Where to Stay in Luxor: East Bank, West Bank & Nile Cruises

Luxor’s accommodation divides cleanly between the East Bank and the West Bank of the Nile. The choice between them shapes your entire visit — not just where you sleep, but how you spend your mornings at the sites.

Luxury Hotels

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (East Bank Corniche) — Luxor’s most storied hotel and one of Egypt’s most historically significant. Opened in 1907 in a Victorian colonial building with mature gardens and Nile-facing rooms. Howard Carter reportedly celebrated the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb here in 1922. Agatha Christie was also a guest. $250–500/night.

Steigenberger Nile Palace (East Bank, Corniche) — a modern luxury property with Nile views, more consistent in facilities than the Winter Palace but without the historical character. $150–280/night.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa (East Bank, beachfront Nile) — a large Nile-facing resort with pool and beach section on the river, well regarded for families and those wanting consistent chain amenities. $140–260/night.

Boutique and Character Hotels

Al Moudira (West Bank) — the most atmospheric small hotel near Luxor. A mud-brick palace built around a garden on the West Bank, designed in a traditional style with no two rooms identical. A genuinely distinctive place to stay, suited to travellers who want character over chain facilities. $180–350/night.

Marsam Hotel (West Bank) — a simple, long-established guesthouse used by archaeologists working the West Bank sites for decades. No frills, but an authentic institution with a loyal following. $40–80/night.

Mid-Range

Iberotel Luxor (East Bank, Nile views) — a reliable mid-range option on the Corniche with Nile-facing rooms and standard resort facilities. $80–150/night.

Susanna Hotel (East Bank) — a budget-friendly property with a rooftop terrace and Nile views, well placed for the central Luxor sites. $30–60/night.

East Bank: the Main Accommodation Base

Most hotels in Luxor sit on the East Bank, which is where the city centre, train station, Luxor Temple, and most restaurants are located. For first-time visitors, or those prioritising convenience and evening dining options, the East Bank is the default choice.

Budget accommodation concentrates around the Corniche and near Luxor station. Hostels and guesthouses typically charge EGP 300–700 per night and range from functional dormitories to simple private rooms with Nile views.

West Bank Guesthouses

The West Bank has far fewer accommodation options but makes up for it with proximity and price. Small family-run guesthouses cluster near the ferry dock and the main West Bank road. Rates are often EGP 200–500 per night — among the cheapest in Egypt.

The practical advantage is real. Valley of the Kings is roughly 6km from the ferry dock. Staying on the West Bank means you can be at the tombs before the tour groups arrive from the East Bank. No morning ferry queue, no waiting for transfers. The Marsam Hotel is the most established named option; Al Moudira is the most characterful at higher prices. If you plan to spend multiple days on the West Bank sites, this side is worth the trade-off of fewer dining options in the evenings.

East vs West Bank: the Practical Summary

Staying on the West Bank saves meaningful travel time for temple visits but has fewer restaurants and evening options. The East Bank (Luxor town) has the main bazaar, most restaurants, and better transport links. Many visitors stay on the East Bank and take the ferry for West Bank day trips — a reasonable compromise for shorter stays.

Nile Cruise Ships

A significant number of visitors to Luxor never stay in a hotel — they sleep on a Nile cruise ship docked along the East Bank. Most Luxor–Aswan cruises (3 or 4 nights) are all-inclusive and use Luxor as either the starting or ending point. This is a sensible option if your itinerary includes both cities and you want to see the river temples at Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo along the way.

Booking and Seasonality

Occupancy is highest from October through March. Book well in advance for this period, particularly for upscale properties. Summer (June–August) is extremely quiet due to the heat — prices drop significantly and availability is rarely a problem.

For more on planning your time in Luxor, see our Luxor city guide. Guided tours of Luxor covering the West Bank sites, hot air balloon flights, and sound-and-light shows at Karnak can be booked from most hotels on both banks.