Fodor's Expert Review Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

Built in 1886, this famous hotel has seen its fair share of history and still maintains elegant period fixtures and features, from afternoon tea in the Victorian lounge with original Venetian chandeliers and parquet flooring to the posh, suit-jacket-required restaurant. The huge well-manicured grounds hide a swimming pool, and this might be the only hotel in town where the garden rooms are a better option than the Nile-view rooms (the hotel is separated from the water by the traffic-heavy Corniche, so the garden rooms are much quieter). To get most of the Winter Palace experience for a lower price, book into the Pavilion wing, 110 years newer and lacking the period atmosphere but still on the property with the same access to amenities.