The best luxury hotels on the banks of the Nile and in the Nile river valley include Sonesta St. George, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Grand Nile Tower Hotel, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, Hotel Al Moudira, Movenpick Resort Aswan, Pavillon Winter Luxor, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, and Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor.
The best time to visit the banks of the Nile is between October and April. It’s not too hot during this period, so days spent exploring Ancient Egyptian temples will be a lot more pleasant. The summer heat peak occurs from June to August, so it’s definitely worth avoiding these months if you can.
1. Sonesta St. George
Sonesta St. George offers five-star splendor on the banks of the Nile in a city of ancient pharaonic treasures, the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor redefines magnificent contemporary style. The hotel is luxurious, sophisticated, and above all, elegant.
Enjoy a sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail, a sumptuous health spa, an array of fine dining choices, and every amenity to please the most discerning traveler. With the mystical Nile just a whisper away and Luxor and Karnak’s temples preserved in time, experience a city of fascinating antiquity and indulge in the rich splendor of the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
In the heart of Cairo on the banks of the River Nile, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza opens the door to discovering Egypt’s 5,000-year-old ancient mysteries, minutes away from the majestic pyramids, Egyptian museum, and 1,000-year-old market.
The heartbeat of the Nile, Four Seasons provides a sense of discovery and excitement with views of vibrant Cairo, nine stellar dining experiences, and the most authentic spa in the city. Opulent, bright rooms offer the perfect blend of comfort, space, and style with triple-glazed windows to ensure quiet, deep soaking tubs, Wi-Fi, and views of the Nile or the 12th-century citadel.
Of course, there is no Four Seasons rewards program, but if you are a regular guest of the Four Seasons or even want to try this iconic brand for the first time, you can take advantage of loyalty style benefits at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our luxury travel concierge.
3. Hotel Al Moudira
Egypt has azure blue lagoons, sweeping vistas, and rolling dunes. At the gateway to Luxor and the desert’s horizon, Hotel Al Moudira is the only palace on the Nile’s west bank. Hotel Al Moudira is also just 4 kilometers away from the valley of Kings. The ochre domes, the patios ornate with arabesques, and the eight-hectare garden provide the setting for the Arabian Nights’ magic.
The atmosphere of the Arabian nights will loom up as you step into one of the patios. The slightest detail contributes to this feeling. You will constantly fall under the charm of the furniture, discovered amongst the antiquities in the souk or on the walls in the hotel rooms, hand-painted by a Lebanese artist. Whilst strolling through the patios, you will discover the eastern spirit omnipresent in Al Moudira.
4. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
From your private terrace at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, watch feluccas as they sail past Elephantine Island. Most of the 138 rooms and suites offer Nile views. The suites with terraces are the top pick here. Choose from the original Byzantine-style historic palace or the lavishly contemporary Nile Wing.
Regally perched atop a pink-granite shelf, this Victorian-era hotel has been extensively renovated with French and Middle Eastern decor while still maintaining its period grandeur. Choose from six restaurants and bars, including the signature 1902 restaurant, serving nouvelle cuisine under a 65-foot dome. The So SPA is a wellness temple in the heart of Nubia, is also excellent.
5. Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor has hosted royalty and celebrities. Built in 1886 on the banks of the Nile and surrounded by century-old Royal Gardens, the hotel overlooks the Nile and the West Bank Necropolis. It’s an oasis of tranquillity and a gateway to the splendors of pharaonic times.
This is also a good hotel for corporate travel as there’s the ultra-modern Luxor Convention Centre and other major business venues nearby. Archaeology lovers will be dazzled by the Luxor Museum and the Luxor and Karnak Temples. The Medinet Habu and the royal tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens never cease to amaze.
6. Grand Nile Tower Hotel
One of Cairo’s most luxurious hotels, Grand Nile Tower is directly poised on the magnificent Nile River with a prime location in central Cairo, close to many cultural and tourists attractions.
This stunning destination offers you the finest service and experiences, elegantly designed accommodation that includes a wide selection of room types, a breathtaking terrace with spectacular Nile views, and a wide array of cuisines at eight restaurants and lounges, including the highly acclaimed Revolving Restaurant.
7. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa faces the West Bank. This resort rests on the River Nile’s edge, less than seven kilometers from central Luxor via shuttle. Activities include traditional felucca sailing and horseback and camelback tours of the riverbanks, with both Karnak and Luxor temples within four kilometers. Perks include the holistic spa, two infinity pools, and a library.
8. Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor
Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor can be found in the Egyptian city of Luxor. It has its own boat dock located directly by the Nile River and is approximately 10 kilometers away from the international airport. The Valley of the Kings and the pharaohs’ tombs are located on the other side of the river, about 26 km away from the hotel.
The 303 comfortable hotel rooms and suites include either a balcony or a terrace and offer views of the city, the courtyard, or the Nile and its surrounding mountains.
9. Movenpick Resort Aswan
Pleasing its guests with a spectacular view over the river Nile from 404 elegant rooms, suites, and villas, the Movenpick Resort Aswan offers a unique location on elephantine island.
Loads of touristic sites can be found within walking distance of the historical Island. The hotel is easily reached and is only 20 minutes from Aswan Airport and 5 minutes from Aswan railway station.
The panorama Restaurant & Bar has a 360-degree view overlooking the Nile from the highest point. Other features include the Orangerie restaurant, a spacious swimming pool, meeting rooms with natural daylight, and free Wi-Fi internet.
10. Pavillon Winter Luxor
Pavillon Winter Luxor Hotel offers French luxury and local cuisine in the world’s most exciting city. Experience a thrilling blend of contemporary design and Egyptian heritage at Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor, a modern pavilion nestled in lush gardens by the Nile. A luxuriant oasis of French art de Vivre in the heart of Luxor.
Sharing lavish gardens and a pool with Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, the Pavillon Winter Luxor is just steps away from the Luxor Museum, the Luxor Temple, and the marketplace. Karnak Temple is also nearby. The Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III, and the royal tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, as well as the Mummification Museum, are short drives away. Feeling daring? Take a hot air balloon ride above the Nile!
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.