of cupboard space, a work desk, a small sitting area and both wireless and broadband Internet access. All Superior Rooms have balconies with outside view, some of which are mountain and some pool views.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Junior Suite 22

3 Street
4 Entrance
1 Rear
4 Atrium
10 Pool

As per the Superior Room with the added benefit of:
Additional space
VCR
Sofa
Coffee table
Coffee making facilities
Bathrobe
Complimentary slippers

 2 Adults 32 to 40
Cranley Comment
Each Junior Suite is unique in size and shape with either a king or twin beds. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in pastel shades and have a comfortable seating area with sofa, armchair, coffee table, desk and chair. All rooms have wireless and broadband Internet access. Junior suites have coffee making facilities. The bathroom has a shower over the bath and offers complimentary bath robe and slippers. Most of the Suites have balconies with outside views, apart from four which have atrium views. One Junior Suite has a unique enclosed wooden balcony overlooking the atrium and is furnished in Arabian style with cushions and drapes.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive Suite 5

Street

As per the Junior Suite with the added benefit of:
Separate bedroom
Terrace
Multi closet

 2 42sqm to 51 sqm
Cranley Comment
All Executive Suites have king beds and a separate bedroom and lounge areas. The suites are decorated to a high standard in soft pastel shades and are light and airy. The lounge area consists of a sofa, easy chairs, television, desk, chair and has wireless and broadband Internet access. The bathroom has a walk-in shower unit in addition to the bath, a double sink unit, complimentary bath robes, slippers and bath products. All bedrooms have balconies or terraces with outside views.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Royal Suite 2

Mountain

As per the Executive suite with the added benefit of:
Guest bathroom
Power converters
Private Bath
Additional furniture items.
Complimentary wine on arrival

 2 Adults 55
Cranley Comment
The Royal Suites comprise a master bedroom with a large king size bed, which is decorated in pastel shades and looks out from two separate terraces over the mountain and the front of the hotel. The separate living room is well appointed and has seating, dining and desk areas. The suite also features a kitchenette and can be connected with a junior suite. There is a separate guest cloakroom. The main bathroom has a walk-in shower, bath, double sink unit and complimentary robes, slippers and bath amenities. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of wine and fruit basket. Both suites feature balconies with impressive views of the Mountains.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 6
Restaurant Comments
The Moevenpick Resort Petra offers guests a variety of dining options to suit most palates, from fine dining with Mediterranean cuisine in the Al Iwan Restaurant, to buffets and an a la carte menu in Al Saraya Restaurant. The Al Multaqa Lounge serves light snacks and beverages all day and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the delightful Al Baraka Tea Room. The swimming pool terrace offers guests light snacks and refreshments during the summer months and the Al Ghadeer Roof Garden is a popular evening location during the summer.
  Al Saraya Restaurant  
     
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity 220
Opening Times Breakfast 06:30 to 10:30
Lunch 12:30 to 15:30
Dinner 18:30 to 23:00
Dress Codes Casual
Shoes must be worn
No swimwear
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Designated smoking area
Children’s Facilities High chairs available
Children's menu available
Breakfast Options Moevenpick breakfast buffet is served daily in Al Saraya Restaurant
Cranley Comment
Located on the lobby level, with entry from the Al Multaqa Lounge, this is a bright and airy restaurant with original paintings adorning the walls and large windows overlooking the swimming pool and terrace. It offers mainly buffet dining, but with an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner if preferred. It also offers the Moevenpick ice cream creations. It is the main dining room and serves snacks on the pool terrace and occasional barbeques during the summer months.
  Al Iwan Restaurant  
     
Restaurant Type Mediterranean
Restaurant Capacity 49
Opening Times 19:00 to 23:30
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Designated smoking area
Children’s Facilities Not recommended for children
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
Located on the lobby level, with entry from the Al Multaqa Lounge, this is an award-winning restaurant with marble inlaid floors, a fountain, luxurious decorations and beautiful inlaid mother of pearl chairs. It is a dining room for those who desire a refined, candle-lit Middle Eastern setting. Known for its lavishly prepared dinners and Mediterranean culinary delights, it is an ideal venue for a romantic rendezvous, for a special occasion or for business dinners. During the winter months, this restaurant is not always open, but in the summer, reservations are essential.
  Al Multaqa Lounge  
     
Restaurant Type Light Dining
Restaurant Capacity Total 60
Opening Times 06:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Designated smoking area
Children’s Facilities Children are welcome
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
The Al Multaqa Lounge is located off the lobby area and is an inner courtyard atrium, decorated in Egyptian style with inlaid marble works and hand crafted wooden windows along all the upper corridors. The comfortable seating area for approximately 60 people is decorated with embroidered cushions, warm lighting and a traditional water fountain. The Al Multaqa Lounge serves beverages and light snacks and is an ideal area to relax after a day of sightseeing.
  Al Baraka Tea Room  
     
