el Bab Samawi, Old Qurna
web-site: http://www.wix.com/elbabsamawi/el-bab-samawi
e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
The unusual name of this hotel means "Gate (or door) of the Sky". Both hotel and restaurant re-opened in March 2011 and are run by Said. They are situated on the edge of the cultivation, about 400 metres north of the Ramesseum. The front door, pictured with Mohamed abd el-Rassoul from the nearby Ramesseum Rest House on the right, opens off a small village square, and the garden entrance may be reached down a dusty track to the south side of Sheik ibd al-Qurna Alabaster factory. You may have to telephone for directions if this is your first visit. Or get Tayyeb Hassan (pictured on the left), to drive you here.
The hotel, built less than 10 years ago, is set around a shady garden which acts also as restaurant and bar. It has 9 large double bedrooms, en-suite with spacious shower-rooms. The furniture is traditional, the double beds having mosquito nets and the high-ceilinged rooms having fans rather than air-conditioning. There are no televisions or refrigerators in the rooms, but this is reflected in the price of £E100/200 per night for single or double occupancy including breakfast. The rooms can easily accommodate larger families: request a price from Said. If you would like an airport or station pickup, or a transfer from a cruise boat, which is advised because of touts at these locations, please ask.
The restaurant does not yet have a printed menu. While it mainly provides full meals comprising a choice of main course with bread, salad, tahini, rice, chips and mixed vegetables, individual or lighter meals are available on request. Apart from hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, Egyptian beer and wine are also available. Make sure that you request your Stella cold and from a bottle if that is your preference; cans are also available.
The hotel is within easy reach of most monuments on the West Bank, as this view of the Ramesseum from the garden will show. The tombs of the Nobles at Khoka, Assassif, etc. are only yards away and the Deir el-Bahri temple causeway starts in this area. If you don't wish to walk to the main ticket office, about a mile to the south, you can send a driver to collect your tickets.
You will not find a more central, peaceful location than this. Only the sound of birds and the occasional bleating of the pet sheep in the garden may disturb you.
Location on Google Earth is 25°43'48.52"N, 32°36'57.08"E
Unfortunately I have been advised that the hotel is closed. I will remove this page when I have confirmed this.
You will not find a more central, peaceful location than this. Only the sound of birds and the occasional bleating of the pet sheep in the garden may disturb you.
Location on Google Earth is 25°43'48.52"N, 32°36'57.08"E
Unfortunately I have been advised that the hotel is closed. I will remove this page when I have confirmed this.
This page last edited, 21st December 2011