Rocco Forte Hotels has announced it has entered into a contract to help refurbish and then operate the Luxor Hotel in Egypt from 2013 as a luxury hotel.

The hotel is owned by the Egyptian Government through two of its departments, the Egyptian Endowments Authority (EEA) and Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH).

Welcoming this announcement, Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, commented: “We are very pleased to be working with the Egyptian Government on a second hotel, following the signing of a similar contract signed in 2009 to manage The Shepheard Hotel in Cairo.

“When this historic Luxor property joins Rocco Forte Hotels in 2013, following an extensive renovation, it will be one of the region’s leading luxury hotels, with visitors to this stunning destination able to enjoy the stylish design and exemplary levels of service delivery that they have come to expect from our brand.”

This is the fifth management contract secured by the company and reinforces Rocco Forte Hotels’ commitment to expand its business in key destinations beyond Europe, with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

In addition to Luxor, the company has signed contracts to operate properties in Cairo, Marrakech, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi, which will open this year.

Luxor Hotel

Occupying an outstanding location in the heart of the city, adjacent to the famous Luxor temple, The Luxor Hotel is currently closed and scheduled to open mid 2013 following an extensive refurbishment.

Built in 1880 by John Cook, son of the travel pioneer Thomas Cook, the hotel provided a glamorous retreat for distinguished guests, including European royalty and the family of the Mohamed Aly Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt. 

The 82-room property will be the company’s second hotel in Egypt, joining The Shepheard, Cairo, will join Rocco Forte Hotels in 2013 once a full renovation has taken place.  Together these landmark hotels will provide an ideal pairing for the significant numbers of international tourists combining visits to the country’s ancient and modern capital.

Rocco added: “With the majority of international tourists to this magnificent country visiting key sites and monuments in both Cairo and Luxor during their trip, the Luxor Hotel will be a perfect partner to The Shepheard in catering to demand for luxury accommodation in both cities.”