I'm trying to get an idea of backpacker hotels at Petra (travelling early September). On the internet I found a website for the Petra Diamond (www.petradiamondhotel.com) but never saw it mentioned in any guidebooks. Anyone know if it's any good? Lots of the recommended budget places seem to offer the same services, so guess it's a question of availability and location?

hi desertcat. i've been to petra four times. i love it there. orient gate is a cheap backpackers hotel but it's pretty rough and ready but mohammed is a good laugh. also valentine(formerly twaissi hotel) is really good and although slightly more is really good value. there are so many hotels in petra. last time i stayed in moon valley hotel. this and valentine are not in the guide book but orient gate is. also i can recommend al arabi restuarant and if on a budget then the treasury restuarant on the corner of falahat street is not bad. enjoy your time there.