Rocco Forte Hotels has revealed that it has secured an agreement with Egypt's government to help refurbish and operate Luxor Hotel, which is scheduled to open in mid-2013.

Luxor Hotel is currently owned by the Egyptian government through two departments - the Egyptian Endowments Authority and Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels. The historic 82-bedroom property was built in 1880 by John Cook - son of travel pioneer Thomas Cook - and will become Rocco Forte Hotels' second location in the country.

UK-based 3D Reid has been appointed to provide architectural services on the hotel revamp, with George Freeman and Associates of London to lead the interior design element. Sir Rocco Forte said: "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."