Travel Egypt: 10 Best Hotels in Luxor

There's no finer place than Egypt to absorb ancient culture and meet friendly people, but when choosing a hotel, careful concern must be paid to security and cleanliness. Though there are many low cost hotels available in Luxor, don't be enticed by the pricetag until you count the costs. Hotel age and prime location are not as important as the standards by which they are run.

Luxor is the number one tourist destination for Egypt travelers, as it's home to the Valley of the Kings and countless monuments, temples and statuary. Taking a Nile cruise is another option rather than a hotel, but the cruises do not leave enough time to fully explore this fascinating and exquisitely preserved ancient city. There are enough activities to stretch over two full days, but for the connoisseur of Egyptology, a longer stay of three to five days is appropriate. Hotels, rather than cruisers, are a popular choice with return visitors to Luxor, or those with a voracious appetite for antiquity.

Dining options should remain in the five star hotels and restaurants, as they are accountable to the tourist authority for their cleanliness and attention to health codes. All of the top hotels are in the general vicinity of the monuments and priced very reasonable by American standards. Besides the kitchen concerns, there are also security issues. While Egypt is a country with a low crime rate, staying in a hotel with minimal to zero security is foolish.

This list is compiled to give you a good sense of where each is located, basic ammenities, prices, and what to expect when you get there. These hotels are situated in convenient areas and about 20 minutes from Luxor International Airport.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Airport

1. The Sheraton Luxor
www.hotels.com/hotel_sheraton-luxor-resort_171629_photos.html

This older hotel has been updated a few times and remains one of the most comfortable accomodations in Luxor. The standard guest rooms are spacious with a choice of Nile or city view and suites and Jrs are available in corner units with views of both. Sheraton is located a mile or so south of city center, but has a free shuttle bus back and forth, and cheap taxis are plentiful at the door. The pool is front and center to the river Nile and Sheraton operates their own fellucca boats from their private docks. The main restaurant, off the lobby, is highly recommended for the New York steak and baked potato, however, get there before 8pm as this popular place has a waiting line at night. The hotel staff is friendly, helpful and tries hard to please. Rates in high season reach $75, but drop to the $50 range in summer.

2. The Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
www.hotels.com/hotel_hilton-luxor-resort-spa_119167_photos.html
This newly renovated Hilton re-opened in 2008 and what a deal if you can get in here. Rates are a staggering $25 a night for five star luxury on the Nile. Hilton provides a free shuttle to the attractions in Luxor, and you can walk to the Temple of Karnak in 15 minutes. The pool is sparkling clean with plenty of lounge chairs, some even float in the water. Also, there are hammocks for a lazy sunset view on the Nile. Nearby are unique campfires, shisha pipes (flavored tobacco) and two wonderful restaurants: Rosetta for Middle Eastern food and Silk Road for Japanese fare.

3. Steigenburger Nile Palace
www.hotels.com/hotel_steigenburger-nile-palace-luxor-hotel_198693_photos.html

Well, Steigenburger is not actually a palace, in fact it's a takover of the old Novotel on the Nile. But, fully refurbished, it's an excellent and affordable choice in Luxor. The guest rooms are decorated in warm Earth tones of brown and beige. A unique feature is when you check in, the bellman will give you a quick tour and orientation of the property to help you settle in. The Lebanese and Italian restaurants are excellent, and there's a relaxing outdoor cafe with a Turkish Whirling Dervish performance. Also, the outdoor Nubian restaurant has a sound and light show at night. Basic winter rates about $63.

4. Sofitel Old Winter Palace
www.hotels.com/hotel_sofitel-winter-palace-luxor_117360_photos.html
www.sofitel.com

In contrast to Steigenburger, this hotel was an actual palace for Egypt's King Farouk. Today, The Old Winter Palace captures the imagination of the days of Howard Carter with it's old-world elegance, unparalled by any of it's neighbors. Centrally located, you may walk safe and sound to the Temple of Luxor, the museum and plenty of dining and shops. If you saw the 1981 movie Sphinx, with Leslie-Ann Down and Frank Langella, you will recall the sweeping spiral outside staircase and the feeling of antiquity inside. The Sofitel Winter Palace, not to be confused with it's sister property, The New Winter Palace Pavillion, does not have a gym, but that's a minor inconvenience. Everything else about this historic hotel is a first class act.
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1555585/sphinx_1981_with_frank_langella.html

5. Jolie Ville
www.jolieville-hotels.com/luxor_welcome.php

"Jolie" is French for "beautiful", and this resort lives up to it's name. Situated on the private Crocodile Island, there is only one bridge to Luxor, keeping this resort free of cars and noise, and complimentary shuttle service is provided to guests for all their sightseeing needs. On the isle, you may enjoy the tennis courts, football, volleyball and bike rentals. This is a great place for people traveling with children, as the island is sealed off from the public and provides a sanctuary of peace and safety. There are only three restaurants, but they're good ones: The Jolie Buffet, La Fleur ala carte and a BBQ at the pool. On Tuesdays and Sundays, try the Fellah Tent for traditional Egytpian music and dance. This island oasis starts about $120.

