The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Egypt

This luxury hotel on the Red Sea marina of El Gouna feels far away in both time and place, with the enticing architectural style of a 19th-century Mediterranean mansion. The blue belle is the fantasy of interior designer and antique collector Amr Khalil, who has installed period European furniture, marble floors and a terrace with a pagoda-shaded pool and vine-shrouded pillars. Right on the edge of the water in the resort town, the sprawling property invites exploration, with a double staircase leading to ornate interiors of chandeliers and frescoes.

Few hotels in Egypt can compete with the package of facilities offered by this luxurious resort on the Sinai Peninsula seafront amid the Nabq area and its stark mountains, deep valleys and velvety sands. Dive into equally impressive underwater scenery from the 35,000sqm (376,700sqft) private beach, lounge by the vast central pool, and experience traditional Egyptian music, dancing and folklore in the amphitheatre. Also catering to every traveller’s needs are the kids’ club, eclectic dining options, and accommodation from deluxe family suites to villas.

When you don’t want to lift a finger on holiday, this opulent high-rise hotel in the heart of downtown Cairo positively encourages laziness. All 362 rooms, suites and apartments come with butler service, so someone is always on hand to unpack luggage, deliver drinks or even meet you at the airport. Use your extra time wisely in the two-storey spa, outdoor and indoor heated pools or eat at a smart restaurant or bar.

History oozes from the walls at the five-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel. A Victorian palace on a pink granite cliff, close to the burial tombs of ancient Egyptian nobles, the hotel is built on the site where King Fouad once entertained. More recently, it has hosted Sir Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Princess Diana, and it is also famous for its sumptuous afternoon tea served overlooking the Nile.

For a pool with a view, the Kempinski Nile Hotel is our top choice. Head up to the 11th floor for a dip overlooking the chaotic streets of Cairo and the Nile beyond, before ordering trays of mezze and fresh sushi poolside as the sunsets. If you can tear yourself away, the Egyptian Museum is nearby, while downtown is just five minutes walk, so you can be back sipping cocktails in the stylish Jazz Bar in no time.

Even if you didn’t have the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and the Colossi of Memnon close by, there’s plenty to entertain even the most restless traveller at the Sonesta St George. Right in the heart of the shopping district in Luxor, the hotel has an outdoor heated pool with an irresistible swim-up bar, nightly DJs, a shisha café, daily sunset music concerts and aerobics classes. Up the luxe factor and book a Royal Club room, boasting spa bathrooms with steam, jacuzzi and water massage facilities.

The 19th-century Sofitel Winter Palace brings French splendour to a historic Egyptian hideaway, which was once a winter retreat for the country’s Royal family. The 86 rooms and suites could easily be in Versailles, with details including Illy coffee machines, regal French styling, carved beds and heavy brocade drapes. Downstairs, sample French wines in the wood-panelled bar, while fine-dining dishes are served by candlelight in the prestigious 1886 Restaurant; a guitarist plays softly and elegantly dressed guests linger over romantic meals.

City breakers, spa weekenders and families are all equally welcome at this stately property in the business and commercial district of Cairo. With eight restaurants and bars, an enormous award-winning spa and the largest ballroom in Egypt, there’s plenty of space for everyone, whether you’re lounging by the huge pool or hitting the weekly all-you-can-eat Italian brunch in Lucca restaurant. Kids will love the well-stocked kids club, while the hotel even has a nanny on hand if you’re hoping to sneak away for a massage or dinner-a-deux.

Travel is easy at this hotel in Heliopolis. Just ten minutes from the airport, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle so you can drop your bags and head straight to the enormous outdoor pool. Once you’ve cooled off, the ancient attractions in Cairo are within easy reach. Speak to the concierge to join a guided tour of Cairo and its attractions held in English every Friday or sign up for the daily visit to the Egyptian Museum and Khan Al Khalili.

Looking for a more intimate experience in Cairo? Steer clear of the enormo-hotels and book this wondrous boutique property in the heart of Old Cairo facing the Beit el Suhaymi. The 17 eclectic suites are inspired by artists, writers and kings with Fatimid fabrics, jewel-coloured walls and antique wooden furniture. A rooftop restaurant offers Egyptian food, live music and panoramic views over the historic area, while guests can meet over outdoor shisha in the tea lounge.