Reviews of Mercure Coralia Luxor Hotel, Luxor, Egypt

The best hotel ever

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

queeni@blueyonder.co.uk

Comments:

My husband and I have stayed at the "Etap" (as it was once called, the people who go back year after year stil call it this) 12 times and are returning next year. We normally email the staff about 2 weeks before we go requesting one particular room and always get it when we arrive.

The rooms are spacious and cleaned every day with fresh linen and towels, we even get flowers and fruit sometime left in our room.

The food is excellent and quite cheap, we always go on B & B basis but eat in the hotel about 6 times during our two week stay as there are lots of places to eat within a short, cheap taxi ride away.

We have always found the staff to be very helpful and have known many of them for years now, the staff never seem to want to leave, in fact we have heard that they have a very big waiting list for people to work for them. Every time we go back we get "welcome home" and that is just what it feels like, we are in the hotel a day and feel we have been there a week, we are so relaxed.

This is the place to stay for touring, it is very central and everywhere touristy is within easy access from here, I have read reviews of some staff being surly, but surely we are all entitled to an off day, especially in the very high temperatures, and we have saw the way some guests treat the staff, as if they are dirt under their feet, yes we pay good money to stay there but come on what does a little bit civility cost?

Yes enjoy the sites, but coming back to the hotel and lounging by the pool is just fantastic, the pool is large with loads of beds and towels, it is cleaned regularly and inspected every morning, so yes you can totally relax here knowing it is clean and safe.

I dont think it is a hotel for kids as they do not have much for them to do, but that aside I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone, I already hav to family and friends and they all agree with me, it is the best.

The best holiday I have ever...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

going places direct

Submitted By:

tall_girl63

Comments:

The best holiday I have ever been on!!!! This hotel should be rated as a five star as I couldn't fault them on anything. The food was fantastic and really cheap. The staff went out of their way to help and as for the standard of service, it was out of this world. I have made many friends whilst there and return regularly. Getting round Luxor was extremely easy with many taxi's, but I seen alot of horse taxi's and unfortunately the horses look the worse for wear, but the hotel doesn't allow them near. The entertainment could be better at the Mercure, but that is just my personal view, my family really enjoyed it.

Haveing stayed here many times...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs S.J. HIDES

Comments:

Haveing stayed here many times the only 2 things wrong is the food could be hoter and time for better evening entertainment!! Otherwisw very good, pool larger than most hotels. Staff wonderfull.Rooms very clean.Any problems just see ALY quest relations man he will do the best he can and speakes perfect english. There are plenty english resurants just pay 20egyption pound (£2 ) english in taxi ask for 7ways for 7days or john johns maxines they will drop you at the door. Also we know of good honest shop run by JACK called DIANA WORKSHOP just past the jewelry factory down street with bank on corner and police box on corner highly recomended.Dont use the horse and carts as they whip the poor horse( CALESHES) In front of The Winter Palace is Jollys they do good cheep tours very good.We were afaid at first time but after 12 times ofgoing we find safe than home. You will be hassled but thats there way of life just tell them NO !! it doesnt stop but then they have a living to make and its the way of life. HAPPY HOLIDAY. E.M. me if any ?

I've stayed in quite few hotels...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr D Gray

Comments:

I've stayed in quite few hotels owned by the Accor chain. This has to be the worst for drab and lifeless rooms. Although they are spacious (odd numbered rooms are smaller than even numbered rooms, which also has the best views) they are in urgent need of decoration.



The mattresses are awful. Every morning my back ached and I don't suffer with a bad back! The noise from the night club below can keep you awake till 2.00am.



The service from staff was ok. The food was ok too. The menu's lack inspiration.

The swimming pool is good, but I would strongly recommend that they remove people's stuff off the sun beds.

As these people leave their stuff and clear off for hours and don't use them! In the end I removed these people belongs and handed them to staff at the pool bar, so I could use the beds.



All in all I would stay in another hotel in Luxor rather than here.



It is not a 4 star hotel to world standards.

We have stayed in this hotel for...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr J Cross

Comments:

We have stayed in this hotel for at least 2 weeks every year since 1992 and have always found it provides excellent value and service.



It is well located and offers very clean, comfortable accommodation. Hotel staff are courteous, polite and, above all, friendly.



