Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel — Hotel in Luxor City

El Luxor Hotel - stayed here in 2012

First impression: somewhat classy, big, spacious and fun. Staff were extremely friendly and were very welcoming. Never asked for tips or expected unless given. Breakfast was absolutely smashing, with a wide range of choices to be spoilt with. Had management present to ensure service was delivered at high expectation. Was kindly invited to Christmas eve dinner which was totally amazing. The table set up, music and lighting was great... Not to forget it was absolutely free... On the house, excluding drinks. Service was very pleasant and was given 6 course mouthwatering meals. Rooms had flat screen tv's which provided with a wide range of English movie channels.View from balcony was superb, it overlooked the pool. Lift is extremely fast and reliable with a touch of a button the lift arrives and takes you to the chosen floor within seconds.

Downside to the hotel was the flush in the bedroom would not work and maybe the bathroom needed more cleaning. There was no wifi connection in the entire hotel. There was cable Internet available which was extremely slow.

Despite some hiccups on the way, where it can be improved , I really enjoyed my stay and time and would recommend others. Ate at the Italian restaurant beside the pool which I really enjoyed despite the kittens harassing us for food.

TOP TIPS: taxi should cost NO more than 70 Egyptian pounds from the airport to the hotel (vice versa). The averge price would be 50 egyptian pounds. Be ready to haggle the price. Always drop half price of what the asking price and then make a reasonable deal. Remember nothing in Egypt is fixed price. Also be weary of freebies as nothing is for free. For example, when someone helps you with the luggage or when they offer to take a picture for free. Do not be fooled! Even if it is a short convo, bare in mind there is a catch22.

Watchout for Hassan who has a horse carriage nearby to the hotel and has no affiliation. He tends to be very persistent and clingy and not to forget very forceful in making business with you at a high price. Also another thing to point out is the Al Tayyeb guy who has a moustache and rides a boat called Free willy. He is out to rip you with boat cruises at extortion prices with other packages also at a price. He always shows a diary of people who have been on the cruise and have signed it with comments as a way of drumming up business.

Another guy to look out for is the guy who offers to take you to the Egyptian market... Actually everyone seems to be very keen to take you to the Egyptian market. Don't be fooled!!! Don't fall for 'big market'and 'half price' tags. Been there and seen it. Prices are extortionately high, good job I did the research beforehand from local merchants. Got the same goods, same quality at a fraction of a price. Always be prepared to haggle!!!

Snack time the place to eat!!! Good food at a decent price. Portions are quite big and wifi is free with fast connection. Look out for Mustafa... Top guy!!! Others are also very friendly and welcoming.

Karnak Temple, 20 minutes via horse carriage. Will cost around 15 Egyptian pounds single way. Don't be fooled when they offer to wait for you, as it is another way of increasing and scamming money of you as I speak from experience. Don't be alarmed if you are threatened to pay 150 Egyptian pounds by anyone in order to get tourist police involved.

Luxor Temple walking distance from the hotel. No need for horse carriage or taxi.

For those who are students ensure that you take your student photo ID card which will entitle you to 50% if not almost 50% discount to most venues, such as temples, tombs and museums etc.

For those visiting enjoy...

We arrived very late after a very lengthy journey via Milan and Cairo completely exhausted. The check in was swift and within a few minutes we were shown to our sumptuous suite. Even so late at night you could see the twinkling of lights across on the West Bank. We settled to bed and upon arising to the glorious sunshine went to breakfast. The views are stunning across Mother Nile towards Hatshepsut’s Temple are unequalled anywhere in the world. There have been many comments about the breakfast but I fail to see how everybody cannot be satisfied. Fresh eggs omelettes to order pastries fruit cheeses etc. If it isn’t available then ask. The Head Chef will always make sure your desires are fulfilled. The room was brilliant with fresh linen and towels everyday plus complimentary tea and coffee. Yes, you may have to wash your own cup if you want frequent refreshments but such hardship even for the weak, lazy and feeble minded is not too difficult. The staff are always most attentive and will always do their utmost to help whatever your request. There is no need to bark at them as the majority of them speak good English and should an issue be difficult to explain then Ali Mohamed the Guest Relations Manager has impeccable understanding of English covering dialects from North to South of the UK. The desk staff and administration staff are also available to help and are eager to please. The internet, only available in the foyer, can be slow, none existent and the speed erratic but this is often down to the Internet Provider. I am sure every effort is being made to improve the service but if Wi-Fi is your only reason to go to Luxor then rethink your destination. The worlds biggest outdoor museum Luxor seems much cleaner as we saw when we walked to Karnack. Like most countries Egypt will have to deal with the consequences of the ever-expanding volume of plastic which most of ends in the Nile drifting towards Cairo. The street cleaners were doing an admirable job. I cannot understand why Thomas Cook, Thompson, Kuoni do not fly direct to Luxor from the North of England. From the people I met I am sure substantial business could be made if they would only venture to test the market. I have never felt unsafe or threatened on any occasion. I have been going to the same hotel for many many years. We were lucky to meet other guests who are also repeat visitors many having visited for over 20 years! Tunisia is now back on the Thomas Cook holiday list why not Luxor? Visit Luxor, visit the Eatabe and experience a wonderful holiday. Visit the Tombs, Temples and exhibitions. Meet the people and enjoy their company. Many often just want to talk and practice their English. Egyptians are vert kind generous and friendly...

I myself worked in the hospitality industry and had to deal in the past with all kinds of troubles related to guests satisfaction. The following review is based on facts that I know from experience could have been managed differently. We booked through Booking.com as it was the only channel available online. When we arrived at the hotel Aracan, they could not find our reservation (despite the fact that it was fully prepaid). Those things happen, so I asked them if they could contact Booking or look on their Partner’s account. After an hour waiting, they said they couldn’t get hold of anyone. So, we left them our information and went for a walk until they could figure things out (as it is their job!). When we came back, they hadn’t do anything and I had to boss them around to find a solution. They had all kinds of excuses: « we cannot do international calls », « maybe you booked the wrong hotel », « it’s not our fault, it’s Booking’s », « call them yourself ». We did have a confirmation and the payment confirmation as well! I had to contact a friend in England who spent 40min on the phone with the international hotline of Booking. In the end, we had waited for over 3 hours for our room and we still had to manage everything. The reception staff was very much incompetent (barely called for 20min). I even had to take a call from the Egyptian Booking.com while the receptionist was elsewhere. Anyway, after all, I got Booking to fully refund us and asked to book a room directly with the hotel. To our surprise, the rate was higher with them (which shouldn’t happen since Booking takes commissions). The hotel did not offer any complementary things for the inconvenience and made us pay even more!!! We negotiated a little, but were too tired to fight it off even more. It is the hotel’s job to solve guests’ troubles (especially in a so called 4-star hotel). They do not understand « hospitality » and the values they should promote. On the good side, the rooms are spacious. The housekeeping staff is really nice and the same goes for the valets. Ps: 2 weeks later, I still hadn’t received my invoice (which I asked for manyyyy times). I had to ask 3 Egyptien friends to call them over and over before they could send the invoice. On this date, we still haven’t been refunded by Booking or the hotel (it’s...