Pyramisa Isis Hotel, Luxor, Egypt
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
The Pyramisa Isis Luxor Hotel is one of the biggest and most popular five stars hotels in Luxor, and it has been fully renovated during summer 1999. Pyramisa Isis Luxor Hotel is built on 28 acres of subtropical landscaped gardens directly on the Nile, in the middle of the shopping center of Luxor, and only a few minutes walk from the famous Luxor Temple. With its numerous outlets and superb services, Pyramisa Isis Luxor Hotel is the ideal choice not only for leisure travelers, but also for conferences, meetings and incentive groups appreciating our large capacity, experienced staff and extensive banqueting facilities.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Pyramisa Isis Hotel Reviews
" Loved my stay at this hotel! "
Submitted By: amira87Overall a very good experiance at this hotel. My husband left a stack of tips in our room to show his gratitude! Would surely recommend.
Advice: Loved Luxor, planning to go back one day with my children.
Activities: Bombay restaurant was fantastic and Karnak temple was stunning at night.
Good for: City Breaks
" The Nile Queen of Hotels "
Submitted By: albenOn first entering the hotel you might find it unnerving that there is a Police officer just inside the door sitting at a desk by a scanning machine. Don't worry about this it is quite normal in Egypt and they are there for your benefit.
You will have been asked to leave your bags on the pavement outside again this is quite normal practice and they will be quite safe. On checking in and having your key handed to you, staff will ask you to identify your bags and you will be escorted to your room. The door will be opened for you and you will be asked to check the room, if there is anything you are not happy about mention it directly and the problem will be sorted. Tips might be difficult if you don't have local currency... Don't worry you can give a small tip in your own currency.
If you do find problems later with the room mention it quietly and respectfully to Reception and it will be dealt with. Remember if you were on the receiving end of the complaint how much better you would feel if someone approached you quietly.
The staff at the hotel are without doubt the most friendly and accommodating that I have ever met - and I do a lot of travelling. I have stayed at other hotels in Luxor but have always found myself coming back time and again to the Isis. Some of the new hotels are nice to look at but they are new hotels and cater for making money above all other considerations whereas the Isis is well established with a staff that have been in place for as many years as I have been a visitor. This in turn gives the satff a wide knowledge base of all matters which are important for a successful holiday or business trip and it has to be remembered that the Isis is a working hotel and not just for tourists.
There is an abundance of shops within the confines of the hotel and many exciting places to visit close by including local cafes and restaurants.
Meals are plentiful and fresh but please try to remember where you are you will not get the same fare as you would on a Nile Cruiser for example. The Chef in the Hotel has to cater for hundreds of people wanting a varied menu, not just 50 but any special requests will be taken and catered for. Egypt is a country pulling itself up successfully but it's not to European Standards yet but at the Isis the staff do a remarkable job.
The rooms at the hotel are well presented and clean, if something is wrong simply ask one of the room attendants and the problem will be speedily resolved. Public areas are light and airy with comfortable seating areas and attended by staff who can speak a little of at least 3 or 4 languages including English. Outside the pool area is well kept and spotlessly clean again with attendants and waiting staff who will attend promptly to whatever you require, clean towels or food and drinks from the poolside cafe. Over the past year or two more has been made available for children and staff adore youngsters.
There is a new management at the hotel and a lot of effort has been made to improve the hotel and I have to say this is a very successful venture
Out on the street it has to be remembered where you are and the way of life in Egypt is to call out to beckon you into shops, hire Taxis etc. This is not agressive behaviour but the way things are done. Mostly visitors from Europe make matters worse for themselves by saying, "not today I'll come into your shop tomorrow" this is a rod for your own back as the locals expect you to come back and visit them so when they see you the next day they expect that is what you are going to do. Simply tell them politely "No thank you" but keep walking and don't laugh or smile as this implys that you are still interested. It's a good ground for assertiveness training. In Egypt you have to mean what you say and use the tone of voice that conveys your message. Don't simply ignore people as that is offensive, be polite but firm and you'll be surprised how easy it will be to walk along the street for the rest of your stay.
