A small, well-run guesthouse in the historic village of Dana on the edge of the biosphere reserve, offering simple but comfortable rooms with spectacular canyon views. The terrace is one of the finest places in Jordan to watch the sunset, and the owners organise guided hikes and nature walks into the reserve.
Dana Tower Hotel is a small family-run guesthouse perched at the edge of Dana village, a stone-built hilltop settlement in the Ma'an Governorate of southern Jordan, overlooking the dramatic canyon landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, spanning approximately 320 square kilometres of dramatic terrain from the highland plateau to the Wadi Araba below, and Dana Tower sits directly at the cusp of this wilderness — one of the most scenically striking locations of any guesthouse in the country.
The building follows the traditional stone construction of Dana village, whose narrow lanes and sandstone houses have changed little over centuries. The architecture is simple and functional rather than luxurious, with rooms that offer basic but comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and heating. The real draw is not the interior but the views: the terrace at Dana Tower is widely considered one of the finest places in all of Jordan to watch the sunset, as the canyon layers catch the late-afternoon light in colours ranging from amber to deep violet. Many guests arrive intending a single night and extend their stay when they experience the terrace at dusk.
The hotel's owners are deeply connected to the reserve and organise guided hikes and nature walks for guests. Day hikes include the Wadi Dana trail that descends through the canyon to the Feiynan Ecolodge, as well as shorter rim walks that survey the full canyon panorama. The reserve is home to wolves, foxes, ibex, eagles, and over 800 plant species, making it a serious destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Advance booking of guided hikes through the hotel is recommended, particularly for the longer multi-hour descents.
Breakfast is served daily and typically includes Jordanian staples prepared by the family. The atmosphere of the hotel reflects the character of Dana itself — quiet, authentic, and largely untouched by the commercial mass tourism that affects other parts of Jordan's southern circuit. Dana Tower is best suited to travellers seeking a contemplative, nature-focused experience.
Amenities
- wifi
- breakfast
- terrace
- hiking arrangements
- panoramic views
Location
Dana Village, Ma'an Governorate
30.6897, 35.6119 View on map
Highlights
- Spectacular canyon views from the terrace — widely considered one of Jordan's finest sunset vantage points
- Perched at the edge of Dana Biosphere Reserve with direct access to hiking trails into the canyon
- Owner-organised guided hikes including the Wadi Dana descent trail to Feiynan Ecolodge
- Authentic stone guesthouse in the historic village of Dana, largely unchanged for centuries
- Ideal base for wildlife observation in Jordan's largest nature reserve, home to ibex, wolves, and eagles
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before sunset — the terrace view at dusk is exceptional and is the primary reason many guests choose this property
- Book guided hikes in advance through the owner, particularly for the longer Feiynan Ecolodge descent trail
- Bring layers as Dana sits at approximately 1,200 metres elevation and temperatures drop sharply after dark
- The village of Dana itself is worth exploring on foot — the historic stone lanes and traditional architecture reward a slow walk
- A visit to the Dana Biosphere Reserve visitor centre provides useful context on the area's wildlife and ecology before hiking
Accessibility
Dana Tower Hotel is situated in a historic hilltop village with steep, uneven stone lanes and multi-level access throughout the property. Wheelchair access is not possible in most areas of the hotel or the surrounding village due to the ancient stone terrain. The property is best suited to guests who are mobile and comfortable navigating uneven surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Can guests arrange hiking into Dana Biosphere Reserve from the hotel?
Yes, the owners organise guided hikes into the reserve, including the popular Wadi Dana trail descending to the Feiynan Ecolodge and shorter canyon rim walks. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for full-day treks that require early starts and guide coordination.
How do guests reach Dana Tower Hotel from Petra or Amman?
Dana village is located on Route 35 between Tafila and Aqaba. From Petra the drive is approximately 90 minutes north by car. There is no regular public bus service directly to the village; most guests arrive by private car, rental vehicle, or taxi from the nearest bus stops on the main highway.
What is the elevation of Dana village and how does it affect the experience?
Dana village sits at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level at the canyon rim. The elevation means temperatures are noticeably cooler than at Petra or Wadi Rum, particularly in the evenings. Warm clothing is advisable even during the warmer spring and autumn months.
Is Dana Tower Hotel suitable for families with children?
The hotel is family-friendly in its welcome, but parents should be aware of the unfenced canyon rim near parts of the village and terrace. Longer hiking trails are generally unsuitable for very young children. The hotel staff are accommodating and can suggest shorter walks appropriate for families.