Luxor, Maritim Jolie ville Review

Overall Rating

Everything!

None!

The Jolie ville Movenpick Hotel in Luxor is situated on Crocodile Island in the middle of the Nile, which for some reason gives you the feeling of being near the sea as you are surrounded by water!

The staff are exceptionally friendly, and nothing is too much trouble at all. They really appreciate it if you try and speak a little Arabic too.

The accommodation was great - huge beds, air conditioning, sitting area, nice bathroom, very clean spacious rooms, with a lovely patio area, and if you are lucky, a view of the Nile.

The breakfast buffet is fantastic - all types of breakfast foods from Waffles, pancakes, cereals, fry ups, cheese and meats and toast and jam etc., and the al a carte restaurant menu is not only absolutely superb, but the prices are very reasonable too. My partner and I had a 3 course meal in there. Little did we know that you get mini starters and small pastries thrown in as well! The whole meal with wine came to just under £60, which was very good value! The menu does everything from seafood and meat to veggie, and the food is cooked to perfection.

There are 2 pool areas - 1 huge infinity pool, which is very calming (and cold!) with a view over the Nile, and everyone can use this pool. The second pool is for adults only, which can be quite nice if you want to sit and read a good book whilst dipping in and out of the pool. In the morning they bring you round fresh melon to snack on, and they serve tea mid-afternoon too. Also, everywhere you go, even by the pool, you have waiter service.

The weather was out of this world. Our hottest day recorded by a thermometer near the pool was 52 degrees, although the reception staff told us that it had actually got up to 58, which is fine when you are by the pool, but please remember that when you go on sightseeing trips, there aren't any pools to cool off in, and the toilets aren't fantastic, so cover up in light cotton clothes, wear a hat, and bring plenty of water with you to drink and douse yourself in! You will regret not doing this!

The hotel is situated very close to the local sights, such as Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valleys of the Kings/Queens etc. Taxis are so cheap as well! You can pay £1 to go somewhere or pay £10, and literally hire them for the day.

Whilst out and about, if you find you are getting hassled from street sellers (which does happen in the touristy bits), just say 'La Shukran' (No thank you in Arabic), and they soon move on when they think you know the lingo!

All in all, the hotel is great for couples, older and younger, and the staff love children and will help however they can.

We are booked to go back in September!

Members' Comments onTheAndersons's Review

• Dixie14 on 26th Jul 2006

  I have just read this review with great interest. I have to agree with everything that has been written. We have been to this hotel twice, in 1997 and 1999, before the rooms were refurbished so it's proably even better now! I can't believe it was so long ago, and oh how I long to go back again. We have been to Egypt twice since, but to Cairo and the Red Sea. As for the Jolie Ville it holds very fond memories for us and even our kids who are adults now still talk about our two holidays there. It is a truly magical place, very friendly and the food and service at the hotel we found to be outstanding.