If you do have problems outside simply report it to the Reception as the Isis own or lease out some of the shops on the street and matters can be dealt with quickly. In the town if you have problems don't lose composure simply call any of the Tourist Police and there will be one near-by and you will find the locals back off before there is any intervention by Police.
Tipping is also a way of life in Egypt but don't make the mistake of tipping too much one or two Egyptian pounds is enough if it's a daily event, remember anything over ten egyptian pounds and you're asking for trouble.
Taxis... Always use a Taxi that is either recommended by the Hotel or try to find a Taxi Driver you can rely on and ask for his card with his telephone number.
Guides can be arranged at reception but there is nothing like exploring yourself. Take advice from Staff or shop staff you come to trust and always cover up early afternoon if ouitdoors as the sun is fierce.
Advice: Go with an open mind and you will enjoy the Egyptian Experience
Activities: I try not to have favourites but enjoy everything the town has to offer.
" nice hotel and location "
Submitted By: divyagandhiWhen you leave the hotle you are approcahed by taxi and horse carriage drivers. Always negotaite around half of what they ask for and be firm about where they take you to. They will take you for a ride and to shops you do not want to go into. Firmly rufuse to get off the carriage / taxi and ask to continue with your journey.
Take a ride on a small boat on the nile for about two hours - you should NOT pay more than 100 egyptian pounds (£11) for this as any more is too much. Do not be conned into visiting small banana plantations as these are someones back gardens from which the boat ridre and plantaion owner makes money!.
Always negotiate reasonable prices fot visits to the valley of the kings and queens visits and ask what is not included.
" Our stay at Luxor "
Submitted By: JandDRooms were clean and a reasonable size but we lacked a view of the Nile which the tour rep (in Luxor) told us was extra – perhaps if you choose this hotel you could request this at the time of booking? The view from the Nile side must one of the best of all the Luxor hotels as the Nile frontage is much larger than most other hotels
If you go to Luxor, be aware that drinks are expensive in all Hotels, so we would recommend you choose all-inclusive accommodation if drinks are important to you.
The pools at the Isis (in June – low season) were kept scrupulously clean, with the filters being changed/cleaned frequently, giving maximum water transparency. The pools are located on the Nile side of the hotel in pretty gardens – in this low season we frequently had the smaller of the two pools to ourselves
There are far too many taxis and horse carriages in low season Luxor, so from the moment you leave the hotel, archaeological site, café or shop you are besieged by them. They deliberately drive/walk in front of you with cries of ‘taxi – you know how much?’ or (sounds like) ‘Kellech’ (for carriage) requesting your nationality and following you for sometimes large distances. Some (I hope most) are honest giving you a fair price and quickly taking you to your destination; some others, unfortunately, are anything but honest, in our case when we arrived in Luxor and requested the market/souk taking us to a shop in the middle of nowhere – presumably to get commission – and after a row to an arcade near the museum as an example of a souk (it wasn’t).
Temperatures in June/July can be very high indeed, we experienced temperatures of over 50oC, but it is dry heat so it is bearable, indeed sometimes very pleasant.
Advice: Hot, unique, good centre for visiting archaeological sites
Activities: Don't miss the west bank of the Nile
Good for: City Breaks
" its was ok "
Submitted By: GDISOTHE MANEGER OF THE HOTEL TOLD MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO WRITE AN COMPLAINT EMAIL FOR HIM WHAT A DISCRAIS BUT STILL IT WAS OK. LUCKLY WE MET REALLY NICE PEAPLE FROM SCOTLAND,LONDON AND EVERYWHERE.XXX
Advice: IT IS REALLY NICE BUT THE PEAPLE HASSLE YOU TOOOO MUCH SO ANNOYING.
Activities: BOMBAY WAS A REALLY NICE RESTROUNT
Good for: Beach
" Could Have Been Better! "
Submitted By: slays15th Dec to 22nd Dec 2008
On arrival we were taken to our room, (our party was 2 adults & 3 children, 10, 7 & 6) The room was sold to us as for 2-5 persons but it was very small, however we were upgraded to a larger room with one huge bed and two foldaway beds for only two of our three children!!. The room was fairly clean but needed to be renewed much like the rest of the hotel which was very tired. The river cruise boats come & go from the side of the hotel but I didnt mind this that much even when the motors run through the night. The one and only saving grace of this hotel is the fantastic view out across the Nile, rows of palm trees to the hills of 'The Valley of The Kings'.Our room being a corner room also had views of the pool gardens of the hotel which were also pleasant.
