Sofitel Winter Palace
Luxor, Egypt
At a Glance
Build in 1886 by the riverside, located near to Luxor Temple
92 rooms decorated in a tradtional colonial style
Offers leisure and sport facilities (outdoor heated pool, billiards/snooker, table tennis and volley ball)
Its reputation as one of the finest buildings in Luxor still remains and the hotel has played host to a number of famous guests, both past and present
There may not be wi-fi available in your room
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The hotel is open all year, but summer (June to August) can get very hot, with temperatures soaring into the 40s. However, this is also low season, when prices drop. Best to avoid Ramadan, when some businesses will close for the whole month. Islamic festivals Eid al-Adha and Ras as-Sana are extremely busy as Egyptians are all on holiday. The dates for these holidays change every year, so check before planning your trip.
Insider's View
The bar is well worth visiting before heading for dinner in the 1886 restaurant. Always try and go for a Nile View, and in the evening have a stroll outside the hotel down the banks of the Nile.
We would recommend a room in the Palace rather than the Pavilion as the rooms ooze character and history
Formal attire is required at the 1886 Restaurant
A High Tea in the Victoria Lounge is absolutely a stylish way to spend a relaxing afternoon in Luxor!
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday to Sofitel Winter Palace or take a look at our itineraries to Egypt
Description
The Sofitel Winter Palace is steeped in Egyptian history. Built in 1886, it has hosted world leaders throughout the years as well as notable figures such as Agatha Christie, and the 5th Earl of Carnavon whilst excavating Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.
Located in the heart of Luxor overlooking the majestic River Nile, the Sofitel Winter Palace was constructed to attract the aristocracy of late nineteenth century Europe. This romantic colonial hotel still retains the charm and atmosphere of la belle époque and has been recently renovated and refreshed. It is now run by Sofitel to a high standard.
Decorated in a grand colonial style, the 86 rooms and six suites have all the modern amenities and comforts that you would expect including television, air-conditioning and a mini-bar. The high ceilings and long, wide corridors add to the palatial feel of the hotel. Some of the suites have beautiful balconies and many of the rooms have fantastic views over the Nile and the majestic necropolis of the Kings. The hotel is perfectly located to enjoy the ancient delights of Luxor including the temples, River Nile and the Valley of the Kings.
Sofitel Winter Palace has three restaurants, the 1886 serves fine gastronomic cuisine in a formal setting, whilst La Corniche serves an international menu. L'Oasis is a swim-up restaurant located in the centre of the swimming pool. Other amenities include two bars, a swimming pool, billiards table, table-tennis, volley ball court and stunningly landscaped gardens.
Accommodation
There are 86 rooms and six suites. The rooms lead in with a Classic Room, 24sqm, with either a Garden or Nile View Room and amenities includes plasma TV, minibar, in-room safe, attached bathroom with shower. The Superior Rooms are slightly larger at 32sqm, and can have a rollaway bed. The Luxury Rooms are larger still at 37sqm. The Prestige Suite is 76sqm with balcony overlooking the Nile and offers a living area. The Imperial Suite has entertained Heads of State, and offers ample space in the best location overlooking the Nile.
Childcare
Children are welcome to stay at Old Winter Palace. However, there are no specific facilities available for them. The rooms can have one extra bed added to them, but inter-connecting rooms are generally not possible to guarantee at the time of booking.
Facilities
The Old Winter Palace has three fabulous restaurants; 1886 is a fine dining restaurant where you can eat in the original crystal-lit salon where royals and dignitaries once dined. L'Oasis, located by the swimming pool, offers gourmet pizzas and salads. La Corniche serves international cuisine and breakfast. There are three bars and a pool.
Activities
The Old Winter Palace has an outdoor heated swimming pool, billiards and snooker, and volleyball facilities on site, while nearby there is a golf course where lessons can be arranged. There is plenty to see in and around Luxor, from the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Nobles' Tombs, for all of which Scott Dunn can organise sightseeing with an Egyptologist, and there are sites of interest further afield as well.
