Formerly known as Thebes, Luxor is one of Egypt’s most important cities . It abounds in ancient treasures and valleys filled with pharaonic tombs. With the Nile dividing the city, knowing where to stay in Luxor is essential when planning your trip.
In this guide, we’ll be advising you on where to stay in Luxor. We’ll tell you all about the areas of interest, before recommending places to stay.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Luxor, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our top picks for accommodation in Luxor:
- $ This accommodation, ideally located on the east bank, on the banks of the Nile,
- $$ This hotel, a stone’s throw from the Colossi of Memnon, also offers a view of the Valley from the west bank,
- $$$ This luxury establishment, with its excellent location, is the best place to stay in Luxor, budget permitting.
Map of different areas to stay in Luxor
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Luxor, you’ll find on the map below all the recommendations for accommodation in Luxor that we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Luxor
Places to stay in and around Luxor
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Luxor.
Stay in Luxor on the east bank, facing the Nile
Luxor's East Bank is considered the modern part of the city. It's clearly the best place to stay in Luxor. Along the river, the atmosphere is present. Warm and exotic, this area is ideally located for exploring the surrounding area, enjoying the panoramic view of the Nile and crossing the river to discover the points of interest opposite.
Among the must-sees are the religious complex of Karnac, containing a famous hypostyle hall and the enclosure of Amun-Ra, and Luxor Temple with its avenue of Sphinxes. Both are well worth a visit, if only for their prestige. There's also the Mummification Museum and the Luxor Museum.
You can easily get to these sites on foot, as they are not very far away. To give you an idea, the temple of Karnac, which is the furthest site, is less than ten minutes by cab from the Corniche du Nil, the river pier. This is also where you'll find the departure point for cruises on the Nile.
Where to stay, you'll find a succession of fine establishments along the riverbank, including luxury hotels. Most have a panoramic view of the Nile. The budget is quite high, but affordable for foreign tourists. In fact, it's quite rare to be able to stay in such brand-name establishments (such as Sofitel or Hilton) for this price.
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A beautiful garden borders the driveway up to the barge housing the swimming pool. The sunset is best enjoyed from this vantage point. Bar and restaurant on site. Tennis courts are also available.
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Incredible setting for this sublime Hilton luxury hotel. Spa and massage, swimming pool, superb view of the Nile, yoga classes, gym: everything invites relaxation and serenity. A little off the beaten track to the north of the city to enjoy the soothing calm. It's a great place to stay in Luxor.
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This establishment, part of the Sofitel hotel chain, is Luxor's finest, with its chic architecture, spacious, elegant rooms, swimming pool and gardens. We appreciate the charm of the past. In the heart of Luxor, facing the Nile and its corniche, it dominates the landscape. If you're on a budget, this is the place to stay.
Stay on the West Bank, close to the must-sees
Extremely well known for its ancient sites, Luxor's West Bank is a must when visiting the city. That's why it can be included in the list of places to stay in Luxor.
However, despite being a very touristy area, it doesn't boast much in the way of hotels. Most of the action is in the center, on the other side of the river.
If you choose to stay here, you can take a ferry across the river to the other bank. You'll also need a cab to get to the points of interest. Getting there by car from the east bank is not a quick option. You have to take the bridge to the south. This represents a 25km detour just to cross the Nile...
There's nothing lively on the streets outside the hotel. The surrounding area is fairly deserted, with just a few bars and restaurants. Nevertheless, if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy the scenery, this is a good alternative for accommodation in Luxor.
This side of Luxor is home to many must-sees. This is where you'll find the Valley of the Kings, one of the most visited sites and a must-see. The Valley of the Queens, the Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Millions of Years of Sety I are all sights you'll want to see during your stay in Luxor.
However, this area is not very suitable for staying overnight, as it is entirely residential. There are, however, a few establishments for small and medium budgets. The majority are apartments for rent.
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This hotel faces the river. The restaurant on the top floor has a beautiful view, as do the rooms. There's a swimming pool and a relaxation area with billiards. It's conveniently located on the riverbank, just a fifteen-minute drive from the Vallée des Rois.
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A rooftop terrace with views over the vegetation and mountains of the Valley, friendly staff and authentic surroundings are just some of the reasons to stay. The atmosphere is warm and serene.
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With its oriental domed architecture, outdoor pool, yoga classes and enchanting garden, it's the perfect place to relax. Balconies overlook the valley, offering lovely views. Close to the ferry across the Nile, a stone's throw from the Colossi of Memnon. It's a charming hotel that we recommend for staying on this bank.
Accommodation in downtown Luxor
The last area where to stay in Luxor is the city center, located on the east bank.
There are no real points of interest here, and little atmosphere beyond the hustle and bustle of local life. It's a truly immersive experience, as close as possible to the authenticity and culture of the country.
Note that there are only a few hotels here, but they are well suited to small budgets. In fact, you'll only find budget establishments, bearing in mind that the hotel complexes are on the other side of the river.
In short, we don 't recommend this area very highly. But if you're looking for budget accommodation, this is the place to stay.
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Interesting setting for this establishment, with a cosy rooftop overlooking the river. The river can be seen in the distance. Welcoming and quiet. Ideal location. The best place to stay in Luxor at a low price.
Summary
As you may have guessed, the best place to stay in Luxor is on the west bank, facing the Nile River. Enjoying a rooftop, being just a few minutes away from the must-sees and benefiting from the comfort of a fine establishment are all reasons why travelers choose this area. If you’re on a tighter budget, or simply want to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle, opt for the West Bank.