The recently refurbished pool garden is an excellent relaxation facility and should be enjoyed by all.



Unfortunately the air conditioning within the hotel can be problematic and this can result in rooms feeling slightly hot, but not uncomfortably so.



The breakfast buffet has deteriorated in quality and choice over the past few years but you may find it improves if you have it delivered to your room, the charge for this service being a mere LE1 (10p!).



Overall, this is an excellent hotel; having travelled extensively throughout Egypt we find that this hotel has an atmosphere like no other, and this is what makes us return continually.



Thanks to Nabil, Yahia, Ahmed, Tut, Ali and the rest of the staff for giving us a fantastic time again.

We stayed at the Mercure for 1...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Johnson

Comments:

We stayed at the Mercure for 1 week on a B & B basis.



I could not fault this hotel at all. All the staff were courteous and helpful.



The pool area is excellent, as is the Italian Restaurant and the room service also.



10 out of 10!

I had the pleasure of staying...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss R Wright

Comments:

I had the pleasure of staying here in June 2005 and it was the perfect base for the holiday of a lifetime. Not particularly lavish but doing exactly what it says on the tin, the hotel is ideally equipped to cater for all holiday needs. With a fantastic sized pool, several restaurants, well kept gardens, an array of tourist suited shops and welcoming bar, the hotel meets all the holiday criteria. But in truth, people shouldn't be coming to Luxor to just lounge around the pool staying in just the hotel grounds.



Often described as the world's greatest open air museum, Luxor is steeped with ancient treasures offering its explorers to delve into this rich culture as much or as little by choice. Boosting its own temple and hosting Karnak Temple on its outskirts, Luxor's vibrant past, dating back to 3100BC, is still vividly alive.



Deliberately working on a bed and breakfast, the hotel is encouraging its guests to explore and sample the Egyptian lifestyle, food and culture, whilst still providing well prepared options within its domain. I actually had the best steak of my life in the little Italian restaurant, elegantly lit by the pool - and my partner can tell you how fussy I am about my steaks!



The staff of the Mercure Coralia cannot be faulted in any way. Befriended by all, two bar waiters actually invited us back to their homes and to meet their families, sampling true hospitability and real Egyptian life. One living in the outskirts on a self contained 'hut', the other owning a city flat with his wife and young son, the two dwellings couldn't have been more diverse and thus providing a well rounded view of two lifestyles.



I think the negativity this place has received is largely given by returning guests with unrealistic expectations. It is always said visiting a place twice never leaves you with the same satisfaction; you can never experience the same hotel twice. I think the comments are somewhat unfair. The hotel is clearly providing an excellent service, otherwise why would people be tempted back, so it if is ain't broke and all that.



I couldn't recommend the hotel enough. Clean facilities, fantastic swimming pool, unwavering service and all overlooking the Nile. This hotel is perfect for holidaymakers wishing to discover the dark depths of Egypt's past. If you're after a beach drenched, lie by the pool type holiday then maybe Sharm is best for you.

Excellent accommodation,...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss K Squires

Comments:

Excellent accommodation, beautiful hotel with amazing lobby area. Nice pool and a large choice of restaurants in the vicinity.



The hotel overlooks the river Nile and is within walking distance to the temple, museum and bazaar. Will be going again next year...fabulous!

Following a weeks Nile Cruise...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Ms E Beck

Comments:

Following a weeks Nile Cruise where the staff were so caring and attentive, the Mercure did not live up to the standards of a 4 star hotel, in my opinion.



On the cruise towels were changed 3 times a day, and rooms were constantly inspected, yet arriving at the Mercure, the fridge did not function so it had to be replaced (and they forgot to take away the old fridge so that was another hassle). The mattresses were well worn - and this was in the newer extension, so the next day these had to be replaced. There seemed to be very basic room cleaning (lack of toilet rolls/ proper cleaning), so this was all disappointing.



I visited here almost 10years ago and whilst many things are the same, there has not been an improvement in the general management being as friendly as they used to be. That is not to say that people were impolite.



The menus in the Italian and French restaurants are still the same. Some waiters were very nice and polite, whilst a couple over-stepped boundaries in my opinion. I prefer to be an anonymous guest when dining rather than having to enter into forced banter with a highly- positioned waiter in one restaurant.



