FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Mövenpick Resort Petra

by Francis X. Gallagher

Sep 1, 2016
GT Tested

Arrival/Check-In: Having passed through Israel and dealing with one of our party who had to secure an “on-the-spot” Jordanian passport, we stopped at the historic Roman city of Jerash on the way to Petra with our guide from Isram Tours. The Isram staff members are spectacular, and I made huge points showing them pictures of Queen Noor and me at an event I hosted in New York many years ago. Queen Noor is much-loved by the Jordanians; she is largely responsible for the fine relations between the United States and Jordan.

We arrived late to the Mövenpick, in time for dinner, which we enjoyed in the great room of the property under a magnificent Turkish brass chandelier. This room connects several of the hotel’s restaurants and acts as a lobby lounge.

We made our goodbyes to our guide, Amjad Sonqret, and driver, Firas Al Qasem, and arranged to meet early in the morning to tour the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. We were ready to join Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to discover the mysteries of the city. Petra once fell out of favor for the city of Palmyra (in present-day Syria), which was partially destroyed by ISIS this year.

Check-in was swift, and everyone was so kind at the Mövenpick — the hotel went beyond my expectations. The buffet dinner was lovely, as was the team at the Al Saraya Restaurant, where we also enjoyed breakfast the next morning. The maître d’ fawned over us, making sure we were comfortable as well as fed.

Guest Quarters: We stayed in room 222, a lovely suite with views from a balcony to the Petra entrance. The suite boasts a living room, large bathroom with double sinks, a separate large shower and tub, and any amenity you may have forgotten or given up to TSA. To boot, the room has a free minibar and a lovely Mediterranean but modern décor which follows throughout the hotel. Standard features include a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, HD TV and comfortable outdoor furniture on the balcony.

As you enter the suite, a short hallway takes you to the living room, with a convenient desk on the far left wall and a sectional sofa on the right with accompanying chairs, tables and a coffee table. A nice spread of fruit, desserts, nuts and a bottle of wine was laid out from the acting general manager, Rania Bawalsa, who has since been promoted to general manager. She is the first Jordanian woman in such a position. I took note of her welcoming guests from table to table while we dined.

Services/Amenities: Petra’s entrance is literally out the front door of the property. We started early to beat the hordes that descend on Petra from the cruise ships; they arrive about 11 a.m., and we encountered them making their way down and kicking up dust to blur the view of the Treasury, the famous main tomb at Petra.

Mövenpick offers five restaurants to choose from, and each has its own personality, from a more causal atmosphere to the more sophisticated, award-winning Mediterranean Al Iwan.

Sad to say, our one day here did not allow us time to see the fully equipped gym and spa, but the trek down and back to the Petra ruins is enough exercise for a day!

The Experience: What can I say? I was not well-versed in the Mövenpick brand, and if the Petra property is a sample of their work, I am a fan: friendly and helpful staff; wonderful restaurants; and location, location, location. Jordan is a must-visit destination. The people smile and are warm, even at border control, asking us to please return. I hope to come back soon and visit Aqaba; there is a Mövenpick there!

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Tourism Street
Petra 71810, Jordan
tel 962 3 215 7111
movenpick.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 24, 2023

Windstar Cruises Announces New Whole-Food, Plant-Based Menu

Windstar Cruises partnered with the National Health Association to create a new vegan menu available on all six of the line’s yachts. The plant-based dishes are prepared without added salt, oil or sugar, and are also gluten-free.

FXExpress Traveler of the Year

FXExpress Traveler of the Year Contest 2023

Daily
Mar 24, 2023

Viceroy Announces Partnership with Out & Equal

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts recently announced a partnership with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the premier nonprofit organization working exclusively on LGBTQIA+ workplace equality. O&E will provide Viceroy with LGBTQIA+ executive leadership development; comprehensive Diversity, Equality & Inclusion training and consultation; and opportunities for professional networking, creating and sustaining an inclusive and welcoming work environment.

Daily
Mar 24, 2023

One of Kyoto’s Newest Boutique Hotels Offers Japanese Traditional and Modern Design

Maana Homes is a boutique hospitality company in Kyoto with a mission to develop projects cultivating meaningful connections between Japanese culture and the rest of the world. Since the company’s beginnings in 2017, they have pushed the boundaries of traditional Japanese machiya by repositioning and giving them a new identity in the modern world. Machiya are traditional Japanese wooden townhouses popular with Kyoto merchants and craftspeople until just before World War II. Because Kyoto was not bombed during the war, many fine machiya survived to the present day.

Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App

Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.

Daily
Mar 23, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan Introduces Spring Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan offers travelers exciting experiences this spring. Opened in July 2020, the property overlooks Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai in Japan’s Northern Kanto region. With cherry blossoms (Sakura) set to bloom in April, the area is the perfect destination for a spring getaway.

eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023

Meadow Homes, New Boutique Vacation Rental Platform in New England, Launches

A new upscale vacation rental platform invites travelers to enjoy boutique properties across New England. Meadow Homes debuts with more than 20 properties in the countryside of upstate New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, with a keen focus on large, private homes close to popular lake and ski destinations.

Portuguese Pleasures

Europe is more fun with a Portugal Stopover.

eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023

Chase Sapphire Unveils Sapphire Lounge in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Chase Sapphire recently unveiled the Sapphire Terrace on March 20 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new space provides Sapphire Reserve cardmembers with a place to relax and fuel up before flights. The indoor-outdoor space comes with lounge-like amenities.