Khaled Ben Walid St , Luxor
The Steigenberger Nile Palace hotel is without doubt one of Luxor’s best 5 star hotels with a high standard accommodation and first-class hospitality. With panoramic views over the Nile to the West Bank where the valley of Kings and Queens are found. Situated in centre of Luxor it is the perfect base from which to explore this amazing city, most of the tourist sites being within walking distance.
On arriving at Luxor Airport we were collected by the ‘limo’ as previously arranged with the hotel (please note that the transportation whilst extremely comfortable it is not, as advertised, a limousine as we know it back home) however at the very reasonable price of 12 euros in total each way for both of us it was excellent value and certainly beats hanging around waiting for minibuses to fill up. Once at the hotel we were immediately shown to our room which was comfortable, spacious, well decorated and had a delightful (if somewhat tiny) balcony overlooking the courtyard. Apart from the usual mini-bar, satellite television, hair dryer, air conditioning and ample complimentary toiletries, the hotel provides in each room internet access (terms arranged with reception) and a safety deposit box (free of charge).
Our first morning we enjoyed a lavish buffet breakfast, with a wide selection of local and international specialities on offer, served in the relaxed surroundings of the air conditioned Nubian Restaurant, however, on subsequent days we took and early breakfast outside on the terrace to soak up the warmth of the sun (just avoiding quickly rising temperatures) to take in the splendid views overlooking the Nile. The staff were pleasant and attentive both indoors and on the terrace, and happily topped up my coffee for the sixth or seventh time always with a smile.
Our morning relax around swimming pool was a delight, no rush to push out towels early in the morning to save a sun bed, with plenty of beds at all times of the day and the pool staff providing freshly laundered towels we were in seventh heaven.
Returning to the hotel late afternoon most days after an action packed day, we were grateful to visit the hotel’s health and fitness centre for a relaxing massage. Friendly and experienced staff pampered and revived us ready for the evening.
Ashraf, Mahmoud and Nazera
With a patisserie, Italian and Lebanese restaurants surrounding the courtyard, the hotel offers an hour or two of nightly entertainment (although a little repetitive during the two week holiday it was by far the best on offer from any of the major hotels in Luxor) After our evening meal we were privileged to be able to listen to the music and enjoy elevated views of the shows from the comfort our balcony overlooking the courtyard. As the entertainment finished no later than 10.30 each evening there was never any excessive noise and we were never disturbed, so we regarded the courtyard view a big plus. We did however checkout the Nile view rooms and have to say if you plan on spending a fair amount of time on your balcony then it’s well worth the extra money for the breathtaking views. Having said that don’t worry if you’re on a budget there are many excellent areas in the hotel and grounds were you can enjoy equally impressive views.
The Nile Palace customer service staff closely monitored the performance of the hotel with frequent telephone calls to check that everything was satisfactory and to see whether they could be of assistance. On reporting one morning that we had a problem with paint fumes from a room being refurbished further along the corridor, we were found an alternative room and our belongings moved all within the space of an hour.
As our flight home was late in the evening so towards the end of our holiday we contacted reception to see whether it was possible to have a late checked out. We arranged to keep our room on until late afternoon for the cost of less than £20, which was fantastic enabling us to enjoy our holiday right up to the last minute.
Overall we found the hotel staff efficient and friendly, with the reception staff ringing the evening before our departure to confirm our flight details so that the transport could be arranged for our return journey to the airport.
As regular visitors to Luxor, this has to be the best hotel visited to date, they seem to have just the right balance offering a quality hotel with service that puts the guests at their easy. I can see why many of the guests we spoke with said they looked forward to returning to this hotel.
Holidays in Africa