We arrived on 21 December 2012 for a short stay before heading off to another city. We did not have any expectations but were pleasantly surprised by the inside and outside area of the hotel. We were immediately welcomed by the staff and manager and they made our stay truly memorable. The food was good and the breakfast was excellent. Also the free shuttel boat on the river nile was an added bonus together with the heated pool.

We loved it so much that we extended the stay for another day. It is a real shame that this hotel and Luxor is suffering from the political situation in the country. Apart from the hassel faced by vendors it is a really safe place to visit. I would truly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Luxor!

While this hotel is nice, don't come expecting a real Sofitel. In the US US this would be considered a three star establishment. The service food and location are all mediocre. The staff lacked sufficient English skills and the lobby area is chaotic. Also there is no Internet access except in the lobby. The hotel offers numerous activities but its very difficult to learn about them because the staff isn't knowledgable and there's not easy schedule to access. If you can afford it, I hear the Hilton is much better.

The highlight was the middle eastern style rooms each with a small balcony. Very nice design. On the downside the bathrooms were lacking. No shower curtain meant water goes everywhere.

I stayed twice at this special hotel once in November 2011 to visit the west bank and again in June 2012, after the cruise from Aswan and will return with friends when the time is right. The food included a very interesting Egyptian menu, which I appreciated and enjoyed. The riverside location is ideal, looking west from the living river Nile teeming with fish and wildlife across to the eerie tombs of the kings, queens and nobles of Egyptian antiquity. This is a great springboard to come back to.

In my opinion most of the complaints I have read about this hotel are totally unwarranted. Yes the hotel is looking a little tired but this is no doubt in part due to the lack of tourists to the region. No rational person is going to pump money into hotel refurbishment until they know tourism is back on the increase and they are going to get a return on their investment
There have been many complaints on this hotels’ web page about it is not up to the UK four or five star standard. Strictly speaking it is not it is only three stars, if you apply the grading criteria strictly. In order to be four stars, it would need to have adjustable heating in every bathroom!
Yes it is a way out of town but there are both a shuttle boat and a shuttle bus. If the times they go do not suit you can always take a taxi. I took a taxi into Luxor from the hotel last week had the taxi driver wait 30 minutes whilst I did what I went into Luxor for and then got returned to the hotel. The cost for this was 80£E including tip – about £8:00.
I am a light sleeper but didn't have my sleep broken by the call to prayer - maybe our room faced away from the minarette
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the Sofitel. All of them totally adequate.
The bedrooms rooms are totally adequate, if a little tired. The staff are obviously taught the importance of customer relations; they all greet you enthusiastically every time they pass, and do what they can to ensure you enjoy your stay.
All inclusive is a must. Even the cost of non-alcoholic drinks mount up. We had no problem getting served alcohol or getting a refill in the restaurant. My only gripe on the all-inclusive is that you cannot have wine in the bar only with the meals. Surely it would be possible to have a bag in box of red white and rose wine in each bar. It would not go off for months and it would please wine drinkers like myself.
Finally go and use the shops in the lobby. There is a fine selection, from jewellers to souvenirs to spices to clothes. Samuel in the T-shirt shop will match any prices you find in Luxor. His quality is very good as well.
One thing the mini bar is chargeable, even if you are all inclusive. However at the equivalent of 90p for a soft drink and £2.00 for a beer it is not extortionate and means you can sit on your balcony or terrace and enjoy yourself.
When you get back from a day out look out for the towel statues.
All in all, a perfect place for a holiday. Try it whilst the tourist numbers are down and there are bargains to be had.
Incidentally I wrote this by the pool at the Sofitel and am posting it using the wi-fi in the lobby that everyone says doesn’t work
Would I come back? Without a doubt. The only question is how soon