Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

A resort turned towards the river

The Hilton Luxor reopened in November 2008 after thirty months of work and a US$45 million investment, as announced by Hilton. The project was designed around the Nile: half of the 236 rooms and suites were reoriented towards the river, most with a balcony, and most of the restaurants look onto the water, along 170 metres of riverbank. The decor is contemporary, with a few Egyptian touches such as bronze lamps and wood.

The heart of the resort is its large infinity pool, whose edge seems to merge into the Nile; a second infinity pool also runs along the river. Submerged loungers and a sunken pool bar make it the place to end the day, facing the West Bank, where the sun sets.

The spa was one of the selling points of the reopening: treatment pavilions by the water, a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub.

A day from the Hilton

The hotel is north of town, on the Karnak side of the East Bank. That is its main advantage for sightseeing: Karnak Temple is a five-minute drive away, so you can be there at opening time, 6 am local time, ahead of the groups. The Luxor Museum and the town centre are a few minutes away by road. For the West Bank, allow for the crossing by the bridge, south of town, or by ferry from the corniche.

The rhythm that works best: Karnak at sunrise, back to the pool during the hot hours, then Luxor Temple, 4.4 km away, at dusk.

For meals, Rosetta is the main dining room, from breakfast to dinner. Silk Road serves Asian food at lunch and dinner, and Olives offers brunch, lunch and dinner. Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out until 12 noon, local time.

Sabaro's view

For whom: couples and families who want a big chain hotel on the Nile, with pools and a spa, and easy sightseeing on the Karnak side.

Strengths: the two infinity pools facing the Nile and the West Bank; the closeness of Karnak; the riverside spa; a 9.0/10 score on Booking.com from 923 reviews.

Good to know: the town centre and Luxor Temple need a taxi; the resort's major renovation dates from 2008, and some guest reviews find certain rooms dated.