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Where to Stay in Luxor: My Top Hotel Picks!

Where to Stay in Luxor: My Top Hotel Picks!

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

A comprehensive accommodation guide summing up the West & East Bank best hotels in Luxor, Egypt for your next trip.

Luxor is a city that has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. From the magnificent Luxor Temple to the captivating tombs in the Valley of the Kings, staying in Luxor offers you a glimpse back in time to one of the world’s most magnificent cultures.

But, a trip to Luxor is not only about exploring the past. That’s why I’ve compiled this up-to-date accommodation guide to where to stay in Luxor for all budgets for both the East Bank and West Bank.

My top pick is the Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor which provided a luxurious stay for an affordable price on my visit to Luxor.

Map showing the east and west bank of luxor
West Bank and East Bank area

Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt

Above is a small map showing the Nile dividing the city of Luxor. There are hotels on both the West Bank and the East Bank of the Nile.

The East Bank is the most populated suburban area and is where you'll find the Luxor International Airport, as well as attractions like the Luxor Temple.

The West Bank has several riverside hotels and luxury resorts. Many attractions, including the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, are on the West Bank.

Tip: There are convenient and cost-effective boat transfers connecting both sides of the river, meaning the side to stay on is not as important as picking the hotel itself.

Nile river in luxor

My Favorite Hotels in Luxor Egypt + 1 Nile River Cruise

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes is nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Gates" due to its many temples and historic sites.

In a hurry? Here are my top three accommodation picks for every budget. If you have more time, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of each area and hotel.

Steigenberger nile palace luxor outdoor pool with hot air balloon and nile river, aswan

1. Steigenberger Nile Palace East

Located in the East Bank of Luxor this hotel showcases a beautifully decorated interior with large open rooms. The buffet is one of the best I've ever had and the rooms are incredibly affordable for the luxury you get.

Al moudira hotel outdoor view with seating and garden, aswan

2. Al Moudira Hotel West

This is not just a hotel. This is an experience. The grounds showcase a traditional Egyptian design and the overall layout of the hotel draws you into another world. With exceptional service, facilities, and location, it is a top choice on the West Bank of the Nile River.

Apartments nature hotel in omiš

3. Sweet Hostel Budget

The best budget/backpacker option is the Sweet Hostel. Guests are offered a free la carte breakfast each morning and the location serves as a great base to explore Luxor's landmarks including Luxor Temple– which is only a 9-minute walk away!

My 7 Top Pick Hotels on the East Bank of Luxor

HotelPrice
Steigenberger nile palace luxor bedroom with balconySteigenberger Nile Palace Luxor$$$
Sofitel winter palace luxor swimming poolSofitel Winter Palace Luxor$$$$
Hilton luxor resort & spa in luxorHilton Luxor Resort & Spa$$$$
Pavillon winter luxor outdoor swimming area with umbrellas and lounge chairsPavillon Winter Luxor$$$
Sonesta st. George hotel light show at night with outdoor swimming pool, aswanSonesta St. George Hotel$$$
Steigenberger resort achti outdoor poolSteigenberger Resort Achti$$$
Sweet hostel luxorSweet Hostel Lux$$

1. Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Couples and groups wanting a luxurious stay with Nile views.

Experience first-class service at Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, a 5-star resort that is one of the best places to stay in Luxor to watch the feluccas sail at sunset.

This beautifully decorated Egyptian hotel is located in the heart of Luxor on the East Bank of the Nile, offering junior suites and executive rooms with Nile River views.

The property features restaurants that serve Lebanese and international cuisine. On my visit, I opted for the Thai restaurant and it didn't disappoint and the curries had so much flavor.

Guests can spend their days by the outdoor swimming pool, exercising in the fitness center, relaxing in the sauna (which I recommend after a long day of walking), or exploring the Luxor Temple, which is 1 km away.

Tip: For the best views of Luxor Temple, visit at night (6 AM–10 PM). The illuminated hieroglyphs and starry sky are stunning, and it’s much cooler after sunset.

2. Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Couples and history enthusiasts

Have you ever wanted to stay in a palace? Well, now is your chance at the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor!

A stunning example of Victorian architecture, this prestigious 4-star hotel built in 1886 is one of the best places to stay in Luxor if you're looking for world-class service.

The Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor has a history of hosting royalty and celebrities throughout the years, so you can guarantee it will exceed your expectations! The hotel interior features grand staircases, high ceilings, and lounge areas appointed with antique furniture.

It offers paired and family rooms where you can watch boats floating down the Nile from a private balcony. With five restaurants on-site, guests can indulge in French, Egyptian, Italian, and International cuisine morning, noon, and night.

Guests can spend their days lazing by the outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees or visiting the Luxor Temple, which is just a short walk away.

Fact: The renowned archaeologist, Howard Carter, revealed the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb from the main terrace of this hotel in 1922.

3. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Families and groups wanting river views

Located on the banks of the River Nile, this 5-star hotel offers two infinity pools with uninterrupted views of the river and lavish spa facilities.

Boasting a tranquil environment and attentive staff, guests can enjoy ultimate peace and relaxation at this resort. Guests can choose from classic Hilton family rooms to upgraded suites with views of the Nile River.

If you don't want to leave the resort, you don't have to! Guests can spend their days lying by the infinity pools and dining at one of the seven international restaurants.

Reviews comment on the carpets being outdated however I don't remember the last time I visited a hotel and inspected the carpets, remember this is Egypt.

City of luxor and the river nile during sunrise, egypt
Views over the nile river east & west bank

4. Pavillon Winter Luxor

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Solo travelers and couples seeking a blend of comfort and history.

Located on the East Bank of the Nile River, this 5-star Luxor accommodation is a tropical oasis surrounded by lush nature.

The hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool and a stunning interior. Each room and suite at Pavillon Winter Luxor features air conditioning, wi-fi, and furnished balconies with views over the garden.

There are three restaurants and two bars on site. The restaurants serve a variety of international cuisine as well as weekly themed nights. Breakfast is served from 5:30 am to 10:30 am daily, a must-try are the delicious waffles!

Some popular points of interest I found near the hotel include the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Museum, and the Mummification Museum.

5. Sonesta St. George Hotel

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Business travelers and families desiring Nile views and upscale facilities.

Live like royalty at the Sonesta St. George Hotel. This elegant 5-star hotel offers accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool and spa.

If you're not looking to take a trip to the hot air balloons over the Valley of the Kings you can still witness them from your private balcony each morning at sunrise.

Guests can indulge in local and international dishes at Sonesta St. George's restaurant.

Some popular attractions near the hotel include a 6-minute drive to Luxor Temple and 11 minutes from the Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever built in Egypt).

6. Steigenberger Resort Achti

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Spacious grounds and multiple pools great for groups and families

Steigenberger Resort Achti is one of the best luxury hotels in the city and offers an authentic Egyptian vibe. Located on the Eastern Banks of the Nile River, this property is an 8-acre luxury resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

When you stay here, you can expect celebrity treatment! All rooms and suites are air-conditioned and feature elegant furnishings. The rooms offer beautiful views of the Nile and gardens.

Three bars are located at the property and two restaurants on-site, AlKarnak, which serves international cuisine, and Niño's Italian, which serves Italian dishes. A poolside bar is available for those looking to relax the day away by the pool.

The nearest airport is Luxor International Airport, which is 12km away. A paid airport shuttle service is available on request.

7. Sweet Hostel Luxor

  • Location: East Bank
  • Best For: Budget travelers and backpackers wanting a central location.

If you're on a budget, Sweet Hostel Luxor is one of the best places to stay.

This hostel features air-conditioned accommodation and a bar. All hostel rooms have bed linen, towels, wifi, and a shared kitchen for those looking to prepare their meals.

