The most popular backpacker hostel in Wadi Musa, the Valentine Inn has been welcoming budget travellers for decades with its friendly communal atmosphere, basic but clean dormitory and private rooms, rooftop terrace, and homemade Jordanian cooking. The owner is a great source of local knowledge about Petra and surrounding areas.
Valentine Inn is the most established backpacker hostel in Wadi Musa, the gateway town to Petra in Jordan's Ma'an Governorate, and has welcomed budget travellers from around the world for several decades. The inn's longevity in a competitive budget market reflects a consistent formula: clean accommodation, genuine Jordanian hospitality, affordable home-cooked food, and an owner who has become something of a local institution for his depth of knowledge about Petra and the surrounding region.
The property offers a combination of dormitory beds and private rooms, all basic but well-maintained and kept clean. Shared bathroom facilities are divided between the dormitory sections and private rooms. The rooftop terrace is one of the most popular social spaces in Wadi Musa — a communal gathering spot where travellers from different countries compare notes on Petra routes, share food, and plan onward journeys to Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and beyond. The view from the rooftop over Wadi Musa's hillside town adds to the appeal.
Food is a genuine highlight at Valentine Inn. The owner and kitchen staff prepare traditional Jordanian dishes daily, including mezze, grilled meats, and rice dishes, all served at prices that align with the budget nature of the property. The communal dining atmosphere encourages conversation between guests and is a significant part of why many travellers who intended a single night extend their stay. Laundry facilities are available on-site, a practical convenience for travellers mid-journey.
The owner's knowledge of Petra is unmatched in the local budget accommodation scene. Information on lesser-known routes, unofficial trails, optimal timing for each major site, and recommendations for trustworthy local guides is freely shared with guests. For first-time visitors who feel overwhelmed by the scale of Petra, this informal local expertise is often the most valuable thing Valentine Inn has to offer beyond the bed. The hostel is located approximately 1 km from the Petra Visitor Centre, a walk of 10–15 minutes downhill.
Amenities
- wifi
- shared kitchen
- rooftop terrace
- laundry
- dormitories
- local dining
Location
Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
30.3348, 35.4782 View on map
Highlights
- One of Jordan's most established backpacker hostels, welcoming budget travellers to Petra for decades
- Rooftop terrace with views over Wadi Musa — the social hub of the hostel where travellers gather each evening
- Homemade Jordanian cooking served communally at budget-friendly prices
- Owner renowned as one of the best sources of local Petra knowledge in Wadi Musa
- Mix of dormitory beds and private rooms with on-site laundry facilities
Tips for visiting
- Ask the owner about the best timing and lesser-known trails in Petra — the local knowledge here is exceptional
- Arrive early to secure a rooftop spot for sunset, particularly during peak travel months
- The communal dinner is excellent value and a good way to connect with other Petra-bound travellers
- Book a private room well in advance during March–May and September–November peak seasons
- A taxi from the hostel to the Petra Visitor Centre costs around 2–3 JOD — the uphill return is tiring after a full day of walking
Accessibility
Valentine Inn is a multi-storey budget property with stairs between floors and shared facilities on different levels. The building lacks lift access and is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly to discuss suitable room placement on lower floors.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Valentine Inn offer dormitory beds?
Yes, the inn offers both dormitory beds and private rooms. Dormitories are basic but clean with shared bathrooms and represent the most affordable sleeping option near Petra. Private rooms with en-suite options are also available at slightly higher rates.
Is there a communal kitchen at Valentine Inn?
The hostel has a shared kitchen available for guests. The owner also prepares homemade Jordanian meals available at very reasonable prices, which are widely praised by regular guests as a highlight of staying here.
How far is Valentine Inn from the Petra Visitor Centre?
The hostel is located in central Wadi Musa, approximately 1 km from the Petra Visitor Centre — roughly a 10–15 minute walk downhill. The uphill return journey is more strenuous and most guests take a taxi for around 2–3 JOD.
What makes Valentine Inn stand out from other budget options in Wadi Musa?
The hostel's long-standing reputation rests on its communal atmosphere and the owner's exceptional knowledge of Petra, including lesser-known routes, recommended local guides, and budget tips unavailable in guidebooks. Regular return visitors often cite this human connection as the defining quality of a stay.