Best hotels in Egypt

Cairo, with its blend of flashy, modern Egypt, age-worn monuments, and the picturesque and powerful Nile, is a world of discovery. In the centre of it all - and claiming quite possibly one of the most exclusive addresses in the city - is the Kempinski. Sitting in the historical quarter of Garden City, all 11-storeys rub shoulders with palaces and parks, whilst inside, there are a plethora of special features including a Chocolate Lounge and a rooftop pool. One of the finest residences in the city, hands-down.

With a mix of fine Moorish arches and intricate carvings, Al Moudira looks like it has been standing in the desert for hundreds of years. Astonishingly, it was built just over a decade ago, creatively conceptualised by the owners who drew design inspiration out of their travels from Lebanon to Tuscany. Occupying a secluded spot on Luxor's west bank, the great tombs of the Valley of the Kings beckon from across the sands and the ancient desert begs to be explored on camelback. Every space at Al Moudira has a bygone feel, from the courtyards filled with vast urns of feathery florals, to the Turkish baths waiting for you after a day of exploring.

Located just where the sands of the Nubian Desert meet the shoreline meet a particularly sparkling, pretty stretch of the River Nile, the Old Cataract has been welcoming guests for over a century. Some of those visitors included Princess Diana and Agatha Christie, who was inspired to write a portion of Death on the Nile here! A makeover saw its selection of rooms cut in half, while increasing to an ample size, making it only more luxurious, although it hasn't lost an ounce of old-world glamour. From the alabaster and gold columns in the lobby to the ruby red chandeliers casting a romantic light, this is a hotel that has earned its place amongst Egypt's finest.

With tiers of white and blue, The Oberoi cuts a striking figure as it makes the journey from Aswan, the desert town on the edge of the Nile, past vividly-decorated tombs and temples, to The Valley of the Kings. The Oberoi sails on four or six-night voyages, with a multitude of stops along the way, during which the on-board Egyptologist will share the tales of this ancient civilisation with you. Whilst on board, you'll be treated to an ever-changing view of the Nile and the wonders beyond its banks, available from any sun lounger or arm chair. Get to know the longest river in the world in true style...

Appearing to have spontaneously sprouted from the sand below, Adrere Amellal is one of, if not the, most unique and unpretentious lodges in Egypt. With the 'White Mountain' at its back and Lake Siwa laid out like a mirror before it, the lodge is bucolic to say the least. As you walk down earthen corridors and stroll amidst the palms to lunch on the lakeshore, you might as well be a character in an Agatha Christie novel. Built using traditional materials of mud, sand and sun-dried salt, this experience is not one for the glam or the Gram; instead, it's authentic, quieting and really rather magical.

Famous for its Atlantis-esque collapse into the Mediterranean Sea and gorgeous Riviera atmosphere, Alexandria is a city as loveable as they come. Occupying the iconic San Stefano towers, the Four Seasons is a glossy and gleaming fixture along the city's Corniche. Take in the picturesque, sun-dappled views from the seawater infinity pool - it's right on the beach! - or the balcony of your refined suite. There are a boatload of dining spots too, from fresh-as-anything seafood tagines, to homemade ice creams after a day spent perusing ancient papyrus texts. What a welcome home.

With its alabaster-coloured turrets ensconced by spindly palms, the Four Seasons is like a sandcastle by the sea. As you might expect from a Four Seasons, nothing is done by halves. The gardens are filled with bubbling fountains, there is not one but four swimming pools, and there's even a funicular that runs from the lobby to the beach. They also understand that you'll likely want to spend as little time indoors as possible, and there are alfresco dining spots aplenty from Bedouin breakfasts on the beach to decks that just over the water. And that beach we spoke of? It's private and boasts a stunning house reef too!

Regarded by many as one of the most beautiful places in Egypt, the Fayoum Oasis is an enchanting mixture of mammoth dunes and pristine lakes, sun-scorched fossils and exceedingly rare wildlife. Befitting of this far-flung oasis, Lazib Inn has the whimsical visage of a house dreamt up in a painting with rose-hued walls and blue shutters adorned with sunflowers. Overlooking the azure Lake Qarun, the villa is filled with artwork from all over the globe, making each suite unique and eclectic. You'll feel as if you're in a different world, where nature's striking extremes play out before your eyes, as they have for millennia.

Where the pharaohs of old built some of Egypt's most astonishing, impressive and long-standing monuments, Luxor is a city with abundant history. Sitting on the East Bank of the Nile - with excellent views of the Valley of the Kings - the Hilton puts you in the thick of it all. This is a hotel with poise and style, sumptuous interiors that will make you gasp, and a smorgasbord of eateries, including private dinners at the river's edge. Typical days include languid felucca rides past the Tombs of the Nobles, discovering King Tutankhamun's resting place, or perhaps even soaring overhead in a hot air balloon.