I can concur with a recently read report that this hotel, because of it's central location to the main living areas, does tend to be noisy, plus I was awakened by the noise from people leaving the disco. For me this Disco is not a welcome feature: it must be a blessing for other hotels as tourists at, e.g. The New Winter Palace came especially for the late night disco!



There is much hassle from boys and males trawling the streets for trade; be it taxis, feluccas or calashes, and this becomes very tiring. There was also more noticeable ongoing hassle from traders who I believe are not making as much money since the old bazaar has been closed, so some sympathy here, although it can be rather over-bearing to be constantly hassled.



I noted luxury suites at this hotel and would imagine the management are going, not only for the tourist trade but for the more lucrative end. It does need balancing as I would not wish to re-visit.



I have read that others state the pool area has been refurbished however whilst work may have been done to update the pools poor cleansing system, and maybe re-paving etc, the pool area remains exactly like it was 10 years ago. It is a very nice area with plenty of sun beds and parasols, & toweling for use FOC.



If you want basic, with a fairly good reception and do not mind the outside and inside disco noise then this lower end hotel may be for you.



It is no longer for me & tiappears to be a 3star hotel.

Having stayed here 8 years ago...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Ms V Banyard

Comments:

Having stayed here 8 years ago it was with disappointment to find that the Mercure has not improved. There is now a new extension (in which we stayed) and we had the view we wanted, overlooking the Valley of the Kings, however the balconies were small. We could have had a larger balcony however : 1) at the front this is directly over the noisy disco that closes at 2.30am. 2) The rear has much more noise input from the 'wake-up-call' from local mosques, starting around 4am/5am.



We did not find too many of the staff overly helpful insomuch as we had the use of a wheelchair and only one staff member opened a door for us, other than at the hotel entrance.



Luxor is going through a major re-development phase: the much lived local bazaar has now had to make way for a new road. Apparently this is so that travelers arriving at the railway to the top of this area (many streets behind this hotel), can have the breath-taking view of the Nile and Valleys etc. Whilst this is a good tourist point and welcoming for the impact it must give to the first time traveler to Luxor, it feels that the heart has been removed from this once vibrant centre. Government shops, which are all half the stated price and do not allow haggling are taking over. Where is the fun and tradition without a good haggle! Enjoyed both by Egyptian traders and Tourists alike!



The main restaurant serves an excellent buffer breakfast that still is of a 4* style, although the waiters are invariably surly to female travelers until you assert your right to have tea or coffee served when it suits you and not the waiter!



The pool area is still lovely as are the gardens. It does seem there are more staff to tend to these areas than to the guests.



Sorry to be so brutal but the room needed some serious cleaning: it was not prepared and other than the main Housekeeper who was keen to be of assistance, the staff seemed surly here too. Perhaps it is low wages, long hours, and in all that (to the traveler) wonderful heat.



I wish I could write the glowing review (except for the noisy location) that I would have done 8 years ago, but in our opinion this should be an 3 star hotel. Such a lovely viewing location, handy for all the important sights, and as previous remarks have stated, do make your own arrangements to visit places of interest: the taxi drivers can be friendly if picked carefully, and they can take you for a fraction of the cost asked for by Travel Agent tours.



The spiritual atmosphere, for me, is undermined by the constant haggling and bantering: I was even approached in Luxor Temple by an Egyptian trying to get me to a certain restaurant! If only one could communicate to the Egyptian people, whom we travel to see the sights and experience their precious heritage, and we would like them to respect their heritage too: not just a money making scheme. Yes I am aware that there is much poverty in Luxor but respect and regard come free.

This hotel was absolutely awful....

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Not Specified

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Kiouna

Submitted By:

Miss C Webb

Comments:

This hotel was absolutely awful. When we arrived there was a huge party going on next door and our room was pounding from the noise. We then found a lizard on the wall and asked to be moved to a different room. This room was on the ground floor and was still unpleasant but at least it was quiet.



We asked for a wake up call for 8am and did not receive one so stayed in bed until midday! Overall the hotel was well below par and I would encourage anyone planning to go there to think again and choose somewhere else.

I must firstly admit to have...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Viking

Submitted By:

andycandler

Comments:

I must firstly admit to have stayed at this hotel more than 10 times and I do consider it a "home from home". I stayed in April 2005 and November 2005.



