Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

A Stay at the Legendary Sofitel Old Cataract in Aswan In mid-October, my wife and I had the pleasure of spending a week at the Sofitel Old Cataract in Aswan, Egypt. To call this hotel remarkable would be an understatement—it is one of the most compelling places I’ve ever had the privilege to stay. Perched majestically above a narrow stretch of the Nile, the Sofitel Old Cataract offers an unparalleled view of the river’s famous cataracts—those ancient, rugged boulders that disrupt the water’s flow. From nearly every corner of the hotel—the restaurant, the lounge, the pool, and many rooms—you are treated to vistas that include Elephantine Island, a site inhabited by humans for over 6,000 years. The island, with its Nubian village, is just a short felucca ride away, and the hotel conveniently has its own dock for those looking to explore the river and its surroundings. Across the Nile, ancient tombs carved into the cliffs of Aswan’s west bank are easily accessible, offering a seamless blend of luxury and history. The Sofitel Old Cataract itself is steeped in history. Built over a century ago, the hotel exudes the grandeur of the British colonial era. Its stately architecture and interior design transport you to a bygone age. One of the restaurants has been preserved as it was in the 1930s, allowing guests to dine in the very setting where Churchill once sat. The hotel honors its rich heritage through suites named after its famous guests. Agatha Christie famously wrote Death on the Nile while staying here, and while her suite is primarily available for tours, its presence adds to the sense of historical reverence that defines this property. Our room was a masterpiece of elegance and comfort—spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, and thoughtfully designed appointments. Every detail was perfectly curated to provide both a sense of grandeur and the modern amenities one would expect from a five-star hotel. The pool deserves special mention.

Unrivalled location. Great history. Fabulous presentation and decor. Upgraded room. Staff were very accommodating.

Nestled majestically along the banks of the Nile in Aswan, the Cataract Hotel emerges as a true gem among Egypt's hospitality offerings. Renowned for its unparalleled views and impeccable service, this hotel is not just a place to stay; it's a Cinderella dream brought to life. From the moment I arrived, I was swept away by the breathtaking vistas of the Nile and the serene Elephantine Island. The ambiance is one of timeless elegance, where every corner whispers tales of ancient Egypt's grandeur and modern luxury seamlessly blends with historical charm. The staff at Cataract Hotel epitomizes hospitality at its finest. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attentive care throughout my stay, their dedication to ensuring a memorable experience was evident. Notably, they surprised me with an upgrade, enhancing my already high expectations. Rooms at Cataract Hotel are nothing short of exquisite. My upgraded accommodations were spacious, tastefully decorated, and offered panoramic views that rival any in Egypt. Waking up to the gentle hues of sunrise over the Nile felt like a scene from a fairytale. Dining at the hotel was a culinary delight. The restaurants offered a diverse array of gourmet dishes, each prepared with local ingredients and served with a touch of finesse. Whether enjoying breakfast overlooking the Nile or savoring a romantic dinner under the stars, every meal was an experience to remember. Location-wise, Cataract Hotel is ideally situated for exploring Aswan's treasures. From nearby temples to traditional markets, the hotel's concierge was always ready to assist with recommendations and arrangements, ensuring I made the most of my visit.

We came to this beautiful place and then we were greeted with the words that we are the guests of the day! That was so amazing. We got an upgrade to an amazing suite in the Old beautiful part of the hotel. Close to Agatha Christies suite. Also we got an delicious High tea at the terrace. I also got a rose from one of the amazing waiters. So charming. Our host was Marvel. It was her birthday, she was professional and sweet at the same time. Our waiter at the Terrace was Asran, he also was very kind for us. We enjoyed every second of our stay at the Old Cataract Hotel. شكراً

Excellent stay at the prestige suite with nile view! I booked the suite for the first night as my original plan was to get on the cruise the next day. However, there was a mix up with cruise date and the suite was not available for the second day at the time of booking so I booked the king's room which was $400 cheaper than the suite. When I was at the hotel, the staff offered me the suite for the 2nd day without charging the price difference! All staff were very friendly, the restaurants are magnificent. Will definitely stay here again when I'm back! Make sure you get a room with nile view, I literally just sat at the balcony admiring the river the entire afternoon haha. Breathtaking.