News from the tombs
Tutankhamun's tomb is due to be closed for about a year. Originally the closure was due to be from May 2008 for about a year, but it didn't happen. In the meantime, access is being limited to 200 visitors in the morning, then a break, and 200 in the afternoon
News about hotels
The Marhaba shopping centre, next to the site of the New Winter Palace is due to be demolished. It is supposed to be joined with the site of the (now demolished) New Winter Palace. A new lower-rise hotel, possibly run by the Four Seasons group, will be built there
Between the Sonesta and the Lotus hotels, the old public swimming pool is being demolished. The land is owned by the Sonesta
The Mercure Inn was operated by Swiss Inn for a while, but it has now closed, pending redevelopment
The Hilton hotel, which had been closed since October 2005, has reopened after substantial refurbishment. It is positioned at the luxury end of the hotel market with better Nile views, separate group booking-in arrangements, a lounge apart from the reception, a separate spa area and very high prices
The enlargement of the Sonesta hotel, by building upwards, has been going on for ages and is still not complete. The hotel has remained open throughout. Some people have said the building work is not a problem, others have complained that it is a nuisance and have asked to be moved
The Sheraton is being renovated a section at a time whilst the remainder of the hotel remains occupied
for more information visit Luxor portal on the website
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