Diwan, where you can smoke shisha and watch the sunset as the Nile flows past your feet. Diwan, where you can smoke shisha and watch the sunset as the Nile flows past your feet.

Luxor has long been associated with package tour groups trouping around the stunning Egyptian tombs, bustling around the temples and getting mobbed by enthusiastic street sellers.

There was a gap in the market as a modern option for the luxury traveller simply didn’t exist.

Noting this void, Hilton closed its Luxor property and embarked on a 30 month, US $50 million renovation, renaming it the Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa.

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The first notable addition was the spa, but the whole property has been transformed to take advantage of its position on the bank of the Nile.

THE ARRIVAL: I arrived at Luxor airport in the early hours of the morning having flown Jazeera Airways using the Dubai via Kuwait route.

I was more than impressed with Jazeera’s staff. Kind, courteous and incredibly helpful, I could see why the brand has built a loyal following and is expanding. However, it is unfortunate the airline is no longer allowed to fly direct from Dubai to Luxor.

A Hilton coach picked me up and I was treated to refreshing towels and a drink as we made our way through Luxor to the resort.

In the foyer it was immediately apparent that somebody with a great deal of taste had been behind the renovation, providing a modern Arabic chic feel that was instantly comforting.

THE ROOM: My room — King Hilton Room Plus (standard room) — had a 32-inch LCD TV and DVD player. The bed was incredibly comfortable, one of the best I have slept in.

The bathroom was fairly typical with a nice shower, but there was no bath. This wasn’t much of an issue as the pools and spa more than made up for my water needs.

My balcony looked over the spa garden and the Nile. It was a spectacular view and you can’t help but smile when you look across the famous waters and see the Valley of the Kings in the distance.

My only gripe would be the fact I had one complimentary bottle of water in the room despite two of us staying. It may sound petty, but the fact you can’t drink Egyptian tap water makes everything from brushing your teeth to filling the kettle a little expensive.