5 Best Hotels in West Bank, Luxor and the Nile Valley

One of Luxor's most luxurious places to stay, Al Moudira is so enchanting you might not want to leave to go sightseeing. Ornate keyhole arches frame bright bougainvillea flowers and lead to the individually decorated rooms with hand-painted frescoes, silk and satin drapes, and antique furniture.  Pathways meander through colonnaded courtyards graced by fountains, ending at a pool and pavilion with a bar and restaurant.

Overlooking Medinet Habu, this charming guesthouse in a three-story mudbrick house is decked out in colorful Nubian textiles and traditional decor. It's run by Nour El Nil, which operates excellent dahabiya (traditional sailboat) cruises on the Nile that are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Relaxed and welcoming, Gezira Garden Hotel is a little oasis on the West Bank, and all rooms come with balconies to soak up the flower-filled, tree-shaded scene. The two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens are popular with families, and the property has three restaurants, including a spot for Thai and a rooftop Egyptian restaurant. Yoga, dance, and painting classes take place here, and the pool is heated for a post-temple swim.

A beautiful blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities, Embrace Hotel channels good vibes into an environmentally thoughtful property that runs on clean energy, has a swimming pool without chemicals, and offers organic toiletries and meals. The meditation room is a nice touch, and the bliss continues in the lush gardens, where staff serve fresh juice from fruit grown on land owned by the hotel.

Originally constructed in the 1920s as a dig house for the University of Chicago's archaeological expeditions, the Marsam Hotel maintains its simple historic charm with mud-brick rooms, locally made furniture, and traditional decor. If you're not staying, it's a great place to stop for a meal after sightseeing around the West Bank.