El Mesala Hotel

We expected better after reading so many positive reviews, but our stay was very disappointing. We were put in a separate part of the property that didn’t match our booking. The room was dirty and unfinished, with exposed wires and paintwork still needed; the bathroom’s sanitary condition was unacceptable. For two mornings in a row, we’d requested takeaway breakfast in advance because of early excursions, but nothing was provided, so we left without food. Our room was never cleaned during the stay, including the bathroom, and the towels weren’t changed. When we raised it, reception said cleaning is only done on request. Nobody told us this at check-in, and there was no written notice in the room. There wasn’t even a door sign to ask for cleaning or mark “Do Not Disturb.” We found the way our complaints were handled unprofessional and disappointing, with no apology or real attention to the problems. I know plenty of reviews are positive, but negative experiences like ours should be shared too, so people can get a fuller picture before choosing this hotel.

The location is okay, but it’s a great location. This isn’t even a one-star hotel, really not a hotel at all. We arrived at midnight to find a filthy, dusty room, dirty sheets, a used and uncleaned bathroom, and an outlet that didn’t work. One day there was no power anywhere in the so-called hotel. At breakfast I saw birds come into the kitchen and eat the pita left out in the open. Then that same bread was served to guests. Stay away.

The room was large, with a fridge and a roomy closet, and the price was great for such a good location. There’s a restaurant upstairs with plenty of nice food choices. The owner and staff were attentive and enjoyable to talk with. The power did go out a few times, but only briefly. I’d definitely recommend it.

The Nile seems to be all the management cares about. Cleanliness, upkeep and hygiene were neglected, and some staff seemed to assume tourists wouldn’t care about those standards. This felt more like a hostel than a hotel. Our room, 301, smelled awful in the bathroom the whole time and was filthy, with cobwebs on the ceiling and lots of mosquitoes and flies. We asked them to make us a nice dinner and were promised the best food, but the meal arrived cold and definitely wasn’t fresh. The pool looked disgusting too, with green algae floating at the bottom. Friendly behavior from staff doesn’t make up for dirty rooms and a lack of real hospitality. They even begged us for a five-star review, then got angry when we said no. Breakfast was the same every day with no alternatives. The local supermarket behind the hotel charged prices that seemed triple what a normal supermarket would charge. An old lady there told us the shop actually belongs to the Mesala Hotel (or hostel). Luxor's attractions were the best part of our trip. If half-stars were possible, that’s what I’d give.