Historic Hotels in Egypt
Historic places to stay in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan
Mena House Oberoi
Mena House
Cairo
Quite possibly the most famous hotel in Egypt, Mena House is certainly a favourite of Nights in the Past. The pyramids themselves feel almost close enough to touch, so it seems no surprise that so many historic figures have chosen to stay here and take in the views.
Built in 1869 – quite probably on the site of a hunting lodge – the house has welcomed kings, presidents and film stars during its time as a hotel. Winston Churchill is, perhaps, its most revered former patron, staying here for the first time during World War One. His most noted visit, however, occurred during 1943 for the Cairo Conference with President Roosevelt and Chiang Kai-shek. Indeed, it is even suggested that some of the planning for D-Day took place in the building.
Other legendary figures to have taken in the delights of its glorious gardens and famed hospitality include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Charlie Chaplin. It is also said that Charlton Heston would ride his horse through the grounds after a day’s filming of The Ten Commandments.
It offers rooms and suites in both the original palace wing and the more recent ‘Garden Wing’, an outdoor swimming pool, golf course, and a classic ambience that no modern hotel can match.
Cairo
Quite possibly the most famous hotel in Egypt, Mena House is certainly a favourite of Nights in the Past. The pyramids themselves feel almost close enough to touch, so it seems no surprise that so many historic figures have chosen to stay here and take in the views.
Built in 1869 – quite probably on the site of a hunting lodge – the house has welcomed kings, presidents and film stars during its time as a hotel. Winston Churchill is, perhaps, its most revered former patron, staying here for the first time during World War One. His most noted visit, however, occurred during 1943 for the Cairo Conference with President Roosevelt and Chiang Kai-shek. Indeed, it is even suggested that some of the planning for D-Day took place in the building.
Other legendary figures to have taken in the delights of its glorious gardens and famed hospitality include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Charlie Chaplin. It is also said that Charlton Heston would ride his horse through the grounds after a day’s filming of The Ten Commandments.
It offers rooms and suites in both the original palace wing and the more recent ‘Garden Wing’, an outdoor swimming pool, golf course, and a classic ambience that no modern hotel can match.
Sofitel Legend (The Old Cataract)
Sofitel Legend (Old Cataract)
Aswan
Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook himself, the Sofitel Legend (also known as The Old Cataract) is a striking building whose entire raison d’etre is - and always has been - to provide first rate hospitality.
Stood atop a granite promontory above the River Nile, the hotel has been a perennial favourite of the rich and powerful. Indeed, its list of notable former guests is truly remarkable and far too lengthy to go into in any great detail here. However, mention must be made of Agatha Christie (who, it is said, found inspiration for Death on the Nile here), Howard Carter, Czar Nicholas II, and Sir Winston Churchill.
It boasts 123 rooms and 8 suites, two restaurants (the 1902 and The Terrace with its splendid views), three bars (including the legendary Elephantine Bar) and an outdoor swimming pool.
Aswan
Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook himself, the Sofitel Legend (also known as The Old Cataract) is a striking building whose entire raison d’etre is - and always has been - to provide first rate hospitality.
Stood atop a granite promontory above the River Nile, the hotel has been a perennial favourite of the rich and powerful. Indeed, its list of notable former guests is truly remarkable and far too lengthy to go into in any great detail here. However, mention must be made of Agatha Christie (who, it is said, found inspiration for Death on the Nile here), Howard Carter, Czar Nicholas II, and Sir Winston Churchill.
It boasts 123 rooms and 8 suites, two restaurants (the 1902 and The Terrace with its splendid views), three bars (including the legendary Elephantine Bar) and an outdoor swimming pool.
Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel
Winter Palace Hotel
Luxor
In the decades following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, Luxor became an increasingly popular destination for tourists. As such, many of the city’s hotels are distinctly modern, with several benefiting from their situation on the banks of the Nile.
However, the Winter Palace predates Carter’s discovery by some 36 years. Indeed, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon (who funded much of the Egyptologist’s venture) was a regular guest at the hotel between 1914 and 1922. It is also said that it was from the hotel’s steps that the discovery of the famous Pharoah and his treasures were announced. Agatha Christie devotees will also be pleased to learn that the Winter Palace is yet another Egyptian hotel with connections to the famous writer.
Its location close to Luxor Temple is of great importance for those seeking to explore the rich history of ancient Thebes. And, of course, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatchepsut are all close by. The Winter Palace offers 86 rooms and 6 suites, swimming pool, and plenty of timeless elegance.
Luxor
In the decades following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, Luxor became an increasingly popular destination for tourists. As such, many of the city’s hotels are distinctly modern, with several benefiting from their situation on the banks of the Nile.
However, the Winter Palace predates Carter’s discovery by some 36 years. Indeed, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon (who funded much of the Egyptologist’s venture) was a regular guest at the hotel between 1914 and 1922. It is also said that it was from the hotel’s steps that the discovery of the famous Pharoah and his treasures were announced. Agatha Christie devotees will also be pleased to learn that the Winter Palace is yet another Egyptian hotel with connections to the famous writer.
Its location close to Luxor Temple is of great importance for those seeking to explore the rich history of ancient Thebes. And, of course, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatchepsut are all close by. The Winter Palace offers 86 rooms and 6 suites, swimming pool, and plenty of timeless elegance.