Lounge Review: Petra Lounge (Alia Airport – Amman, Jordan)

Jordan’s “Queen Alia’s Airport”  is a new beautifully designed airport which was opened in 2013. On one of my recent visits to this airport I got to experience Petra Lounge, Alia’s smaller and lesser known lounge. Located in the airport’s transit hotel (opposite Gate 208 and next to WHSmith Bookshop and Pharmacy 1), you’ll find the entrance to both the hotel and the lounge. You’ll need to take an elevator down one floor to reach Petra Lounge.

On walking in, I immediately notice how tastefully decorated the space is. The furnishing in the main lobby are covered in earthy colors that gives the space a warm glow.

The lobby is well stocked with food and drink, which will help you relax as you unfurl into one of the many comfortable couches. In the center of the room there’s a table with a nice selection of tempting sweets, on the sidewall stands an open faced bar stocked with wine and spirits and below the bar are several mini-fridges offering water and soft drinks. Towards the end of the lobby, there’s a full service coffee/espresso machine with cookies and dates on the side (which I thought was a nice touch!).

From here the layout of the space gets a little strange.

You’ll walk through a narrow hallway (past a smoker’s room) that opens up to uncover a dining area. The food is laid out in a buffet style and I was impressed with its selection of food. There was everything from basic Continental food to Middle Eastern Mezze to pastries and more.

The portions here are definitely not stingy, and you’ll be able to fuel up nicely for your trip.

Need to get some work done before your flight? Then you’re in luck. This lounge has a strong wifi connection and plenty of power outlets spread out between the seats. There’s also computer terminals available for use (if you’re not carrying your laptop).

I have to be honest, after experiencing the Crown Lounge (Alia’s primary first class lobby) and Petra Lounge, I have to say I preferred the Petra Lounge. I found the space to quieter, warmer and the perfect place to unwind, which important if you’re traveling on a long haul flight.

So if you find yourself in Amman’s airport, then I strongly you give this lounge a try.