For those doing an overnight, like most others on here it seems, I also stayed at the Crowne Plaza right outside the gates. Nothing special, but not bad. A plus is that if you choose their meals inclusive package, there is a restaurant inside Petra itself (right before the pathway to the monastery) that is part of the hotel. So you can use that meal for lunch / dinner, etc as part of the package.

I was so proud of myself for hiking all the way up to the monastery and as I took that step around the corner, staring at this beautiful building, I stepped into sand and twisted my ankle! AGH! So, I paid a bedoin boy and his donkey 5JD to take me down the mountain.

I thought it was a bargain until we were stopped by the tourist police since he was an illegal panhandler (only the camels / horses at the front gate are authorized). I explained to him - while holding up my massive ankle - that I wasn't on a joyride....I couldn't walk! he asked how much I paid, and then responded by saying that if I paid that much he should take me all the way to my hotel!! Then mandated that the boy do so.

Good times...