Mercure Luxor Karnak

What this stay is

Mercure Luxor Karnak is in East Bank. A safe first choice.

What staying in East Bank is like

The East Bank holds Luxor's town centre and the main transport links. Luxor Temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes stand inside the built-up area, and the Corniche al-Nil runs along the river. Karnak lies to the northeast, and Al-Awameyah sits further out. Most of the city's hotels, shops and services are on this side.

Staying here settles the practical side of a trip: the railway station, the roads north and the concentration of hotels and services are all on this bank. The trade-off is the river. The West Bank tombs and temples need a crossing, by public ferry, private boat or the bridge, so every West Bank morning starts with a transfer.

Mornings begin early around Luxor Temple, where the day's first groups pass the Avenue of Sphinxes. The Corniche al-Nil is active with ferries and boats, and taxis and caleches wait nearby. Evenings stay busy: the centre remains open and lit, and people move on foot along the riverfront rather than crossing to the quieter West Bank.

The strongest choice for a first trip, because the temples, the station and most of the hotels are on one side. Suits travellers who want services and transport on the doorstep. Suits less well anyone who wants quiet, dark nights and the tombs and temples of the West Bank directly at hand. Those travellers should look at the West Bank instead.

Within the East Bank, Karnak is reachable without a long journey, and Banana Island is an easy trip on the river. The West Bank, with its tombs and temples, remains the other side of the water.

Getting around from here

The East Bank is the walkable side: the temples, the station and most of the restaurants are reachable on foot or with a short taxi ride.

• Public ferry, every few minutes
• Private boat, on demand
• Bridge, road, south of the city

Where it is

What the property lists

What is near it

What is nearby

Other stays in this area

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