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Not right?
by wanderluster
Evansville, Indiana
March 16, 2002
Outside, there is a large pool on a floating boat that overlooks the Nile. Across the distance you can see the limestone mountains of the Valley of the Kings where the pharaohs are buried. We hung out at the pool during the hottest parts of the day. It was a popular spot for both Egyptians and tourists. I don't remember seeing any other Americans, yet the music was strangely familiar...a horrible rendition of "Feelings" played over the loudspeakers incessantly...for our benefit?? I hope not. We actually went up to the snack bar area and requested that they play local music! There were plenty of lounge chairs to sit in around the pool, and a little shower to cool off in rather than jumping in the pool if you preferred.
There are six restaurants and three bars on the premises, although I can't recommend the restaurant downstairs. We had poor service, and substandard food. My hamburger was raw on the inside and burnt on the outside. David's grilled cheese was cold and burnt. When we indicated this to our waiter, nothing was offered in the way of replacing our items or a discount. We ate there twice, and experienced the same thing with other food choices. Our luck was better at the restaurant outside near the pool. Pizza was great, and service was good. Hours were very limited however.
Breakfast buffets were included in the cost of our room. The selection of food included typical yogurts, fruit, breads and sweetrolls, hummus, juices, cereals and eggs cooked to your liking.
Room rates are currently (2002) $32 to $50 per person, double occupancy, depending on the season. All 185 rooms are air-conditioned, have private bathrooms, phone, mini-fridge and TV. I would stay here again, just venture out more often for local meals. Tours can be arranged from the hotel to visit the temples, museum or Karnak's Light and Sound Show. Half day tours to the West Bank are $26 to $81 US per person, verses an all day tour for $129 US. Trips to Dendera and Abydous are also offered up to $129 US. And transfers to the airport, cruise ship, or even to Hurghada can be arranged, from $4 to $126 US.
From journal Honeymoon in Luxor