Reviews of Maritim Jolie Ville Luxor Island Resort, Luxor, Egypt

Have just spent a most relaxing...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs A Burley

Comments:

Have just spent a most relaxing and wonderful week at the Jolie Ville. After such a hectic week on a Nile Cruise we were looking forward to a rest. Oh and what a rest we had. The bungalows are spacious, yes the bathrooms are a bit dated but they're clean and adequate. The staff are wonderful and nothing is too much trouble. The food is good even though some people may think there is a limited choice. The shop is well worth a visit if you don't like haggling. The grounds are full of well kept gardens and intresting plants and wildlife. The best of all is the Adult Pool which is next to the ice cream parlour. The other pool is also beautiful and has a good area for children. We only managed to explore half of the resort. They have a zoo, which I understand is lovely. If you want to have a go at riding a camel and don't fancy a 2 1/2 hour excursion. Cleo the camel can take you on a short jaunt round the grounds. Both my husband and myself indulged in a full body massage, it was wonderful we can highly recommend it. I also indulged in a body scrub, manicure and pedicure. Luxor centre is not far and can be reached either by the free bus or water bus. Taxi is about 30LE.

A really lovely hotel.
...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Select

Submitted By:

blondepoppy

Comments:

A really lovely hotel.



The room was a little basic with a 'taste of the 80s' style of decor, but it was clean and the beds were nice. The gardens are beautiful, the infinity pool is fantastic and the staff are really helpful. Service overall in this hotel was excellent. There was a really wide range of food for breakfast - something for everyone - and nothing was too much trouble.



The bar was very small, but OK.



It was really easy to get in and out of Luxor and I would recommend it to anyone.



I would certainly go back here.

A beautiful island resort, when...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Ms GA Savage

Comments:

A beautiful island resort, when we left the pool we picked limes from the trees to put in our drinks. The adult pool I totally agreed with( no kids, no music, no mobiles) but the infinity pool was fabulous and I didn't meet an unruly child, and they had a seperate child's pool play area for the younger ones.



The staff were so helpful, the rooms, although a little old fashioned, were spotless and after having been cleaned in the morning they would be checked again in the evening. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff.

This hotel has won an award for being the most eco friendly in egypt this year, they recycle a lot, have water recycling systems, etc etc, which was nice to know as the amount plastic bottles from water drinking would make an eu mountain.!!!

The gardens and wildlife were gorgeous and just looking onto the nile to watch somebody fishing in the reeds really made you feel that you were abroad, amazing sunsets. The food was good but not great, but hey you're in a third world country and everyone made it they're business to make you enjoy the whole experience.

We took advice before leaving and used a taxi (air conditioned!!!! which costs a couple of quid more)for the more local excursions, the west bank,karnak temple etc, as it is so much cheaper that way and the locals who are very poor get the benefit not the tour operators and the advantage is you can give up when YOU want to , in the 45 degree heat, go out early!

The hassle in the town is like running the gauntlet in gladiators, my teenage daughter found it quite daunting, but when I said lets make it fun by bartering it eased her mind but being asked 'how many camels for your daughter' just isn't funny, the hotel staff however are nothing but polite and friendly and good with kids.

I have to sing the praises of the chef who did the cooking to order part of breakfast, you'd recieve a plateful of food before you'd left your seat to ask for it, my daughter was all pancaked out!

All I can say is within a week of getting home we've booked for next year.

This was are third visit to...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr R Gillard

Comments:

This was are third visit to luxor and to the same hotel, this year however the hotel has changed hands and is now German owned the prices have really gone up since our last visit in 06 I cannot see how they can justify the prices at the bar and to eat at the hotel

needless to say we ate in town every, and i think the only 5 star it deserves is for the grounds and the friendlyness of the staff but may be in the future well visit again



R Gillard

The jollie Ville Island resort...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Lastminute

Submitted By:

Mr K Ross

Comments:

The jollie Ville Island resort is located on an island opposite the West bank.

All the rooms are fully air conditioned and come with television.

