Hotel Pyramisa Isis Luxor

The hotel is in the centre of Luxor on the East Bank of the Nile, within walking distance of the Corniche, Luxor Temple and Museum, the ferry to the West Bank, markets and good restaurants. There are souvenir and jewelley shops everywhere - bargaining is part of the culture. The wealth of ancient sites to visit is amazing but do not forget modern Luxor eg the Nubian Village (where villagers are trained in local crafts: weaving, bag-making, etc), ACE (Animal Care in Egypt) Hospital in the village in the sugarcane fields just outside the city (see www.ace-egypt.org.uk) where they care principally for the working animals, Nile boat trips, hot air balloon rides over the West Bank, caleche rides (choose a well-looked after horse and carriage without a whip; if you take a caleche to visit ACE Hospital the vets will give the horse a health check).

The staff speak English, are warm and friendly. Everywhere is kept beautifully clean.

The cuisine is international - the hotel has a Chinese and an Italian restaurant. Breakfast is buffet-style with a wide choice. We prefer to dine on local cuisine at little local restaurants, so cannot comment on hotel meals.

The lovely gardens have 2 excellent pools and room for both sun and shade-lovers to relax. Food and drink are served by the pools (vegetarian option limited). There is a large terrace with comfortable easy chairs - ideal for watching the spectacular sunsets. A secluded children's play area is round the corner from the pool area. Other facilities on offer are internet access, massage, hair and beauty salon and some sports (not sampled by us).

Our Junior Suite had a large bedroom and sitting room, both with balconies facing the Nile; a fully equipped bathroom and a second loo; TV, air-conditioning, minibar, safe, telephone. It was very comfortable and clean.

We were able to use our UK mobile phones. The temperature was a pleasant 35 degrees in the day but became cooler when the sun set. October to February is probably the best time to visit (nights can get cold Dec/Jan). Tourist areas are much more expensive - bargaining is normal and the Egyptians have a great sense of humour. Tipping in the hotel can be made easier by giving to the breakfast restaurant manager, the chief pool bar waiter and the chief pool attendant at the end of the stay - it is shared and saves constant tipping.