Every morning, guests can enjoy an à la carte or continental breakfast. The hosts Laila and Mohammed are happy to help with any questions or offer suggestions for things to do in the area.

Some attractions that may be of interest near the hostel include the Luxor Museum and Colossi of Memnon. The hostel is only a 400 m short walk from Luxor Train Station.

4 Hotels on the West Bank of Luxor

HotelPrice
Al moudira hotel outdoor swimming poolAl Moudira Hotel$$$$
Malkata house outdoor seating with views over the valley of the kingsMalkata House$$
Djorff palace outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairsDjorff Palace$$$
Embrace hotel swimming pool areaEmbrace Hotel$$

1. Al Moudira Hotel

  • Location: West Bank
  • Best For: Couples and groups seeking a boutique stay in a quiet location

Want to stay in Luxor accommodation that is quintessentially Egyptian and located at the gateway to Luxor? Look no further than the Al Moudira Hotel!

The rooms at Al Moudira are all uniquely designed, so no two rooms are the same. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom and the suites include a spacious lounge.

Mediterranean and Eastern cuisines can be enjoyed at the Great Room Restaurant. A spacious outdoor swimming pool offers guests the perfect place to cool off under the hot Egyptian sun.

Popular points of interest near the hotel include the Valley of the Kings and Queens and Hatshepsut Temple. Guests can get to Luxor East Bank by one of the many colorful shuttle boats that line the Nile River.

Did you know: Just recently January 2025 ancient tombs dating back 3,600 years were discovered near Queen Hatshepsut’s temple on Luxor’s West Bank, revealing artifacts like bronze coins from Ptolemy I, clay toys, and funerary masks.

2. Malkata House

  • Location: West Bank
  • Best For: Travelers wanting a traditional guesthouse experience near the Valley of the Kings.

Malkata House is fantastic for those wanting to experience hot-air ballooning over the Valley of the Kings.

Malkata House rooms are apartment-style and have fully equipped kitchens.

The restaurant on the property has delicious meals cooked by Chef Hassan. The food is rated some of the best in Egypt by other travelers, especially the Baba ganoush.

Other popular attractions near the accommodation include Medinet Habu Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Deir el-Medina, and the Valley of the Queens.

3. Djorff Palace

  • Location: West Bank
  • Best For: Couples and families looking for a stylish boutique stay with river views.

Djorff Palace is one of the best places to stay in Luxor for a relaxing atmosphere and peaceful vibe.

This stunning palace features a beautiful lush outdoor area with immaculate gardens. Room and concierge services are available to organize tours to the best landmarks and museums in all of Egypt.

The location is perfect for those looking to escape the bustling East Bank as this area of the West Bank is more relaxed and has a laid-back atmosphere. The heated swimming pool is a bonus!

A free boat service runs to take guests to and from the East and West banks throughout the day.

4. Embrace Hotel

  • Location: West Bank
  • Best For: Solo travelers and couples wanting an eco-friendly accommodation

Surrounded by lush plants and trees, this typical Egyptian hotel is another great choice when staying on the West Bank of Luxor.

Guests can spend their days by the pool or explore the surrounding areas with tips from this 10-Day Egypt Itinerary.

Ithe hotel features an outdoor swimming pool with sun lounges and an immaculate terrace. Just walking around this hotel takes you to another dimension with its intricate architecture and design which feels like you're on some movie set.

A selection of single, double, and family suites are available and a delicious buffet breakfast can be enjoyed daily in the garden.

Alternative to staying in Luxor - The Nile River Cruise

5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor

  • Best For: Travelers wanting a mix of relaxation and exploration, with access to major sights along the Nile.

Wanting to escape land altogether? then booking a 5 Days Nile Cruise is a great option.

Spend 4 nights on board the 5-star River Nile boat and experience a new way of travel.

You'll visit the Luxor & Karnak Temples on the East Banks and then continue to the West Banks to explore the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple along with more temples in Aswan.

The boat includes all meals a comfortable cabin, all tours, transportation, and a guide.