Restaurant Type Light Dining
Restaurant Capacity 40
Opening Times 15:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Designated smoking area
Children’s Facilities Children welcome
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
This charming tearoom located on the 4th floor, has stunning views over the hills of the city of Petra. Decorated with wicker chairs and tables, Arabian style pictures on all walls and comfy seats around the fireplace, it lends a warm atmosphere, especially on a cold desert evening during the winter. It is open all year round and serves light snacks, beverages and the famous Moevenpick ice cream dessert creations. The Baraka Tea Room also has a small bakery selling cakes.
  Swimming Pool Terrace  
     
Restaurant Type Light Dining
Restaurant Capacity 40
Opening Times 06:00 to 22:00
Dress Codes Casual
Swimwear
Air-Conditioning No
Smoking Policy Designated tables
Children’s Facilities High chairs available
Breakfast Options Served during the summer months from the Al Saraya Restaurant.
Cranley Comment
The Swimming Pool Terrace is outside the Al Saraya Restaurant overlooking the swimming pool. Access to the Terrace is through the Al Saraya Restaurant on the Lobby level or from the gym on Lower Ground Level. The terrace bar serves drinks, whilst light snacks are served from Al Saraya Restaurant.
  Al Ghadeer Roof Garden  
     
Restaurant Type Arabic Garden
Restaurant Capacity 80
Opening Times 15:00 to 00:00
Summer only
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning No
Smoking Policy Open air venue
Children’s Facilities None, but children welcome
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
Al Ghadeer Roof Garden is a delightful outdoor location on the 4th Floor, available to guests during the hot summer months. It has a traditional Arabic fountain and the whole area is bordered with plants. There is live music every evening with an Arabic theme. There is a barbecue and drinks can be enjoyed whilst watching what is usually a spectacular sunset. The famous hubbly bubbly pipes can be smoked here.
Bars
Number of Bars
 1
  Al Maqa'ad Bar  
     
Bar Type Arabian Style Bar
Bar Capacity 60
Opening Times 16:00 to 24:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy Children not allowed
Cranley Comment
Located on the Lobby Level off the Al Multaqa Lounge, this Arabian style bar is luxuriously decorated with gold leaf walls, hand carved wooden screens, hand carved furniture and rich deep coloured fabrics, giving the bar a wonderful atmosphere. Open all year round and serving afternoon snacks and evening cocktails, Al Maqa'ad Bar is a popular location for guests at the hotel to enjoy pre or post dinner cocktails.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet Chargeable wireless high-speed internet access is available in all guest rooms and throughout the hotel and grounds. Guests select a period of access time from 1 hour to 1 month and charges are added to the room bill.
In-Room Services Chargeable high-speed internet is available in all guest rooms, with both wireless and broadband facilities provided. There are electrical sockets and a desk and chair in every room.
Business Centre
Ground Floor Business Centre
Open: 10:00 to 22:00
4 individual Personal Computers with wireless internet access
Secretarial services
Photocopying
Facsimile
Meetings & Events
Moevenpick Resort Petra offers Banqueting and Conferencing facilities .

Al Diwan Meeting Room
100 sq metres with a high ceiling, reaching a height of 2.43 metres. The room can be configured to take 40 boardroom style; 75 banquet style; 40 class room style; 100 theatre style; 35 U-shaped capacity.

Al Jahbaz Meeting Room is situated off the Inner Lobby and is suitable for small meetings for approximately 15 people.

In addition, meetings can be organised in the Burckhardt Library, located on the mezzanine floor. The Library has a large seating area with sofas and chairs.

The latest state of the art audio visual equipment can be arranged upon request.
Catering will be arranged as required.
Cranley Comment
The Al Diwan Meeting Room meaning "The Meeting Place" in Arabic, is situated on the Ground Floor, just off the reception area. It is an elegant venue and is a subtly decorated, well-ventilated and superbly lit conference venue. For small business meetings, the Al Jahbaz is an ideal, comfortable bright venue. The Burckhardt Library is also available for small meetings.
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
   
Games Room The Fun Factory is located on the Lower Ground Floor and is for children aged over 12. There are 2 pool tables, table tennis and darts.
Babysitting service
A babysitting service can be arranged by the housekeeping department at 12 hours prior notice. The service is provided by the hotel and is chargeable.
Cranley Comment
The Moevenpick Resort Petra is built close to the entrance to the historic site and as such, will attract mostly adult guests. It has very limited facilities for children, especially those under the age of 12. Children are welcome at the hotel however and can be catered for with the extensive buffets available. The Fun Factory offers pool and table tennis for the over 12s but there is no entertainment for younger children. Any child under the age of 12 has to be accompanied by an adult at the swimming pool.
Entertainment
  Daytime Activities  
Cranley Comment
There is no arranged entertainment, largely because guests staying at the hotel are there to visit the historic site at Petra.
  Evening Activities  
Cranley Comment
There is a band playing every evening in the hotel, from 5pm in the Al Multaqa Lounge, then from 8pm until 11pm in the Al Maqa'ad Bar.
Pools
  Outdoor  
     
