Nestled on the banks of the majestic Nile River, the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor is a luxurious oasis steeped in history and elegance. This iconic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1886, offering unparalleled service, exquisite dining options, and opulent accommodations fit for royalty. From its stunning gardens to its palatial interiors, every corner of the Sofitel Winter Palace exudes charm and sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable stay in Egypt. Join us as we take an in-depth look at this legendary hotel through our comprehensive review.
Egypt has been a list of exciting bucket items for us and staying at the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor was another highlight. The Sofitel Winter Palace is part of the Accor Group that we are members of.
After spending 3 days in Cairo, 2 days in Alexandria and a further 3 days in Giza we flew with Egypt Airlines to Luxor.
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Check out our YouTube video of our stay at the Sofitel Winter Palace here:
We did not arrive at the Sofitel Winter Palace till late as we had visited Karnak and Luxor Temples after arriving at Luxor airport.
Address: 17 Cornish El Nile Street Luxor
Good to know: You do need to book in advance for the top hotels in Egypt. We booked 6 months out and still had problems getting the rooms that we wanted.
Book your once in a lifetime hotel experience at the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor hereCheck-in at the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
The only accommodation we could get at the hotel was a suite for the first 3 nights of our stay in Luxor. We were assigned our own personal concierge during our stay and he checked us in and took us to our room after we enjoyed a refreshing drink.
Our 2-room palatial elegant suite overlooked the River Nile. The suite measured a massive 148 sq m with a large balcony.
You will spend most of your time on the balcony watching the comings and goings of the transport on the River Nile.
There was a dressing room off the master bedroom and an oversized bathroom.
The sitting room was very comfortable. Classical furnishings and antique furniture were used throughout the Suite.
The king-size bed was so luxurious with the best Egyptian cotton sheets it was very hard to get out of bed for our early morning starts.
We welcomed the fruit platter and the signature Sofitel macaroons on arrival.
A Nespresso Coffee Machine and kettle were provided in the room with a minibar and a small fridge.
There were plenty of charging points for us to use. The high speed wifi perfect for the amount of work we had to do whilst staying there.
If the weather is good you will see a regatta of hot air balloons on the West Bank of the River Nile at sunrise from your balcony. It surely is a sight to behold.
The Lobby is impressive with many photos of famous guests that have stayed in the hotel. At certain times of the day, guests are serenaded by an Egyptian playing beautiful Egyptian music with a flute.
Why the name Winter Palace? Apparently, it was named when the hotel opened in the winter season. Luxor’s summers are scorching and travellers would mainly visit during the cooler months.
Famous guests include the writer Agatha Christie, Howard Carter the archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, Winston Churchill, Aga Khan III and King Farouk claimed it was one of his favourite hotels to stay in.
Dining Options at the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Luxor
On the first night we enjoyed bar snacks and drinks at the Royal Bar.
For a sundowner, you must head to the Nile Terrace where you can watch the feluccas and boats sail down the River Nile. The sunsets were amazing at this time of the year – November.
Breakfast is held in La Corniche Restaurant which is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily. The buffet offered Western and Egyptian hot dishes. There is a large range of pastries, fruits, juices, sausages, cold cuts, salads and breads.
Formal dining is available at the 1886 Restaurant.
Whilst at the swimming pool you can enjoy a drink or two from Oriental Corner/Open Air Bar.
You can dine poolside at the tropical El Nakheel Restaurant.
After a full day of sightseeing on one of the nights we ordered room service and enjoyed our dinner overlooking the River Nile on our balcony.
The Gardens and the Swimming Pool at the Sofitel Winter Palace
The beautifully manicured tropical gardens and the swimming pool are shared with their sister hotel – the Pavillion Winter Hotel. As you roam the gardens you may come across their local residents – beautiful pink flamingos and bright blue peacocks.
Location of the Sofitel Winter Palace
The Sofitel Winter Palace is located 10.5 km from Luxor Airport. You can book a private transfer here.
Luxor Temple is a 6-minute walk from the hotel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor is truly a luxurious and enchanting destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable experience in Egypt. From its historic charm and elegant accommodations to its impeccable service and stunning surroundings, this hotel offers a unique blend of modern comfort and ancient grandeur.
The hotel’s location in Luxor and its proximity to Luxor’s famous temples make it the perfect place to stay to enjoy your visit to Luxor. There is a feeling of old-world luxury as you enter the hotel each time, one that makes you feel that you are living in one of the most interesting eras of our times.
Don't miss out staying at the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor hereGeneral Travel Information on Luxor
For the latest flight times and fares to Luxor airport click here
Visa for Egypt
Depending on what passport you carry you can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport.
If you prefer to have a visa organised by a visa company click below:
E-Sim
We trialled Holafly e-sims whilst travelling for three weeks in Egypt. The coverage and speed was good, the only issue we had was that we could not hotspot our devices. This is currently being worked on by Holafly.
You can purchase your e-sim here.
Tours from Luxor
We used the services of a private guide and driver which we booked through Egyptian Edu Travel.
We can offer you a 5% discount using Egyptian Edu Travel. Use our promo code TTT2024 and contact email: [email protected]
If you would like to book your own tours here is a range of suggested tours from Luxor:
Best Time To Visit Luxor
The best time to visit Luxor is during the Spring and Autumn months.
Travel Insurance
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