The grounds are stunning and well maintained, all the staff are friendly and willing to assist with any difficulties you may encounter.

There are 3 resturants and a bar which is open all day .

Each evening the main resturant offers food from 1 individual country and it is very reasonably priced.

During the day there are two big swimming pools, one which is child friendly, and the other for adults only. there is also a zoo at the rear of the resort which is worth checking out.

There is a boat service to take you into Luxor town throughout the day, which is a wonderful way to approach luxor.

Overall i found my stay at Jollie Ville to be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, and i would certainly go back..

Wow! Totally blown away is the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Cosmos

Submitted By:

Mrs L Spiller

Comments:

Wow! Totally blown away is the best way I can describe this place!

Every morning it was like waking up in a picture, breathless views - and the sunsets are some of the best on the Nile.

I can't wait to go back.

I can highly recommend the masseuse who is resident in the health and fitness club. Ask for LoLo (lulu).

Also I'd highly recommend the hot air balloon ride! Who can say that they've soared over the valley of the queens!

Personally, I'd never get bored of this place. Am saving now to return next year!

The waiting staff are so sweet and have impeccable manners.

Sunbeds are in abundance, towels are also provided for them.

I never really wanted to go to Egypt, but now I have to say I'm hooked. I call the Egyptians smiley people! A lot are destitute which is sad, but they are always happy.

Beware when walking around the temples and cover up! You will be of interest to the locals, male and female.. they aren't fussy there.

It is fun... overall rating of 10 is not enough... 110 maybe! Fabulous place...

Enjoy yourselves.

The place where we have been 10...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Cosmos

Submitted By:

Mr K G Mason

Comments:

The place where we have been 10 times is outstanding the surroundings and it`s people are smashing could not ask for better the hotel is 5star plus .i would give it anyhow i think so... the gardens are beautiful like a garden of eden it has a zoo and two lovely swimming pools... the staff are very helpful and go out of their way to help you nothings too much trouble... they have a free bus and ferry that takes you to town and back but there are timings for these.... please do`t be afraid to venture down the town ..you will get a little pestered by some but considering these people are very poor and don`t have a lot they are very nice... the places of interest are well worth a look.. hope you will consider going there i don`t think that you will be sorry regards to all. PS don`t book yet co`s i have`nt booked mine for next year yet

We recently celebrated our 30th...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs E Spencer

Comments:

We recently celebrated our 30th anniversary in Luxor at the Jolie Ville Maritim (was Movenpick). Having read all possible reviews and information on the internet we were a little anxious about the trip, but having spent a week there we would be more than happy to return. The hotel itself suited us very well. The rooms were groups of low level bungalows set in gardens with connecting covered walkways. Each room opened out onto a small patio with enough space for a sunbed and two chairs and a table then onto a small area of garden before the lawn. The standard of accommodation was very acceptable and having individual air conditioning in each room was needed as there were no opening windows. The grounds were extensive and included pools, gardens, tennis court, zoo and plenty of space, there were even a few hammocks dotted around the grounds. There was a courtesy boat or a courtesy mini bus which ran at various times to take you in and out of Luxor. There were several options for eating in the hotel, buffet meal in restaurant, a la carte restaurant and two separate outdoor barbeque areas which were cheaper. The views from the hotel, pools and grounds over the Nile to the West Bank were spectacular and occasionally there would be cruise boats passing by. We went on several of the organised trips which we greatly enjoyed and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. The highlight was the balloon trip, which due to the direction of the wind took us back from the West Bank, over the Nile, over Luxor temple and the town of Luxor to land eventually in the sugar cane fields. We did brave the hassle of the town which was slightly irritating always having to ignore and refuse offers of rides on boats and horse carriages. However, we decided that we would take up the offer of a lift to the museum, agreed the price of 50p before we set off to include being collected from the museum and returned to the Winter Palace afterwards. The young lad and his older cousin escorting / driving us were very keen that we should visit a 'market' and in the end we let them take us there. Actually it was a rather smart shop with several floors of gift ideas and we picked up several items for family and friends at a price that we were more than happy to pay. Afterwards they took us back to the Winter Palace as promised. The temperature at mid-day was about 35 degrees which made the trips to the temples and tombs hard work, but recovering in the shade by the pool was no hardship.