Opening Times 06:00 to 22:00
Temperature Not heated, but see Cranley comments
Depths Maximum 1.55 metres
Minimum 1.00 metre
Size 13 metres long by 6 metres wide
Facilities Facilities during the summer months:
Plastic sun beds and parasols
Steel tables and chairs with parasols
Drinks served from the Pool Terrace Bar
Light snacks and ice cream from the restaurant
Water cascade at the far end of the pool
Changing rooms
Shower facilities
Toilets
Safety Lifeguard on duty during the summer months
06:00 to 18:00
Adult supervision for children under 12
Cranley Comment
The swimming pool is located at the rear of the hotel and is accessed from the gym on the Lower Ground Level. Diners can reach the pool terrace via the Al Saraya Restaurant. Although the pool is not currently heated during the winter, the hotel plans to do so in 2008, at a minimum temperature of 23 degrees celsius. During the summer, the air temperature will ensure that it is hotter still. The pool is surrounded by high sandstone brick walls to three sides with a pagoda over the sunbeds, parasols and the Pool Terrace. There is a water cascade at the far end and a terrace with metal tables and chairs at the other end. The pool bar serves refreshments and light snacks can be ordered from the restaurant.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 06:00 to 22:00
Description 1 Universal Leg Curl
1 Universal Abdominal Board
1 Universal Shoulder Press
1 Universal Vertical Chest (Butterfly)
3 Universal Aerobic Cycle Machines
1 Universal Fitstep
2 Cybex Running Machines
2 TV Screens
Separate Ladies and Men's Changing Rooms
Separate Ladies and Men's Steam Rooms
Separate Ladies and Men's Rest Rooms
Size 14 metres x 8 metres
Cranley Comment
The Wellness Centre and Gym is located on the Lower Ground Floor and has steps leading up to the Swimming Pool and Terrace. The separate ladies and men's changing rooms have lockers, towels, full shower amenities, steam room and rest areas. Children under 12 are not allowed to use the gym without adult supervision.
  Land Sport  
Opening Times
 24 hours
Description 'Fun Factory' games room, equipped with 2 pool tables, table tennis, table football and a dart board.
Cranley Comment
Fun Factory is a large room downstairs from the lobby area. It is equipped with 2 pool tables, table tennis, table football and darts. It appears to be an underused facility, because most guests are either visiting the historic site at Petra, or relaxing after having done so. Children under 12 are not allowed to use the equipment without adult supervision.
Golf
  Tala Bay
Description
Jordan currently has no golf courses but an 18 and 9 hole course is currently under development at Tala Bay in Aqaba and is due to open in 2009. These courses are being constructed around a residential and leisure complex and the 18 hole course will be a PGA standard design.
Location 115 kms
Spa
Cranley Comment
There are no Spa facilities
Special Needs
Rooms & Bathrooms There are two Standard Rooms equipped for special needs guests, all of which are close to the exits. The rooms have wider entry doors, with low level spyholes and all have sliding bathroom doors. There is good space in the bedrooms and all of them have two Queen size beds. The bathrooms have been equipped with low level facilities and grab rails.
Restaurants & Catering All restaurants are accessible by wheelchair, although only a few tables in Al Saraya Restaurant are at the entry level. None of them have any special provision for disabled guests in the form of braille or large type menus. Special dietary requirements will be met on request. The Al Maqa'ad Bar is up a few steps from the Al Multaqa Lounge and can only be accessed by wheelchair if a ramp is laid.
Visual & Hearing Aids There are no special facilities in the hotel for guests with visual or hearing impairments.
Communal Areas The hotel has no parking spaces for guests. There is wheelchair access to the hotel via a ramp and areas of the hotel that would otherwise be inaccessible, can be reached using a ramp that would be laid as required. All floors are accessible via the lifts. There are no disabled toilet facilities in the lobby area.
Recreation Facilities There is wheelchair access to the Pool Terrace via the Al Saraya Restaurant, which is used by all guests. The pool itself does not have any special facilities to assist mobility impaired guests in getting in and out. The hotel has a room on the lower ground floor, Fun Factory, with various sports and games for guests but the room can only be reached via the stairs.
Staff Assistance There are no specially trained staff, but all staff are available to provide assistance.
Cranley Comment
The Moevenpick Resort Petra is reasonably well equipped to deal with the requirements of special needs guests, but other facilities could be added. In areas of the hotel where disabled guests would need to negotiate a step, hotel staff would provide a ramp. Most of the hotel is readily accessible to physically disabled guests and there are four Standard Rooms with en suite bathrooms which are fully equipped. All guests staying at the hotel are there to visit the historic site at Petra, which by its very nature is not easily accessible to those with a physical disability.
Environment
Measures
 Energy Saving
Water Saving
Cranley Comment
Floors are closed down when the hotel is not busy to conserve electricity. All bathrooms have notices requesting guests to conserve water by using towels more than once. The notice also tells guests how frequently the bed linen will be changed.
Report Details
06 February 2008 (Second Review)
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