'What has happened to our past? Where have we taken it? Have we forgotten it all? Do we even know it existed? Are we real? Can I still show my face to the Chosen One if I am so shameless?
Naguib Mahfouz, a Nobel Laureate for literature who had deep ties with Luxor, wrote these words as a medium of expressing his own anguish through one of his characters in his famed ˜Cairo Trilogy'. Luxor, the ancient capital of the majestic and mysterious country that is Egypt, truly makes one think what must have happened to the rich heritage that Egyptian culture is known to have lost somewhere along temporal continuum.
Luxor is famously referred to as the Lost City of Thebes, a beautifully poetic rendition of heaven on earth, laden with fruit trees and blessed with cool water, free of pestilence and brimming with happiness. The city, now a pale shadow of its long lost grandeur (imaginary as well as real), still attracts thousands of visitors every year, thanks mainly to majestic ruins of the Temple of Luxor and scenic Nile Valley that surrounds the city.
Luxor has had a great deal of importance in the unfolding of historical events in Egypt, for over two millennia. Today, the city itself is a mid-sized town that makes do largely based on tourism that ruins of Luxor and Karnak bring in. If you are thinking of visiting Luxor, this quick fact-sheet regarding hotels in Luxor might help you get an idea about what to expect when in Luxor.
Affordable Hotels in Luxor
Egypt is a country that is still counted among developing nations by the UN. Because of this fact, tourists can expect to fit a trip to Luxor in a relatively modest budget (notwithstanding airfare).
Cheap hotels are easy to find in all of Egypt, especially in tourism clutters along the River Nile. Luxor happens to be one among these destinations, and hence, tourists will generally have few difficulties in locating and booking a hotel room that is comfortable as well as cheap.
The only thing to not take for granted while staying at inexpensive Luxor hotels is the availability of basic amenities. It is far too common to wake up in the middle of night only to find that power cuts are prevalent.
Luxurious Luxor Hotels
On the other hand, if you decide to up the ante and stay at a hotel that is rather high-end and posh, you might find that you get a lot more for the hefty price you are asked to pay. Being a global heritage site, Luxor has a number of high-profile hotel and resort establishments that routinely attract wealthy patrons and tourists who are seeking to let go of the stresses of everyday lives back home.
Such luxurious Luxor hotels offer all the amenities that tourists require “ from cosy bedding to safe stay, from delicious food to local assistance and from in-house gyms and spas to cooled swimming pools!
Al-Moudira Group of Resorts has extensive presence in many Egyptian tourism places, and Luxor is not an exception. Their luxury resort in Luxor is easily reachable from all the major sites of Luxor. Others include Sofitel Group, Hilton Luxor and Steigenberger Deluxe Hotel.
Must-Visit Sights of Luxor
Luxor is sure to appeal to tourists have a strong liking or interest for history of human civilizations, mythology, Egyptian culture and exotic places. The number of sites, per se, present in Luxor is not quite overwhelming. But it would take you a better part of the whole week to truly see and absorb every detail of these majestic sights.
Quite obviously, the very first of these sights is the ancient Temple of Luxor. So much has been said and written about this temple that it is quite impossible now to actually sift facts from fiction. But that adds a whole lot of mystery and enchantment to this attraction that symbolizes human spirit and a rare synergy between intellect and enterprise. Dedicated to the God of the Gods “ Amon “ the Temple of Luxor has been an envy of Greek and Roman emperors for centuries. The ruins of the temple, in its present state, also feature a dilapidated shrine dedicated in memory of Alexander the Great, who is said to have visited the city while returning from Alexandria.
The city, however, anticipates more tourism in coming years as the Government has ambitious plans for converting the whole cityscape into a gigantic open for all museum.
Hotels Near Luxor Airport
The Luxor Int. Airport is a direct port of entry for thousands of visitors into Egypt. Many choose to enter via this airport, presumably because of lower airfares that flights landing here entail. However, Luxor Airport does not serve many international destinations apart from a handful of major cities in Europe and South East Asia.
If you are looking for hotels in Luxor that are easily accessible by road from the airport, you wouldn't be amused to know that the stretch of land that connects the airport to the city is nothing but a barren piece of Egyptian desert. So, to have any hope of finding a good accommodation while you are in Luxor, you will invariably have to travel down to the city proper, where umpteen luxury as well as cheap hotels will be ready to welcome you!
Ideal Time to Visit Luxor
Egypt is a country in which activities are heavily influenced by weather. Being a desert country for most of its parts, a trip to Egypt should always be planned out in accordance with the weather conditions.
The three month stretch from January to March presents the most ideal conditions for traveling to Luxor, as temperature settle down in the range of 50 to 70 F during these months. These also happen to be three months of the year that see the highest degree to tourist footfall in Luxor. Beyond March, however, temperatures soar high, making it a strict no-no for tourists who aren't used to high-heat.