It was an exellent holiday...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss D Kayy

Comments:

It was an exellent holiday eygptions VERY friendly. Room was cleaned every day . Pools nice especially infinity for children. Have too say people complain about kids being the other one, although it is a adults only pool they were not splashing around or being noisey. Kids made loads of friends the life guars and staff are brilliant. If you want too go shopping go to the sook they give you hassel but you can knock the pice down alot.I would reccomend the hot airbloon it was amazing. Took us over the valley of the kings and queens.If you are going to the valley of the kings go early as the midday sun is boiling.Overall great holiday goin back next year, Would reccomend to all!

The Jolie Ville (still known...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr Roger Pearse

Comments:

The Jolie Ville (still known widely as the Movenpick) is a resort, on its own island, accessible only by a bridge manned by police. This is very good news, since the hassle in Luxor is unbelievable (I last went to Luxor in the 90's, and it was nothing like today)



Taxis are available from outside the hotel, and the presence of a tourist policeman there is a blessing. The reception can give you an idea what they should charge for a trip to the Valley of the Kings. Never get a taxi elsewhere; I picked on up outside Karnak temple who tried repeatedly to shangai me down some backstreets, and would have if I hadn't known Luxor too well for him to get away with it!



The rooms are all single-storey chalets in the beautiful gardens, each with a sitting out area, and none have a Nile view as far as I could tell. But the terrace overlooking the river is splendid. Come early if you want prompt service, and watch out for the little sparrows that will try to land on the table and eat from your bread-basket!



The room I got had a funny smell and a stain on the carpet, which I deduced eventually was due to some past overflow from the bathroom. The bathroom itself was tired-looking, although adequate. The room facilities were adequate. None of it was up to 5* European standard, but then in Luxor nothing is.



My room was also next to the cupboard where the servants get their materials for restocking. I found that in practise they tended to hang around this for hours, which of course invaded my privacy rather.



The food was excellent, the conditions of preparation clearly very good, and I was pretty paranoid about what I ate, but I still got an upset tum. So don't book any expensive excursions for the back end of your week there -- you may well not be able to go, and tour operators will NOT refund your money.



There was an internet terminal, which was slowish but perfectly usable -- but who goes to Egypt to use the internet?



Mobile reception was fine.



The public rooms and areas are all immaculate.



Generally the rooms were pretty quiet. I'd hate to try to stay in the Nile Palace, which fronts onto a street, for instance.



I went the week before Christmas. At the end the influx of visitors for the Christmas period was visible, so it's probably pretty busy then. I'd use this hotel again.

It was brilliant. The rooms were...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss S Clegg

Comments:

It was brilliant. The rooms were clean and tidy and are on the large side although the bathroom was smallish...towel were changed daily and someone came to clean the room every morning.



The room service is cheaper than eating in either of the restaurants but the food is nice from both...room service is also quite fast



It’s on its own island and the hotel offers its own little trips e.g. horseback riding and fishing in the Nile for an extra charge



Staff are very friendly...every time you walked past them they all say hello and are very polite



The swimming pools are amazing...especially the largest one which looks out onto the Nile...although they are quite cold but it’s good when the temp is 56



The zoo is small but entertaining... they also have their own camel called Cleo who is cute



Tour operator was very helpful and offered a wide range of excursions including going to Cairo and Hot air Balloon riding on the west bank.



BEWARE! ...the taxi drivers can be rude



Would definitely go back again.

I booked this particular hotel...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs J Moore

Comments:

I booked this particular hotel as I had been to Luxor in 99 and had a day visit to the Movenpick and was then really impressed all those years ago. So I decided to book after reading all the good reviews.



I was most impressed when I arrived as there had been great changes a magnificent new pool area more grounds and everything 100 per cent better.



