Leaving behind the dust, squalor and detritus that besets modern-day Egypt, threatening even the magnificence and grandeur of its byegone civilisation almost, a bridge to tranquility leads us welcomingly to a sanitised paradise away from the harshly-driven and overladen mule carts, the brutalised horse-drawn buggies defying death and injury almost every minute from unthinking drivers who swerve round them.
This haven, this demi-paradise set on a bejewelled island surrounded by the mighty River Nile, is the above-mentioned resort. Your taxi draws up before the palatial reception hall where you register, agape at the magnificence and size - almost bordering on vulgarity - of the chandelier. We had been fortunate enough to earn "an upgrade" in our accommodation and were then taken by electric buggy through the impressive gardens, sweeping past trees and flowers of every sort imagineable and bungalows to some new-build two-storey buildings. Memories of the breathtaking size of the room lives with me still, one vast wall virtually all window sliding back to reveal a balcony upon which one could comfortably accommodate a drinks party for twenty souls - six of whom could have spent the night in the enormous bed, should they have felt so inclined.
The walk to the dining facilities, meandering through the varied accommodation - some looking older and smaller than ours - set in the colourful and well maintained gardens also led alongside the river to a gigantic cafeteria. I am not a fan of self-service but ,from viewing the heaped up plates that passed our table, I appear to be in a minority. The range and choice of food available could not be faulted but the ethos was not my idea of five-stars, I must confess, however, distinctly and outstandingly up-market from my other experiences of self-service on Britain's motorway system!
Three pools, one infinity, one with a sort of water playground atmosphere appealing to children and one adult-only, catered for all tastes and ages. Lounging could be indulged in almost anywhere on site and with the wall-to-wall sunshine even at the very end of December when we were there it was still delightfully warm, if not sufficiently so to encourage me to linger long actually in the water.
Birdlife was fascinating to observe and the range of varieties awe-inspiring. To see trees laden with white egrets roosting for the night and watch flocks of sacred ibis flying upstream at sunset was quite magical. Osprey and black kite were perhaps the most specacular sightings but I rejoiced at the intimate antics under my very nose of hoopoes and green bee-eaters.
Rameses, an extraordinarily well-behaved dromedary whose kind nature belied his haughty and superior look, was just one of a number of animals kept on the island, though no longer a Nile crocodile who apparently outgrew his enclosure - hopefully not at the expense of losing a few guests.
On New Year's Eve we were treated to an eight-course meal in the French restaurant that included attentive waiter service and that was first class. I also learnt at the end of my stay that we could have eaten from a limited menu in the bar each night served by waiters.
Would I go again? . . . . . Yes, but not next year.

As long time lovers and devotees of the Jolie Ville, we were anxious to discover whether the extensive building works, and economic and political pressures had changed the experience. Well, sadly, they certainly have.

The Jolie Ville has always been the best kept secret in Luxor. A haven of peace and civilisation, away from the all-pervasive clamour and noise of the down-town area. And it still is. Unfortunately, the hotel’s standards have slipped dramatically. Because Egypt has been the subject of so many negative press and TV reports, hotel occupancy is very low indeed. I’d guess the Jolie Ville accommodation was about 30% occupied while we were there. It may be that with its much reduced guest revenue they simply cannot afford the previous standards. To add to that, they have obviously spent millions on building new two-storey accommodation blocks, most of which appear to be unused. Their timing has been very unfortunate.

There is no doubt that it is Jolie Ville regulars who understand the site who get the best from it. Most essentially, they know which of the bungalow units to avoid.

The disappointing news:

The kitchen ventilation exhausts to the south of the restaurant complex. With the prevailing north wind, all bungalows to the south are blighted by appalling fried cooking smells, laced with onions and garlic at biblical levels. Bungalows closest to the vents also have to tolerate the noise of the extraction fans. Bungalows nearest the river are least affected. Bungalows to the north of the site are not so affected, although there is a row of half-built two storey accommodations close to the east. This part of the site is not being completed at present, but it will become a noisy building site at some time.

Food at the Jolie Ville used to be excellent. We experienced meat that was raw – not rare, but raw. We were also disappointed with dried-out chicken, over-cooked vegetables, and pastries that looked great but tasted of nothing. Overall, it is now desperately ordinary.

The be-suited counter staff in the vast and geographically remote new reception building are unsmiling, and have to be pressed to assist with any concerns.

The much-loved courtesy boat into Luxor town was out of service, and had been so for some time. The courtesy bus still runs, and is excellent.

On the positive side:

The old bungalow refurbishments are excellent, although you only get a shower, and no bath. (I do love to soak after a day sunning or exploring).

No other hotel in the area offers freedom from street clamour and car horns 24/7.

Despite worrying media reports, there are no security problems in Luxor.

With occupancy so low, excellent deals can be had.

The room, bar, and serving staff are very nice. Some are exceptionally good.

Suggestions: Order river excursions from Joleys in Luxor. Order a taxi to tour the West Bank sights (about E£150 for the day), rather than through an agent. Buy water in quantity from a supermarket (about E£3 instead of E£13 in the hotel).

Even though a less enjoyable experience than it used to be, this is still by far the best place to base for a holiday exploring the amazing antiquities of ancient Thebes. In my opinion, the Sofitel at Karnak comes a distant second.

This was our 5th visit to the Jolie Ville, and we have recommended it to many of our friends. So it is a great disappointment to have to report negatively on this occasion. In fairness I can’t award less than four stars, but it ain’t what it used to be. I expect we’ll return eventually, but we will now leave it to mellow for a few years.

I returned from King's Island last Monday (Feb 6th) having previously been there last October. Once again all was perfect. I just wanted to add that when I checked in I asked at reception about upgrading my accommodation. (I had checked the cost prior to my trip and decided the price quoted was too expensive). The clerk at the desk told me the price but said he would be prepared to do a deal. We settled on $20 USD per night and I got an upgrade to one of the SUPERIOR DELUXE rooms. All I can say is WOW. I did not know that beds were made quite so big. I honestly had room/space to host a party, plus a gigantic balcony. The weather was fantastic and everything was peaceful. The staff as usual were kind, considerate and attentive without being overbearing. This time even the WIFI worked!! If you are planning a trip there I would suggest that you get your beauty treatments (manicure, pedicure, eyebrow threading, facial, body scrub, hair etc) once you get there. The new spa/treatment salon is located in the gym building and the prices are nothing compared to what you would expect to pay in the UK. Lydia and her staff are lovely and it is well worth a visit. As a female travelling alone, I can honestly say I felt 100% safe at all times. Any questions, please ask.

This was our third visit to the island in the Nile known as Kings Island and just 2k south of bustling Luxor. A haven of tranqillity the Jolie Ville bungalows are set in well tended tropical gardens visited by a variety of birds with black kites flying overhead and a lazy hour spent on a boat from the hotels own pier takes you up river where many more birds can be spotted including eagles.
The hotel has been recently upgraded and is the perfect spot for those who want a peaceful holiday with the option of a short ride into town for a spot of bargaining in the souk or sightseeing of the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples . The hotel provides a free bus service and there are also taxis which provide an excellent service. Food options at the Jolie Ville are
very good with a superb French Restaurant, La Fleur, and the new Kings Bar with a varied menu in addition to the Jolie Ville Restaurant with its superb breakfast buffet and evening 'themed' buffets and one of the best poolside restaurants we have ever come across where food chosen from an excellent menu (with daily 'special') is served in delightful surroundings.
The staff at the Jolie Ville are friendly and welcoming and do all they possibly can to make your stay a wonderful experience
and the number of fellow guests who have returned many times are testament to their success.