Experiences
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4 Nights Nile Cruise
Experience the legendary river, passing through Egyptian heritage sites, including the West Bank as well as the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. In Aswan, sail by traditional Felucca to Agha Khan.
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Abu Simbel's Colossal Temple
Often considered the most impressive monument in Egypt after the Great Pyramids, visit the colossus temple of Ramses II, set by Lake Nasser. The four breathtaking statues in front of the temple are spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art.
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Alexandria City Tour
One of the most significant cities of the ancient world, Alexandria is known as 'The Pearl of Mediterranean' with charming sights including Catacombs, Royal Jewelry Museum, Citadel of Qaitbay, Pompey's Pillar and Kom El Dekka.
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Best of West Bank
Take a morning motorboat into the West Bank. Explore 3 tombs in Valley of the Kings, Hatchepsut Temple, King Tutankhamun's Tomb and Queen Nefertari's Tomb. Time permitting, you can also explore another 3 tombs in the Valley of the Queens.
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Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two huge stone statues, which are all that remains of the Temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.
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Hot Air Balloon Sunrise
Enjoy sunrise over the West Bank for a view of the valley on a hot air balloon.
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Karnak Temple
Located at the northern end of the town of Luxor, the Karnak Temple has three main sacred areas that honour three gods: Montu, an ancient local warrior god; Amun, the chief god of Thebes; and the goddess Mut, wife of Amun.
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Library of Alexandria
Designed by a Norwegian architecture, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a feat of modern engineering in attempt to revive the Great Library of Alexandria which was lost in antiquity.
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Luxor Museum
Luxor Museum is home to a small but very high quality collection of Egyptian antiquities. The collection includes grave goods from the tomb of Tutankhamen.
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Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple is a remarkably delicate work of architecture, originally built by Pharaoh Amenophis.
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Medinet Habu
Make a trip to the West Bank to visit the Medinet Habu. This was Ramses III’s magnificent mortuary temple (1550–332 BC).
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Sail Aswan by Felucca
Sail the Nile by felucca passing through sights such as Agha Khan Mausoleum, Kitchener's Island and ending at Elephantine Island, where you will enjoy afternoon tea with a view.
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Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple
Enjoy a spectacular evening at the Sound & Light show at Karnak Temple.
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Temple of Dendarah
Visit to the Temple of Dendarah, dedicated to Hathor, Goddess of Music, Love and Joy.
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Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo
As you make your way between Luxor and Aswan, make a visit to Temple of Horus in Edfu as well as Kom Ombo, where you will find a huge temple dedicated to the God Sobek and Harocies.
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Temple of Khnum at Esna
The Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna contains the beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall.
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Temple of Philae
The Temple of Philae is a superb temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis.
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Tomb & Mummy of King Tutankhamun
Visit the final resting place of the world-renowned Egyptian pharaoh, King Tutankhamun.
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Tomb of King Seti I
We bring you out from the standard tourist circuit to Tomb of Seti I, is the best decorated and longest tomb in Valley of the Kings.
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Tomb of Queen Nefertari
Visit the Tomb of Nefertari, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt.
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Unfinished Obelisk
Take in the impressively gigantic Unfinished Obelisk.
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Valley of the Artisans
Valley of the Artisans or Deir Al Madina hosts some of the lesser-known tombs of the workers, who have built some of the most colourful and most-preserved tombs in Luxor area, which surprisingly rival the tombs of the kings!
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Valley of the Kings & Hatchepsut Temple
For over a thousand years, the kings of the New Kingdom (1500-1070 BC.) were buried in the Valley of the Kings. You will cover temple of Queen Hatchepsut and 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
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Valley of the Nobles
The Nobles' Tombs are located close to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, in the Theban Necropolis near Luxor.
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Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens is a place near Luxor where wives of Pharaohs were buried in ancient times.
Location & directions
Luxor, Egypt
The Old Winter Palace is located on the Nile very close to Luxor Temple, and only a short way from Luxor's centre and Luxor International airport.
How to get there
5-hour 30-minute flight to Luxor International Airport. The Old Winter Palace is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Private transfers can be arranged.
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