Two Grand Hotels

The Old Winter Palace in Luxor was built in 1886 and is an imposing reminder of a bygone era dominating the Luxor Corniche. Over the years attracting kings and presidents and many of the crowned heads and nobility from Europe and the Orient it was guests at the hotel in 1922 who were the first to learn from Howard Carter of his discovery of the treasures of Tutankhamun in the nearby Valley of the Kings. Now part of the prestigious Sofitel hotel group its main lobby boasts detailed ironwork and a grand chandelier. Restaurants, including the stylish ‘1886’, bars, the Victoria lounge, pool, tennis courts, health club and squash court. The guest rooms, all different, have high ceilings and attractive fixtures with private facilities, hairdryer, air-conditioning, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV. The hotel is scheduled to close for an extended period within the next two years.

Opened in 1899 the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan has over the years hosted many of the rich and famous. It was here also that Agatha Christie’s world famous mystery novel, ‘Death on the Nile’, was based and later where the 1978 film of the same name was partly shot on location. Also part of the Sofitel hotel group this coming winter season will be the last opportunity to experience this unique property before its planned closure for an extended period of refurbishment and redevelopment (re-opening in 2010 at the earliest). Situated on a promontory with wonderful views over the river and Islands, afternoon tea or a cocktail on the terrace at sunset is a particularly memorable experience. Facilities include the fine ‘1902’ restaurant, a bar, shop, pool and air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, mini-bar and satellite TV.

The unique combination of the direct flight services offered by Voyages Jules Verne to both Luxor and Aswan facilitates a convenient one-way transfer between the two hotels. A seven-night stay at either hotel is also available; details on request.