Winter Palace Luxor

Luxor’s illustrious grande dame combines Old World charm with a storied history.

• The palatial public salons and sprawling gardens
• The large swimming pool and sundeck
• The central location

Known as the Old Winter Palace, this charming and palatial hotel is conveniently located just steps from the Temple of Luxor, facing the Nile River. Grand Salons with wide-beam wooden floors, formal drapes and large chandeliers transport guests back to the days when Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile, Mark Twain reveled in his walks through the gardens and Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter announced their groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

There are several restaurants on property, including 1886, which serves fine French cuisine (and requires a jacket and tie), and La Corniche, which offers a range of international fare. A pool bar also serves a light menu during the day, including Western-style offerings such as pastas, burgers and pizzas—a welcome option for parents of picky eaters. Adults can enjoy multiple bars, from the Victorian Lounge to the Nile Terrace, which is the perfect place to enjoy sundowner cocktails while looking west across the river towards the Valley of the Kings.

Rooms and suites are bright, airy and spacious with classical furnishings, but the bathrooms can be quite small with antiquated fixtures. We recommend the Luxury Room categories and above, which have French doors that open to reveal views of the Nile or the gardens. The hotel’s age has started to show, but the property’s beautiful bones and historic charm make for a memorable stay before or after a Nile Cruise.

Travelers looking for a historic property and convenient location in the city center. Those who prefer contemporary décor and modern amenities, such as a spa and gym, would be happier at the Hilton Luxor Resort.