Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

Most famous historic hotel in the town facing directly over the Corniche. Once the palace of King Farouk and visited since by Noel Coward and Agatha Christie – some of ‘Death on the Nile’ was filmed here. A very grand property with a quiet, sophisticated ambience suited for couples.

Exterior

An impressive 4-storey property dominating the more recent architecture of the Luxor river frontage. A row of late nineteenth century shops line the street outside and the semi-circular forecourt above which is an attractive bold balustrade.

A sweeping stairway with fixed carpeting leads up to the columned portico. The awning covered balcony above was King Farouk’s suite while other rooms have rectangular windows, some with smaller balconies.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: Most rooms

Storeys: 3

Built Year: 1880

Interior

The doors open on to a stately home ambience with highly polished small tile and parquet flooring and double height ceilings graced by large chandeliers and brass balustrades to the stairway.

Antique furnishings and long red carpets line the wing corridors to either side with pictures of bygone Luxor framed on the walls. The southern ground floor wing houses the main facilities including a large, sparsely furnished carpeted lounge behind wooden doors and a private but famed dining room with regal carvery furnishings.

Opposite, overlooking the river, is the main bar with resplendent wooden framed chairs and servery and adjacent library offering peaceful environment. The main restaurant is located at the end of the corridor with large windows overlooking the front.

Rooms: 92

Grounds

At the rear, a large furnished terrace runs the length of the building overlooking the lawned park-like gardens with large shrubberies and palms.

Sturdily balustraded steps lead to the gravel paths which meander through the gardens past the pond, overlooked by the Pavilion, and onto the expansive pool area at the rear of the estate.

Bordered by a wide, furnished terrace there are sunloungers and parasols provided as well as bar service from a detached building. The second restaurant with terrace seating is located here.

Location

Area Type: Facing the river from the city side of the Corniche and separated by a carriageway road, this property fronts the Sofitel Winter Palace grounds with sister property, Sofitel Winter Place Pavilion, located towards the rear on the northern boundary. Restaurants and street cafes available along the Corniche with a greater selection on the Sharia Khalid Ibn Walid thoroughfare 5 mins away. Luxor Temple is 5 mins opposite direction with the main shopping area and Central Station 10 mins. Transfer to Luxor Airport 20 mins.

Facilities