Volume I, Number 5 October 1st, 2000
The Sonesta St. George, Luxor, Egypt
By Jimmy Dunn
I must admit that I greatly enjoyed my stay in the Sonesta St. George in Luxor. This five star hotel, part of a chain which Americans will know from their facilities in New Orleans, is indeed luxurious. But where international chains often fail to portray a regional flavor, the Sonestas in Egypt embrace the atmosphere of Egypt with columns and other architectural styles which makes one very aware that he or she is in Egypt.
Often, while traveling in Egypt, I stay in a variety of hotels, usually ranging from three star to five star. Admittedly, my stay at the Sonesta was on the luxury side. While not a suite, the room did have a whirlpool bath, and after traipsing around in hot tombs all day, nothing could have been more welcome. That and the view over the Nile to Thebes, the West Bank and the mountains, as well as a good central location in Luxor.
In fact, I might mention that I have stayed in several Sonestas in Egypt, and all were dependably luxurious; stylish in their modern pharaonic recreation. Visitors should note the attention to detail in this respect.
Rooms
The St. George in Luxor has 224 rooms and suites. All rooms have remote control televisions, individual climate control, electronic door locks, radios, in house videos, hair dryers, well stocked mini bars, direct dial telephones with modem ports, and safety deposit boxes. There are also corporate rooms with fax machines. As noted, some of the rooms also have advanced amenities such as whirlpool bath tubs and other luxury facilities.
Other Facilities
Other hotel facilities inlcude 24 hour room service, laundry and valet, a message service.
Sports and fitness facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and a fully equipped health and fitness center. Children are accommodated with a "Just Us Kids" program with counselors who organize fun activities, a baby-sitting service, and a children's video and game room.
Restaurants and Bars
The main dining room is Serapis, with a buffet featuring Japanese and international cuisine, but along these lines, there is also Miyako, Luxor's first Japanese restaurant featuring a Sushi bar and Teppan Yaki tables. Isadora, another elegant hotel restaurant serves European selections, or one may also visit the Beban Coffee Shop which features light Italian food and fresh pastries. Jebs is a poolside, recreated Nubian village which serves light fare and overlooks the Nile.
For entertainment and drinks, the Hotel offers Nobles, an authentic English Pub, and Luxor, a Night Club and discotheque.
Luxor is a city that requires a certain amount of exertion. Few people traveling there spend enough time to leisurely explore the area, and so the rush begins, usually early in the morning, to visit the temples, tombs and museums. I can think of few other places where one visits in Egypt that is more demanding, and where a nice, modern hotel with all the amenities is more welcome at the end of a long, hot day of exploration. The St. George meets these expectations and more.
The Sonesta St. George, Luxor, Egypt
Middle East Regional Sales Office
120 Al Thawra Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Telephone: 20-2-24183539 Fax: 20-2-24183548
Welcome to the Ancient Egyptian Home By Ilene Springer
Historical Hotels in Egypt - Part IV By Jimmy Dunn
Editor's Commentary By Jimmy Dunn
Ancient Beauty Secrets By Judith Illes
Book Reviews Various Editors
Kid's Corner By Margo Wayman
Cooking with Tour Egypt By Mary K Radnich
Hotel Reviews By Juergen Stryjak
Egyptian Exhibitions By deTraci Regula
Nightlife Various Editors
Restaurant Reviews Various Editors
Shopping Around By Juergen Stryjak
Egyptian View-Point By Adel Murad
Web Reviews By Siri Bezdicek
Prior Issues
September 1st, 2000
August 1st, 2000
July 1st, 2000
June 1st, 2000
Last Updated: June 2nd, 2011