A day at the Winter Palace

Colonial architecture, a half-moon bar from another century, a bourgeois swimming pool that fell there like a celestial oasis, a tropical garden and palm trees taller than the Luxor obelisk, antique furniture, large Victorian rooms... yes, in Luxor, a haven of peace from the past welcomes you as it has welcomed the greats of this world: Winston Churchill, Albert I, King of the Belgians in the 1930s, Agatha Christie in 1933, writer Pierre Loti and many other celebrities whose names have been withheld, but who have included French presidents such as Clémenceau, and rock stars.

The first thing you'll notice when you arrive in front of the establishment, which has a giant WINTER PALACE at the top of its pediment, is the double stone staircase covered with a red carpet that leads down to the street, and the raised terrace that adds height to your visit. Here, you can admire the bustle of activity around the Nile.

Then go through the wooden revolving door and you'll find yourself in a large hall that will transport you somewhere between the 1920s and today. Here, a raised period leather chair awaits you to shine the leather on your shoes. On either side of the lobby, a staircase runs along the walls to take you upstairs. The square lobby is vast and bright. Above your head an immense glass chandelier reminds you that you are now in a piece of the West. That tourists come to visit.

The experience is worth it if you stay there, which you should, as the price of a room is equivalent to that of a normal hotel in our capital. So why miss out? You'll experience a real immersion in time, while enjoying the services of a real palace, one that is steeped in history.

Built in 1886 in a lush tropical garden, the Winter Palace is unlike any other establishment. For over a century, this Victorian-style palace was the preferred hotel of Europeans and Oriental royalty, offering all the comfort and refinement of a 5-star hotel. The King of Egypt, King Farouk, had his flats here.

The charm and authenticity of the premises are irresistible. The setting is elegant and the décor meticulous. If you're a fan, you'll love the chic of the public areas, its 5 restaurants, its English bar and its quiet reading room, all of which retain their period furniture.

The 1886 gourmet restaurant, with its crystal chandeliers, small individual tables and Marie-Antoinette-style chairs, has retained its cosy chic. It serves refined international and French à la carte cuisine. It is open for dinner only. Evening dress is required.

The Bar Royal, a red velvet lounge for intimate evenings by the fireplace, is the most seductive retreat for a drink. The charm of the palace is at work here.

Those seeking privacy will also be delighted on the terrace and in the immense garden, a veritable arboretum perfectly laid out. You'll feel like you're in an oasis, with the added bonus of Western luxury. At the far end of the park, the swimming pool offers 1,000 m2 of cool shade from century-old trees and some unique species. It is this garden, right in the centre of Luxor, that makes the Winter Palace an unrivalled venue in the region. This exceptional character is enhanced by the restaurant by the pool, l'Oasis, which will welcome you from midday to 11pm if you spend the whole day here. A little corner of paradise.

If you prefer to eat locally, Tarboush serves Egyptian cuisine, also in the garden. Folk music performances are regularly held here.

We forgot to mention that the Winter Palace is French. If you like western-style establishments, this is the place for you. In any case, the restaurant is sure to please. There are 92 rooms to choose from, including 6 suites, 4 royal rooms and 2 presidential rooms. 13 overlook the garden. We recommend them, as the street side is noisy and the view over the Nile is not unmissable, even if it does allow you to admire the sunsets over the desert.

This picture would not be complete if we did not tell you that the palace is complemented by a second hotel on the north side of the garden, the Pavillon Winter Luxor Hotel, a modern hotel with all the necessary comforts. If you decide to stay there, you can enjoy the Winter Palace's garden and swimming pool, as well as all its restaurants, at a lower price.