It is now under new management and many changes have happened since April 2005. The pool area has been completely replaced over the Summer and the new look works very well. The hotel is trying to achieve 5 stars (local rating) and I believe they do deserve it.



What makes the hotel is the staff, who are the most welcoming yet professional I have ever met in Egypt. This seems to be the reason why the British like it so much and return every year.



The location of the hotel is perfect on the Nile Corniche, you are less than 10 minutes walk from the local ferry and the shopping areas. There are some local shops that sell drinks and other items at very competitive prices.



I strongly urge anyone to stay at this hotel and forget about the coach tours. Jump in a taxi at the street next to the hotel and pay the local prices to "tour Egypt". You will be amazed at the different experience when you meet local Egyptian people.

My sister and I have just spent...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs A Hopla

Comments:

My sister and I have just spent a week at this hotel - I have stayed in better four star hotels - but I think to grade it less would be unfair.



All the staff were very helpful, friendly and extremely polite - they couldn’t do enough for us.



Linen and towels were changed daily - we only ate breakfast upstairs and used the bistro and champoillon restaurant - but we were more than happy with the food - it depends on ones taste and needs



The pool was being refurbished during our stay - but the hotel provided transport on a regular daily basis to the winter palace so we could use their pool - the staff there were equally helpful.


We also found that the shops around this area on the main road - were a good place to shop - definitely no hassle - but don’t forget to barter



I do like value for money - and don’t like to be ripped off - my sister and I felt that we did get value for money and certainly did not feel that we got less than we paid for



The only negative thing - is that outside of the hotel grounds you will be approached and offered many things - especially by a man called Mohammed and his colleague monsoor - these are people we will give a wide berth to when we return.



The trips we went on were organised by Thomson’s - and well organised they were - we particularly enjoyed the one to fellahs tent - excellent value

This hotel is classed as a four...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2005

Tour Operator:

Discover Egypt

Submitted By:

Mr JP Allsop

Comments:

This hotel is classed as a four star, in all honesty this is only a three star.



The rooms are adequate but not spectacular, however we did have a good view over the Nile.



The food in the restaurants were good, we didn’t try the French one, but the breakfast left a lot to be desired, one of the people we met called it dire, especially for English people.



The reception staff are excellent but that’s where it ends.



The bar in the hotel was poor, we had to wait ages to be served.



The pool areas is also adequate, there is a large pool and table tennis.



Luxor itself has two great temples, Luxor template and the awesome Karnak temple, give yourself three hours at least to take in Karnack temple.



Do not go to the sound and light show at Karnack, it's the biggest waste of money ever. Do not let this put you off the

sound and light show at the pyramids however, that is excellent.



We would definitely recommend one of the many Nile cruises to get the most from the history of this country. Again, go for a five star boat to get guaranteed quality.



The Luxor museum is interesting but is not a patch on the Cairo museum, it does have two mummies in there and some of the more minor treasure from King Tutankamens tomb.



A must see is the Valley of the Kings. Do not be talked out of going into King Tut's tomb. It is small but interesting and is the only one where the mummy was left inside (you can't see it, but there is the sarcophagus) and a recreation of the gold mask. It has a certain atmosphere about it.



Egypt must be the hassle capital of the world and we would advise not leaving the hotel too often, because of this a good hotel is a must and we would advise going five star.



On one night we had stopped for a minute to look at the river and we were being hassled for money by one of the better off looking locals. We quickly retreated back to the hotel, keeping our eyes on our backs.



Bartering is a must if you buy anything otherwise you will be paying well over the odds.



We had a great time in Egypt, this hotel was the worst part.

I have visited Luxor many...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2004

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs K Lofthouse

Comments:

I have visited Luxor many times(12 in total) and this is by far the nicest hotel I have stayed in, in the resort. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble for them.


The rooms are of a good size and are cleaned everyday also the linen and towels are changed everyday to.


Breakfasts are varied and there is always something for everyone to choose from very tasty. The pool is clean and a good size with plenty of activities going on such as volley ball, table tennis and darts.


The bar staff are very nice and it is relaxing with also an outside area where there is entertainment.


Close to the Luxor Temple and the museum and also near to the bazaar ,easy walking distance also to other hotels and gift shops. Excellent value for money!