Luxor offers a surprisingly wide range of accommodation for a city of its size, from internationally branded five-star hotels perched on the Nile corniche to atmospheric family-run guesthouses steps from the temples. Whether you want a rooftop terrace with a Karnak view, a heritage hotel with a storied past, or a peaceful West Bank retreat away from the tourist bustle, Luxor delivers options across every budget.
Luxor offers a surprisingly wide range of accommodation for a city of its size, from internationally branded five-star hotels perched on the Nile corniche to atmospheric family-run guesthouses steps from the temples. Whether you want a rooftop terrace with a Karnak view, a heritage hotel with a storied past, or a peaceful West Bank retreat away from the tourist bustle, Luxor delivers options across every budget.
East Bank vs West Bank
Luxor's accommodation divides naturally between the East Bank (the city proper, where the Karnak and Luxor temples are located) and the West Bank (quieter, more rural, home to the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and Hatshepsut's Temple). Most visitors stay on the East Bank for convenience — major hotels, restaurants, and the rail station are here — and make day trips to the West Bank by local ferry or private boat. The West Bank has a small number of guesthouses and boutique hotels that appeal to those seeking a quieter, more immersive experience away from the city bustle.
Heritage and Luxury Hotels
The Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor is the city's grande dame — a magnificent Victorian colonial hotel opened in 1886 in extensive gardens on the Nile corniche. Agatha Christie wrote part of Death on the Nile here, and the hotel's history reads as a catalogue of 20th-century luminaries. The Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa offers contemporary luxury on the East Bank with excellent pool facilities. The Steigenberger Nile Palace delivers large-hotel comfort with good Nile views. On the West Bank, the Al Moudira is a beautifully designed boutique property in traditional style — domed ceilings, hand-painted tilework, and a magnificent pool — close to the Valley of the Kings.
Mid-Range Options
Luxor has an excellent mid-range scene (€60–120 per night). The Sonesta St George Hotel and Iberotel Luxor offer reliable comfort and Nile views. Several smaller boutique properties near the Karnak Temple and in the city centre offer characterful rooms at competitive prices. On the West Bank, simple guesthouses in the village of Al-Gezira provide clean, basic accommodation at budget prices with an extraordinarily authentic local atmosphere — staying here means sharing the community with farmers, felucca captains, and temple workers rather than tour groups.
Nile Cruises
Luxor is the starting point (or endpoint) for Nile cruises to Aswan — one of travel's great experiences. The cruise market divides between large ship cruises (150–300 passengers on a fixed 3–4 day Luxor-Aswan schedule) and smaller dahabiya sailboats (6–24 passengers, private or semi-private, 5–7 days). Dahabiyas are significantly more expensive but offer incomparably more personal attention, private temple visits at sites the large ships miss, and freshly cooked meals on deck. The traditional route stops at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo (Temple of the Crocodile God), and several smaller sites en route to Aswan.
Booking Tips
High season (November–February) sees the best hotels fill quickly — book 3–6 months ahead for the Winter Palace or Al Moudira. All Luxor hotels should have air conditioning confirmed before booking; summer stays (which should be avoided unless you're prepared for the heat) require it absolutely. Most good hotels include breakfast. The local ferry between East and West Banks costs pennies and runs throughout the day; most hotels can arrange motor boat transfers at night. Book guided West Bank tours directly through your hotel concierge for the most reliable service.