The food is basic and 4 of our party fell ill with 'Holiday Tummies' within 48 hours of arrival and we hadn't eaten outside of the hotel so a problem lies there. The staff whom handled food wore rubber gloves which should be good, however I believe they may have been wearing them over and over!!
Out & About, The city centre & Luxor Temple are only a 20 minute stroll from the hotel however the constant hassle from the locals from the moment you step outside the front doors could drive a sane man mad! I strongly advice all but the steadfast traveller to take an official blue and white taxi which is also a nightmare, be aware the taxi drivers and horse & carriage drivers will cheat you at every opertunity by over charging you and/or taking you to places other than the ones you asked to go to, ie a market where they get a fee for delivering customers to etc. I did not feel safe at night and even the huge amount of armed police everywhere you go it didn't put my mind at rest when out with my family. For example, there are metal detectors at the entrances of hotels and attractions and I set most of them off because of my belt n stuff but I was never searched, (the detectors I didnt set off didnt work!!)
We took three excursions with Meds Holidays : The West Bank - Valley of the Kings etc The Pyramids & A Evening Egyption Night, take my advice and check with the rep before you book these, exactly what your getting for your money because I intend to complain about all three excursions because I wasnt informed about the extra costs or parts of the tours that were not included etc, also be aware that even the tour guilds on the official tours will take you to a shop or factory where they get extra money to deliver you to the shop where you are given in my view a 'Very Hard Sell' to buy perfumes or various other cheap 'n' nasty things!
Finally the staff were ok, I dont however like to tip someone because they are stood next to a pile of towels or in a unclean toilet which seems to be expected, but my only complant there being that they keep asking when you are leaving so you can tip them some more, and please stop asking me if I want a drink when I'm swimming, wait until I get out the pool!?
Would I go back? No.
Advice: Everybody Hassles You!
Activities: The Nile, Vally of the Kings, Luxor Temple
" On arriving at the Hotel it was night... "
Submitted By: Miss N HanrattyThe food initially seem to be all the same. However when you actually look at the dishes, you have a Beef, Veg, Potatoes, Chicken and Pasta that are completely different every night. The create your own pasta was brill too!
Would defo go back again and for two weeks next time!
" We had never been to Egypt before and... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Betts" Service could not be faulted, however... "
Submitted By: Mrs Jane MurrayThe room was very tired, and sadly very noisy.
Breakfast was very good, but can cater for 650 guests, if you want to eat in peace you have to go to breakfast early.
Pool area and pool staff, excellent.
The Italian bistro within the hotel was very good.
We would go again, however upgrade to a better room, overlooking the Nile.
The hotel was spotless, staff fantastic, tip early and you will be positively spoilt with attention.
" I can not believe some off the... "
Submitted By: Mrs C D''SouzaPS: the thing about thieves is just ridiculous. At the end off our holiday as I did not have eneough space to bring all my souvenirs I decided to give our room attendant a lot of clothes and shoes for his family. To do this i had to write a note and sign and take it to the manager so that he would be aloud to take the things out of the hotel. You see all member of staff check in their belongings when they start their shift and check them out when they leave.
" We loved this holiday!
The people at the hotel are all great, very friendly. The food is ok, the Italian and Chinese are best, also breakfast is very good. We ate out some evening and found some lovely places.
We were very pleased with our choice of B&B after seeing the evening buffet!
The views from the room were amazing, looked across the Nile to the west bank. Definitely worth the extra for the view!
This was one of the best holidays I have been on! Loved it!
" The Pyramisa was ideal for what we... "
Submitted By: Ms H ElkThe food was ok the boys all ate well and weren't ill and there was plenty on offer. we had half board I don't drink and I didn't pay much at the end of the holiday for drinks but most families were all inclusive....helped my wallet too as the friends my boys made bought them drinks within their all inclusive deals!
