Although I haven't stayed at the Steigenberger Nile Palace I have passed it. It used to be called the Meridian I think and was recently refurbished. I believe a Nile view room is recommended. According to posts on tripadvisor it has quite a good reputation and most people seem very pleased.
I stay at the Jolie Ville in Luxor.

Spoke to the travel agent today.The room they have given us is a "patio city view", huge change from the garden view we previously had booked. They would not change this without a £14 a night supplement (£198!!).
The alternative they have given us is a side nile view at the Sonesta St George, which according to recent reports is currently undergoing major refurb work adding 3 more floors, and is noisy & disruptive. A rock & a hard place springs to mind.
From being so excited about this holiday to a place I never thought I'd ever get to I feel like its now going to be a disaster & dread it spoiling what was meant to be a trip of a lifetime

Is it worth you complaining again to them telling them that your original booking was for a garden view room? Not sure whether the room they have offered you would be noisy. Check out other sites on the internet to see if you can find reviews from people who have stayed in one of them rooms to give you a better idea.

Spoke to the travel agent yet again (she'll be sick of the sight of me )
The tour operater finally offered a selection for us. We could of either stuck with the nile palace with a patio city view (but no balcony guarenteed), the sonesta St George (with construction sight on roof, right next door to the nile palace), the sofitel karnak (15 minute taxi ride outside Luxor) or the movenpick jolle vile (another taxi ride/ferry from luxor)
After much head scrathing we decided to go for the Joile Ville. Hope we've made the right choice.
This holiday has been nothing but a headache, if it was'nt for the fact that I had already booked & paid for flights for lux-cairo & hotel in Giza I would have just cancelled the whole thing

I have stayed at the Jolie Ville 3 times in 2 years! It is a lovely place. I don't think you will be disappointed unless you are ultra fussy. If you need more info let me know. Or if you don't want to go I will!!!

Hi
I have not stayed at the jolie ville but it is regarded as the best hotel in luxor, i tried to book it but it was fully booked.I have however,stayed at the steinberger, and have nothing but praise for this fantastic hotel, my missus still gushes about the hotel 4 months later.I can't see you being disappointed,i'm sure you'll have a wonderful time, the jolie ville does look a superb hotel.
Ray

Thanks for your opinions with this. Ive calmed down now and after reading your views on the jolie ville & reviews on many many web sites, I'm now more than happy with the change.
As you've stayed there so many times kazl, could you tell me about the ferry/bus shuttles into Luxor? Do they run regularly, morning to evening, and how long does it take ? And any idea about taxi fares to-from Luxor?
Although the hotel and grounds look beautiful, we will be hopefully spending most days in and around Luxor.
Thank you in advance x

and by the way, we're not very fussy at all. As long as its clean, the food is edible & the staff are friendly, we're more than happy. A state of the art bathroom or upto the minute decoration does not compare to nice, friendly staff and a happy hotel.

My friend stays at Jolie Ville every visit to Egypt - she loves it there!

The hotel offers mini-bus or water taxi transfers into the main part of town at no extra cost, I understand. Now with the newer road layouts, it's a much shorter journey than a number of years ago.

I'm sure you will have a great time...

Enjoy!

CwB

Hi again, free shuttle runs a few times a day and night to several points in Luxor. Most people get the shuttle to the Old Winter Palace area or by the market. A taxi only costs around 15le if you miss the bus. They also have a boat that takes you too. Quite nice to sail along to Luxor! This only goes I think 3 times a day. Think the last sail is 4pm.
Reception have a taxi price list ask for it when you book in.
Do trips early as the heat is strong. I am normally at the sights at around 7am. Back at the hotel by around 11am. The infinity pool there is to die
for
Karen

sorry the bus shuttle takes less than 10 mins most times