The hotel, like Fayrouz, prides itself as being a hassle free environment, and until this year it has generally met that expectation. They will happily find a taxi, guide, or provide any other service, but not be pushy about it.
This morning one of the staff, who I have known for several years, was serving a newly arrived guest at breakfast. He offered to get her a taxi, but wanted the payment up front. The guest being savvy, told him that in Cairo it was normal to pay the driver at the end of the day. The staff was quite insistent, in not very good English, that he would need the money up front. This was so that the driver could buy benzine. The guest was not happy with this excuse, so I supported her, telling her that in Luxor, as in Cairo, drivers were normally paid after they have provided a service.
After a fair amount of mis-communication it was finally agreed that a car would be obtained, and payment made at the end of the day. Once the guest had departed I had a word with the staff, explaining that hassle was unpleasant and that he was working for the hotel, not for himself.
Did I over-step the mark?