Luxor is fantastic the view of the Nile from our room took our breath away. We did the balloon flight which was well worth it, would advise going to the front desk though to find other operators than the one based at the hotel lobby. However saying that our balloon pilot I think was the best of the lot.
I was taken ill during the holiday and needed a doctor. The hotel was great at organising it and the front desk manager Saif couldn't have been more helpful. I ended up in Luxor hospital for two days on drips and in the salubrious private wing! An experience to say the least everyone there were lovely and did all they could.
Also book a visit with a local cab firm for the valley of the kings. I booked with the one who collected us from the airport, for about 30 pounds we had our own guide and the taxi for the morning so that we could do what we wanted.
The Pyramisa is a bit rough around the edges if you look hard. But it was still impressive and good value I wouldn't hesitate to go and stay there again.
" Having read some of the reviews of... "
Submitted By: thomaswoodyNow the hotel is not 5 star but that is more than made up for by the friendly staff and management who cannot do enough to help.
The room we had after changing to one facing the Nile was spotless with bedding and towels changed daily.
Food at the hotel was fair with the option to eat at the resident Chinese and Italian restaurants at little extra cost. Hassle on the streets outside was the worst we have ever had on holiday.
However the shops on the hotel complex were fairly priced and the range of goods were equal to any outside.
Bell captain Mr.Eladawy was most helpful, he gave us photographs of his family, and we shall be sending him some of our family-a really nice man.
Ladies must try the massage. The young man was a shock for this grandmother but cured my bad back and helped me to cope with all the walking for the rest of my holiday...
" Just returned from Luxor having had a... "
Submitted By: Mr MevonHowever, if you decide to book a hotel then do not book the Pyramisa Isis. I booked through Travel Republic 3 days before travelling and looking through the hotel pictures on various web sites it looked fantastic.
On my arrival I was shown to a room that was on the 6th floor. To say it was disgusting would be an understatement. The room was dark, dingy, and dirty. (a bit like your worst possible bedsit type flat). I complained and was given an alternative room which was a lot better but still nowhere near 5 star as advertised.
The staff are very helpful and friendly especially on your last day (looking for tips).
Swimming pool nice but all in all the hotel needs a complete overall and revamp. During my stay I visited other hotels on the same road as the Isis and I would recommend both the Nile Palace which is next door and also the Sheraton just a few 100 yards to the right. These hotels are 5 star especially the Nile Palace.
Eating on site is a definite non starter at the Isis as the service is poor and the food choice is very limited apart from being expensive.
I stayed B&B and ate out every night. I would recommend (John & Johns) opposite the Isis based in the Gaddis Hotel - Excellent. I would also recommend the Bombay for an Indian curry (owned by a guy from the UK), he has an Indian chef and the food is superb and cheap.
The location of the hotel is fantastic with the sites around Luxor being better than any imagination.
I will be going to Egypt again next year as it is just so relaxing with nice people, fantastic weather, and lots to see.
Don’t book the Pyramisa Isis as you will be disappointed especially when you wonder next door to the Nile Palace and see what you could have had for the same price. To me the Isis is a glorified Travel Lodge and should be no more than a 3 star at the very least.
Enjoy the atmosphere, along with the weather and the food in the city of Luxor, as it is a great experience. I give the Pyramisa Isis 2 out of 5 and that is being generous.








we were a party of 4....the rooms were dirty and smelly so we asked to be moved,the rooms we were offered were just as bad so we stayed put.
2 days later we had water pouring throught the ceilings,and it was dripping off the light fittings,we immediatly went to reception and once again we were offered other rooms......which we did take although we then had no wardrobes,only an open rail....we were told that if we wanted a better room we would have to pay 20 euro extra each per night....we declined.
The breakfasts were very mediocre,and no one was taking the used plates away,no teaspoons were available,and orange juice was orange quash.
the only saving grace is the gardens,but if you want 1st class service,avoid this apology of 5 star hotel
Advice: its a wonderful location for sightseeing,the sites are wonderful.
Activities: Deans and Jewel of the Nile were our favourite restaurants.