Our stay there was impressive to say the least, the food was good but could maybe not suit all children as our child is 12 and not everything suited her taste so we ventured out a few times. With the help of a great taxi driver who we used for the whole week was fantastic.



The begging children is quite upsetting but you have to realise there is little you can do about it. I have booked again to go in 2008 and will use the same taxi driver, he even wished us Merry Xmas by text and happy new year.



I would recommend it to families and couples.

I went to Jolie Ville with my...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Budget Travel

Submitted By:

Ms P Phelan

Comments:

I went to Jolie Ville with my mother, daughter and son for two weeks; I loved the splendour of the Hotel itself and can't rave enough about the staff and service. I liked the bungalows they were not as modern as the hotel but they were really good enough for what you would need, the air conditioning was a definite must and I was grateful for it. The bathroom was a good size and the shower was powerful.



The food in the hotel is very good. I got quite addicted to their chicken with rosemary. I liked going into Luxor town in the evening to visit the shops (Yorkshire bob's is a must for jewellery) and talk to some of the locals, you can visit any of the other hotels in Luxor without being a resident there.



The begging is unreal and the horse drawn carriage men are quite persistent but that’s all part of it.



Fabulous holiday, I would highly recommend it, the site of the hotel and the grounds are truly amazing and you will feel the need to whip out your camera the minute you realise the Nile is right beside you.



Watch out for the mosquitoes; take lotion from home with you because the stuff in the shop isn't very effective. My daughter and myself chose two different kinds of massages and they were great, just make sure you don't have anything to do after it because you feel so relaxed you just want to sleep. Going back with the other half and my son next summer and I can't wait.

Brilliant lovely hotel. Would...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss S Lyn

Comments:

Brilliant lovely hotel. Would definitely go again.



The food was lovely.



The pools were great, there’s alot of different sporting activities to do. I had one of the best massages here.



The zoo was fun, they had a range of different animals.



The rooms were nice and spotless and were cleaned every day. The workers were so polite. They would take time to come and speak to you. The hotel manager was very friendly.



The location was just in the right place, on its own little island overlooking the Nile.

I selected the Jolie Ville...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Ms R Griffiths

Comments:

I selected the Jolie Ville partly because of the reviews here and partly because friends of mine, who can afford to stay absolutely anywhere on the planet, choose to come back here again and again. Personally I don't mind what the decor is like provided it is clean, comfortable and you have all that you need - which is certainly the case here. The setting is superb and the facilities excellent.



My ten year old loved the pool, Cleopatra, the table tennis and the freedom to wander around safely. Apart from the amazing setting what really made it all wonderful was the attitude of the staff. What wonderful people. Nothing was too much trouble and, as someone who hates having her main course slapped in front of her before the last mouthful of starter has gone; I had no problem with waiting for ten minutes between courses if necessary. We all loved the food. Interestingly room service was the cheapest way to eat and we had such huge breakfasts nothing else was necessary.



We didn't book anything through the tour operator as it is way too costly and most of the money goes directly to them and not into the local economy. We found a wonderful chap called Ali who took us all over the place. He picked us up from the hotel in the morning and we just went off for the day with him organising all the transport we needed and keeping us clear of any hassle. "Lah shokran" (no thank you) does work if you're firm about it, particularly if you leave a gap between the first and second part and even more so if you say "Lah -ah" because it emphasises the "no". You expect it though and nobody gets nasty and there was no hassle at all within the hotel, just lots of happy people who couldn't do enough for you provided you treat them with the same respect and goodwill you expect from them. It's always a two way street.



We saw all the usual stuff but sailing up the Nile with Ali and being taken to lunch at his house was the highlight of my week. The history is amazing and awe inspiring but it's those who currently live in Luxor who continue to keep the magic alive. Ali can do trips out into the desert and cruises down to Aswan as well and we are going back to do those shortly.



Go here. It's not the Ritz - but who needs the Ritz in the ancient city of Thebes? What you need is to watch the ibises sail across the Nile sunset against a backdrop of the Valleys, smiling faces, good food and the knowledge that this is Egypt and, as they are so fond of saying, "Welcome back."