Recently returned from a weeks stay at The Nile Palace. Had a really great time.First thing to say is that this is Egypt, it is not a westernised, sumptuous, oil rich Arab state - if you want that pay 3 times as much and go to the Emirate states! That said the hotel is well maintained, clean and the staff are very pleasant. We took our 15 yo son and had connecting rooms with a side Nile view, recommend these rather than ones over looking the inner courtyard. Seems a shame to come and not be able to see the sun set over what is arguabley Egypts most picturesque sight. Rooms were a decent size with big US king size beds, TV and seating area, bedding and towels changed daily. The pool area is not overly large, but there is plenty of shade and we never had trouble getting a lounger even though the hotel appeared fairly full.

Didn't have too much trouble or hassle on the street, the new owners have made great efforts to move beggers etc away from the hotel.

We used taxis to get around in an evening and there are two pricing structures, but even then you shouldn't be too upset, it's still a fraction of the price you'd pay at home. Remember the average wage is 25 English a month, your weeks holiday is over two years wages for an egyptian.

We ate at all the the hotels food outlets as well as having room service after a late return from a fantastic day trip to Cairo. All were reasonable, but expensive compared to outside the hotel. We ate at Smiley's, Casablanca and Maxines. Maxines being the best (turn right out of the hotel 4 mins walk), in general food is equivalent to decent pub grub. But at 5 to 6 English per person for 2 courses and soft drinks, its good value. Not all places do alcohol.

As for trips, we took the advice of many reviewers on this site and went to Jolleys, in front of the Winter Palace. Day cruise to Dendera, VOTK's 1 and 2, Karnak and Luxor, brilliant balloon flight and an exceptional day trip to the Pyramids and Cairo Museum for 200 English each. Approx 40% of the cost of going with our tour company. Day to Cairo was 155 quid with the rep, Jolleys was less than 80! All our trips were well organised, on time, informative with a guide and driver to ourselves most of the time. As soon at you've unpacked turn left and walk 10mins down the road to Jolleys.

In summary, one day we will go back to Luxor, won't hesitate to stay at the Nile Palace. Had a look round the nearby Sonnesta, very impressive lobby but the pool area lacked much need shade and had no character. If you go with an open mind and remember that Egypt is almost Third World and not oil rich Dubai, you will see some unforgetable sites and have an excellent time!

great week spent in the nile palace, the hotel is very good, however after a week on a nile cruise we felt it was somewhat impersonal.(Plus we had to wait half an hour for our room on arrival))The service recieved in the restaurant in the evenings was poor, dont get me wrong the food was great but there was no real interaction with the guests, the only exception to this was the violin player who entertained everyone each evening, I think it was a case of too many chiefs and not enough indians. The shopping bazaar was expensive, nothing was priced and there was no encouragement to haggle, it seemed a take it or leave it attitude and I didnt see anyone shop in the various units all week, I think most people shopped at the Isis hotel 50 metres down the road, where there seemed to be a better range, the shopkeepers were more friendly and there was a bit of craic with them.

On a positive note, the pool areas and the attendants were excellent, the views from the 6th floor stunning, the gym good, tv was always on a sports channel, the bell boys good craic,and the view from our balcony was great, although I think a nile view room is a must, would not have liked to look over the courtyard.
I discovered a 50m swimming pool next door, it was 10 le for 2 hours and I had it all to myself!

To sum up, a good hotel but not a patch on the Crown Prince Cruise ship we had been on the week before, I think the Nile Palace could learn alot from the guys onboard

As we checked in teh first view was quiet nice. The hotel is located in the city centre and therefore all major sites are easely accessible. We were welcomed very friendly by a young lady that work as guest relation, Amat. She offered us her help for any questions. after this first bloom the bad surprise came directly. As we arrived late we decided to take our dinner at the "Tarbouche" a libanese restaurant. As I have stayed at Beirut before I can guarantee you that it has nothing to do with Lebanese kitchen. Most dishes are just Egyptian and also they are not prepared in a very good way. all restaurants we visited outside have done better and cheaper.
The room we were shown was looking directly into the yard with all restaurants and a incredible loud entertainment that reminded to Disneyland shows, but the worse ones. When complaining to the reception I was told to hold on for a minute, but then just kicked out of the line. When calling again onother chap received the call and I had to start arguing from the beginning. Luckywise we remebered this girl that offered us help uopn arrival and she could handle the situation.
Pool service was ok but not extremely fast, same for the cafe in the yard. Receptionists seemed to care more for guests with attractive daughters or wimen than for others.
As we are quiet on our own and did not spend most time out of the hotel we deceided to stop complaining to not make our holiday a headache, but unfortunately I can not recommend this property of Steigenberger, despite the one I stayed in during a trip to Frankfurt was excellent.

I don't understand why this is a 4 star hotel. The service is incredible slow, despite the 100+ staff walking around doing nothing. The service is bad (I get a much smaller/uglier room than my collegue I got served warm beer; two people were bring luggage to my room and standing in my room waiting for a tip). Room quality is bad (ants in bathroom, beds look like hospital beds, etc).

All in all, never I will stay here again.