In September of 1997 I spent one night in the Pharaoh's tomb that is the Luxor in Las Vegas. I have been intending to get back ever since. The circumstances around my stay were a bit "extra-ordinary", but suffice to say that my visit fell in the middle of a 12 day "personal growth" conference I was attending in Arizona. Our group took an overnighter to Vegas to blow off some steam, so to speak.

My memories, therefore, are brief, and definitely skewed toward the self-indulgent. I'd been surrounded by strangers for several very intense days prior, and was sharing living quarters and meals with them. You won't be surprised, then, when I state that my favorite parts of the Luxor experience were my very affordable private room, my very deep and very wide bath tub, and my very private and tasty room service dinner, complete with one of my favorite bottles of Fume Blanc (Chateau St. Jean, La Petite Etoile). I still think of that bathtub with fond and appreciative memories. I don't travel much, and when I do, I certainly don't meet many a tub like this one. Very elegant.

The interior (and exterior) of this ancient/modern wonder are absolutely bizarre, and I mean that in a good way. The sheer size and visual spectacle of the beyond-oversized Egyptian statues and waterfalls will wow you, even if just in raucous and mocking laughter. If Vegas is Disneyland for adults, the Luxor is the "It's a Big Old Egyptian World" ride.

Speaking of bazar, I loved the Giza Galleria Shopping Promenade. I bought several very tacky alabaster cats and pyramids, and got quite the vicarious buzz from just wandering around in this marketplace, soaking in the sights. I regret not checking into the IMAX theatre and the "exact replica" Tomb and Museum of King Tut. I played some quarter slots for about 30 minutes, or as long as it took me to drop $25. Huge casino, of course.

Unfortunately, my time at the Luxor was so limited, and I was so tired of people, I did did not even begin to avail myself of the many attractions. I kept the matchbooks and the pen and note pad from my room, (and the shampoo and conditioner in Luxor shaped plastic bottles), and resolve to return for a longer stay every time I run across them.

The hotel has an informative site linked to their listing on epinions.com that can provide a good run down of their amenities. You will also note that the "Award Winning, Off Broadway Sensation, Blue Man Group", will be opening there in March of 2000. That might be a fun reason to return.



Recommended: Yes