Al Moudira Hotel

Rooms

All of the rooms at Al Moudira are gorgeous. Some are bigger than others, though it’s worth knowing that the smallest are enormous. Having said as much, the décor in the suites is nothing short of jaw-dropping – perhaps Pharaonic murals, vaulted ceilings or a raised platform in the middle of the room where cushions encircle a fountain.

All rooms are accessed from small communal courtyards, which give a sense of privacy. You enter through wooden doors that look ancient. Inside, it’s not merely the size of your room that attracts your attention, but the height of your towering ceiling. You’ll find gorgeous floor tiles, stunning beds, flamboyant arches, shuttered windows, muralled walls, the odd pillar. There’s usually a sitting area in one of the corners (sofa and armchairs), then a large armoire to stash away your worldly goods. Beds are dressed in fine Egyptian linen and usually encased in a mosquito net. Several suites have private terraces. Design influences come from across the world, a mix of Mediterranean colours and Arabic architectural styles, reflecting the tastes of owner Zeina Aboukheir, a photographer and jewellery designer who has lived in Lebanon and Tuscany (among other places).

Finally, bathrooms. It’s no great surprise to discover that these tend to be equally vast, with good showers standing above enormous baths. How often do you get a domed ceiling in a vast bathroom? Quite a few have these, and embedded with coloured glass. All come with waffled bathrobes.

Since our last visit they've added some stunning Villas in the extensive grounds. Each has its own private pool and come with butler service. Some can be divided into separate apartments for 2-4, the largest sleeps up to 12 across six bedrooms. The jewel in the crown is five-bedroom Villa Zeina, where the owner used to live, which has Arabic-inspired courtyards, hand-painted frescoes, Middle Eastern art and antiques, and a huge pool.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Radio
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

You eat breakfast in The Courtyard, akin to an outdoor living room. Everything is brought to your table: Egyptian or Mediterranean influenced fare including fabulous pancakes, plates of fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, baskets of home-baked patisseries (croissants, pains au chocolat). There are eggs if you want them, too.

Lunch can be eaten here or down on the pool terrace, a lovely spot for light dishes such as croque-monsieur or smoked salmon, perhaps fresh tomato salads, filet de boeuf, date tart. There are hamburgers, bowls of pasta and calamari served with tartare sauce. Or head to Khan Al Moudira, a traditional Egyptian meets Lebanese cafe in a lovely courtyard next to the main entrance. If you're with the family perhaps Il Forno will hit the spot: an outdoor area offering home-crafted pizzas.

Dinner is eaten in The Courtyard or the rather grand dining room, The Ottoman Hall. You stop for drinks in the Eastern Bar, where a little jazz plays sweetly, then order from an à la carte menu, perhaps onion tart, leg of lamb, crème caramel. Our experience was very positive – some of the best food we tasted in Egypt, in fact. After dinner you can end your evening in the Sheherazade nightclub, a low-lit elegant lounge bar inspired by Cairo’s wild and glamorous 1930s.

Features include:

• Bar
• Coffee maker
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

You could spend a week in Luxor and not see everything, so do some research, then prioritise according to the time you have. The hotel can arranged guided tours. The highlights are:

• The Valley of the Kings, 6km north, absolutely unmissable. To avoid large crowds either come early (it opens at 6am and will be teeming with tourists by 8am), or brave the midday heat
  
• The valley itself is pretty mind-blowing and it is possible to walk out (though not strictly legal). Head over to the Tomb of Seti I and one of the guardians will offer to lead you out (tip him when he has). It’s an easy climb and at the top you’ll have views of the Nile on one side and the Valley of the Kings on the other
  
• The hotel has a shuttle service to Luxor twice daily; check out the bazaar, the Luxor Temple, and...
  
• The Temples of Karnak, to the north of the city on the east bank. This is one of the most important sights in Luxor and the largest religious building on the planet. The Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 vast columns soar implausibly into the sky, is one of the most staggering things you will see in Egypt. Building here started about 3,200 years ago
  
• Hatshepsut is one of the most beautiful buildings you will see in Luxor, a real priority. The Ramesseum and The Colossi of Memnon are worth visiting for the scale of the stonework, and make a trip to Luxor Temple at night, when it is beautifully floodlit
  
• Early morning hot-air balloon flights over the west bank are popular. The view of river, mountain, valley and desert is phenomenal. You’ll need to book a day or two in advance
  
• Take a felucca ride on the Nile, especially popular at sunset (aperitivos and drinks supplied), and well worth doing if you aren’t otherwise going to be sailing on the eternal river
  
• The desert is close: you can ride through it on a camel or a horse. 4WD discovery trips are also available and will take you deeper into it

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Camel rides
• Historical sites
• Hot air ballooning
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets

Kids

Children are welcome and all the rooms are big enough to accommodate an extra bed, though family suites are available if you need the space. Young children will need supervision around the swimming pool. Babysitting can be arranged.

Best for:

Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Al Moudira Hotel is located on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, 6km from the centre of town (which is on the east bank). You can drive across the bridge, or take one of the colourful shuttle ferries which operate at all hours (from E£1 per person each way).

By Air:
Luxor Airport is your closest - 35 mins' drive away - but most people fly into Cairo and then visit Luxor during their stay. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport
The hotel offers a transfer service - see Rates - or you can jump in a taxi. Agree a rate before you get in though.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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