This is a no-brainer for those looking to change their travel style and explore Egypt afloat!

Nile river cruise boat

My Hotel Selection Process

  • Accommodation Criteria: I make sure to add hotels based on my personal experience and those that meet quality standards for price, location, and online reviews.
  • My Experience: I stayed at many of the hotels suggested however when it was not possible I based my recommendations on hotels other travelers have recommended and their high reviews and value for money.
  • Top Reviews: The accommodation options I have provided have reviews across major booking platforms such as Hotels.com, GetYourGuide, and Booking.com. I regularly update my recommendations to ensure all choices meet high-quality standards.
  • Local Insights: My hotel & resort selections are based on online listings and word of mouth with recommendations from other travelers from accommodations that I meet & my own experiences.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

5+
Years Traveling
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Hotels Stayed
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Olly gaspar

I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.

FAQ About Staying in Luxor

What's the best time of year to visit Luxor?

The best time to visit Luxor is from October to April this time of the year is the coolest and most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor historical sites.

What are the best areas to stay in Luxor?

As mentioned above the best areas to stay in Luxor are the East Bank for its distance to major temples and nightlife, and the West Bank for a quieter stay close to the Valley of the Kings and Hot Air Ballooning.

How can I travel between the East Bank and West Bank?

Boat transfers connect both sides of the Nile. Taxis and local buses are also available for crossing the river and are affordable. Some hotels also offer private transfers so check this when booking.

Is it safe to stay in Luxor?

Luxor is overall safe for tourists. However, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, and if you're alone limit walking around at night in unpopular areas.

How far is Luxor International Airport from the city center?

The international airport is located 7 km from the city center, with a travel time of 15-20 minutes by car to most hotels on the East Bank. For those on the West Bank a water taxi/boat will need to be taken to reach the East Bank.

How should I dress to respect local customs?

It is important to dress modestly when in public areas. Women should consider wearing clothes that cover the knees and shoulders or carry a scarf to do so when necessary, while men should avoid sleeveless shirts.

Can I wear swimwear at hotels in Luxor?

You can wear swimwear in hotel pools and private beach areas. However, it's best to cover up when moving through hotel common areas or leaving the hotel.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt

Top Things to Do in Luxor Once You Arrive

Arrived in Luxor and wondering what to do in the former capital of Ancient Egypt (Thebes)? From its stunning ruins and incredibly preserved tombs, here are three unmissable experiences in Luxor.

Nile cruise boat in egypt

1. 4-Day Nile Cruise

Sailing between the ancient cities of Aswan and Luxor is a bucket list experience not to miss when traveling in Egypt.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt

2. Luxor East & West Bank Tour

Discover all of the ancient highlights on the banks of Luxor, including the Luxor and Karnak Temples and the Valley of the Kings.

Hot air balloon over the valley of the kings near luxor, egypt

3. Valley of the Kings Ballon Ride Top-Pick

An unmissable morning hot air ballooning above the ancient Valley of the Kings. I captured some epic shots on this tour so bringing your camera is a MUST.

More Egypt Travel & Accommodation Guides

I hope this accommodation guide has helped you plan where to stay in Luxor, Egypt.

Before you head off, check out some of my other blog posts below for more travel inspiration.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt

Booking Your Egypt Accommodation

Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the fly. The below accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Egypt.

  1. Best Hotels in Aswan
  2. Top Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh
  3. Where to Stay in Dahab
  4. Top Accommodation in Cairo
  5. Top Luxury Hotels in Hurghada
Pinterest pin for the best places to stay in luxor

Thanks for Reading

I’m Olly Gaspar, Australian adventure traveler and founder of We Seek Travel. Six years ago, I left home to travel full-time and started this website to share my journey. Today, it’s grown into one of the world’s largest free adventure travel resources, now supported by a team of passionate travelers writing travel guides to the places we visit.

We only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on our experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting this website and keeping us on the road. Read Olly's Publishing Ethics Statement.