6. Pyramisa
www.pyramisaegypt.com/pyramisaisishotel/location.asp

This full service hotel is located about 2.5 miles from the Temple of Karnak, situated on a quiet bank of the Nile. Allegedly owned by a relative of Egyptian president Mubarak, the Pyramisa chain is always clean and dependable. Besides standard-sized rooms, this accomodation has small, medium and grandios suites for a fair price. For dining, there's a 24 hour buffet, Italian trattoria and the only Chinese food restaurant in Luxor. Fitness lovers will like the gym, tennis and squash courts and the spacious billiard room. Spring rates start at $120, and discounts are plenty in the summer.

7. Sofitel Karnak
www.asiarooms.com/egypt/luxor/sofitel_karnak_luxor.html
www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-5552-sofitel-karnak-luxor/index.shtml

This lovely hotel is located a bit down the road from city center, but free shuttle bus and ferry boat will take you round trip to it's sister property, The Old Winter Palace. There you will find abundant shopping, dining, the Luxor Museum and more. Though the guest rooms are on the small side, they make up for that with beautiful Arabian architecture and textured ceilings. Just outside the hotel gates, you'll find a mini market with plenty of goods to stock your fridge. This quiet, out of the way hotel gets an A+ for friendliness, service and design. Average winter rate is $75.

8. Al Moudira
www.moudira.com

Located on the West Bank near Valley of the Kings, many people do not know about this jewel of the Nile since it's not part of the bulk tourist hotels. This impressive structure is straight out of the Arabian Nights, with every corner detailed in the finest furnishings and decor. Outside, the well manicured gardens are filled with the smell of hibiscus, jasmine and henna, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy it. For the discimminating traveler, when only the best will do, Al Moudira delivers. These lavish rooms start about $175

9. Mara House
www.egyptwithmara.com

This lodging looks more like a residential building than a hotel. But, what a treasure this apartment-style accomodation is. In addition to sparkling clean rooms, a wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant and beautiful Arabic interiors, Mara House is there to assist you with all your travel plans and local touring. They will even arrange a day trip to Dendera and Abydos, quite some distance away. Although checkout is officially at 12noon, you may stay as long as you need before catching your plane or train. This hotel is set back from the Nile and city center, but they can be reached with an easy 15 minute walk. No bustle or waiting in line here. This family-owned hotel is one of the best spots for caring staff and meeting your every need.

10. Sonesta St. George
www.asiarooms.com/egypt/luxor/sonesta_st._george-hotel-gallery.html
www.sonesta.com/Luxor

Finally, the Sonesta St. George is a five star accomodation with nearly half price reservations offered through AsiaRooms.com. For just $64 in high season, you get first class lodging and dining with Nile view rooms. The guest rooms are fitted with lavish bathrooms, and some with a whirlpool spa in the tub. Other ammenities are a flatscreen TV, twice daily maid service, but, surprisingly, no coffee and tea makers in the rooms. The pool, though small, has a lovely swim up bar and gorgeous views of the river Nile.

An added convenience provided by St George is there in-house travel agent that can book all your daily tours at a fraction of the cost from booking in your home country. And, typically, these groups are smaller, with a handful of members and even private tours can be arranged. There are seven restaurants, and an excellent 24 hour buffet that offers custom omelletes for breakfast, making the meal a pleasing escape from the standard table d'hote fare. However, meals are pricey at St. George, and for prolonged stays, the extra cost can dissipate your savings from online booking. But, for the two-night stay in Luxor, St. George is luxury all the way at rock bottom prices.

Luxor is one of many important stops on an Egypt adventure. And for the best hotels in Cairo and the Red Sea, at Sharm el Sheikh, try these helpful links to learn location, ammenities, pricing and all about the local attractions.
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1605132/the_28_best_hotels_in_cairo_egypt.html
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1309145/best_hotel_locations_in_cairo_egypt.html
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1569731/20_top_tourist_attractions_in_cairo.html
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1642772/egypt_red_sea_attractions_in_sharm.html