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The Old Winter Palace
 The
Winter Palace in Luxor, operated by Sofitel, is not nearly
as famous as its sister hotel, the Old Cataract Hotel in
Aswan. Yet it were the guests of this hotel, from a posting
on their bulletin board, who were first informed of Howard
Carter's great discovery of Tut's treasures. The great
Egyptologists was staying at the hotel upon his world
awakening discovery, and even though he had a residence
built on the West Bank, he continued frequenting the hotel
up almost until his death. He was often seen sitting in self
imposed isolation in the hotel's gardens.
 Built
in 1886 to attract the nobility of Europe, the Winter Palace is
more continental English in atmosphere than the Old Cataract in
Aswan. One does not get the feeling of Egypt so much as of an
oasis of European flavor and Victorian charm.
In fact, the ultimate privilege is said to have
had one's own yacht moored along the quayside, opposite the Winter
Palace. Such notables as King Farouk stayed here and even had his
own apartment. French President George Clemenceau, as well as many
crown prices and princesses from European and Oriental Royal
families made it their preferred place of residence, as have such
celebrates as Jane Fonda.
It is said that the Winter Palace had once been
somewhat run down, but none of that is visible today, or even easy
to believe. All is in perfect order, with modern fixtures
necessary for comfort coexisting alongside antiques, fine wood and
sand cast glass.
Each guest room is different, with high ceilings,
beautiful fixtures, as well as all the modern amenities and
comforts. Along the hall, one will see boxed exhibitions of old
clothing and other turn of the century artifacts. The great lobby
is subdued, with its detailed ironworks and grand chandelier.
As with the Cataract Hotel in Aswan, the Winter
Palace also is home to one of the best known restaurants in Egypt,
the "1886", a place of elegant, and specifically formal
dinning. So if one plans on a stay, this is one reason to pack
something that few tourist to Egypt every do, a coat and tie.
The 1886 Restaurant
Also like the Cataract, there is a New Winter
Palace, and while comfortable, this is not the Old Winter Palace
and does not have the charm. However, it is where several of the
restaurants are located, along with the hotel Pool. Together, the
New and Old Winter Palaces offer five restaurants, five bars, the
swimming pool, two tennis counts, a health club and squash court.
The Old Winter Palace
Cornish El Nile, Luxor, Egypt
Phone: +20-95-380422+20-95-380422
Fax: +20 95/384087
Telex: 92160
Reservations
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