5 Most Luxury Hotels In Egypt

Once home to pharaohs and kings, Egypt still welcomes luxury-loving travellers who want to be truly spoilt while experiencing this fascinating country. Whether visiting museums, mummies and markets in Cairo, the temples and tombs of Luxor or the historic riverside city of Aswan, return to fine-dining, butlers and spas at these indulgent hotels.

# The St. Regis, Cairo

When you don’t want to lift a finger on holiday, this opulent high-rise hotel, in the heart of downtown Cairo, positively encourages laziness. All 362 rooms, suites and apartments come with butler service so someone is always on hand to unpack luggage, deliver drinks or even meet you at the airport. Use the extra time wisely in the two-storey spa, outdoor and indoor heated pools or one of the seven smart restaurants and bars.

# Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan

History oozes from the walls at the five-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel. A Victorian palace on a pink granite cliff, close to the burial tombs of ancient Egyptian nobles, the hotel is built on the site where King Fouad once entertained. More recently, it has hosted Sir Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Princess Diana, and it is also famous for its sumptuous afternoon tea served overlooking the Nile.

# Kempinski Nile Hotel, Cairo

For a pool with a view, the Kempinski Nile Hotel takes is our top choice. Head up to the 11th floor for a dip overlooking the chaotic streets of Cairo and the Nile beyond, before ordering trays of mezze and fresh sushi poolside as the sun sets. If you can tear yourself away, the Egyptian Museum is nearby, while downtown is just five minutes’ walk so you can be back sipping cocktails in the hotel’s stylish Jazz Bar in no time.

# Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor

Even if you didn’t have the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and the Colossi of Memnon close by, there’s plenty to entertain even the most restless traveller at the Sonesta St George. Right in the heart of Luxor’s shopping district, the hotel has an outdoor heated pool with irresistible swim-up bar, nightly DJs, a shisha café, daily sunset music concerts and aerobics classes. Up the luxe factor and book a Royal Club room, which boasts spa bathrooms with steam, jacuzzi and water massage facilities.

# Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor

Luxor’s 19th century Sofitel Winter Palace brings French splendour to a historic Egyptian hideaway, which was once a winter retreat for the country’s Royal family. The 86 rooms and suites could easily be in Versailles, with details including Illy coffee machines, regal French styling, carved beds and heavy brocade drapes. Downstairs, sample French wines in the wood-panelled bar, while classic fine-dining dishes are served by candlelight in the prestigious 1886 Restaurant; a guitarist plays softly and elegantly dressed guests linger over romantic meals.