Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

The hip Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa stands in stark contrast to hotels of typical Egyptian luxury. Not being fans of big corporate hotels we decided to give it a try anyway—and were pleasantly surprised.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa was not supposed to be a Hilton. Designed as one of the Conrad hotels—a cooler and younger sibling of the Hilton chain—its layout, style, and vibe are more fitting a funky boutique hotel rather than a large chain hotel.

This sets the tone of the hotel’s experience and design: acres of white marble, cooling water features and a combination of clean modern lines with authentic Arabic touches—all work together to create the kind of a sleek Nile-side retreat fashionable sybarites are after—and resulting in Luxor’s most contemporary and luxurious spa resort.

Chilling by the riverside

The property takes advantage of its prime position right by the Nile. Two stunning infinity pools, with different levels cascading into each other, submerged sun loungers and four-poster hammocks overlook the majestic river.

Other than the pools, opportunities for enjoying the embankment setting offer the Olives Restaurant and the Divan corner, where you can lounge on oriental cushions, enjoy a sundowner drink or a sheesha pipe and watch sailing boats drift down the Nile.

Additional dining and relaxation options include the Silk Road restaurant with the exotic eastern cuisine, the Rosetta open buffet-style dining room, and the elevated Sunset Bar & Terrace, with great views and nightly live pianists.

Also on the Nile side is the hotel’s spa, with treatment rooms, its own infinity pool, cabana hammocks and sun loungers scattered across a lawn. The spa facilities are complemented by a tranquil open-air courtyard and Jannah Bar where you can order spa food and refreshments.

Range of rooms

Rooms and suites exude elegant simplicity, tastefully decorated in earthy tones with dark wood furnishings, lending them a chic Colonial feel.

Most of them boast Nile views from private balconies or patios, but for the ultimate indulgence go for a Spa Suite, complete with its own private courtyard and treatment room.

Ask The Concierge

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is the ideal base from which to explore the region’s rich and ancient culture. It’s only a short walk from the Karnak temple. The Valley of The Kings, Valley of the Queens, as well as Luxor Temples, are all easily accessible too—the transport can be arranged with the front desk.

Check availability for Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia | Agoda | HotelsCombined‎ | Hilton or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

in our opinion

No doubt the best place to stay in Luxor. Ask for a Nile view room, and top floor, with rooms numbers 300 and up.

Photos by T+S

What we love

• Lounging around the fabulous pool and smoking the sheesha at sunset, enchanted by the majestic Nile.
• The sleek and elegant design with a sophisticated Arabic feel. Stylish water features add to the soothing atmosphere.
• Watching the sun dip behind the Valley of the Kings, from the waterfront Diwan Shisha Café.
• Great infinity pools with glorious views from the water's edge, submerged loungers and softly shaded hammocks swaying in the breeze.
• Impressive location, right on the banks of the River Nile and only a short walk from the Karnak temple.
• Breakfast offered a wonderful selection, including fresh fruits and vegetables and Egyptian specialties.
• Multiple dining options offering everything from Eastern cuisine to Mediterranean snacks.
• The staff really made a difference: friendly, charming and caring.

What you should know

• The Hilton Luxor is located about 20 minutes from Luxor International Airport.
• The hotel provides a Luxor shuttle bus.
• Facilities include a range of activities for children.
• Rooms are missing the wow factor, and the standard room bathrooms are a bit small, with large showers but no baths.
• The "hotel towel origami" mania is still alive and well in Egypt and Hilton Luxor is no exception—a pity: we are sure the time and effort used to create the cheesy snakes, swans, elephants, and crocodiles could be used in a much better way.