Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

For the stay experience: Environment: in a non-peak month, the whole front and back yard gardens are super private and exclusive. Pool side seat under a mango tree cannot be more relaxing. Room: Luxury room with Nile view. I literally wowed when i see the view in the room for the first time. The room is spacious with living area and bedroom and closet room. Service: Marvel and Moo (sorry if i do not spell it correctly), they are great concierges. The room call is always answered immediately. The staff are always ready to help. Dinning: only tried the terrace bar. The Agatha’s high tea: you definitely should have it in the afternoon. I had it in the afternoon in June. The month is not a peak season so i can have a great private time in the Nile view seat and enjoy Agatha’s book with AC. The Agatha’s cocktail: great cocktail with gin as the base served with sandwiches and nuts. I drank it as a sundowner. That is really an enchanting experience. For the Agatha Christie’s and Winston Churchill’s suites tour: Great tour, great tour guide!

I love the location and the hotel is beautiful! The views are outstanding. Nice people, clean beautiful hotel, the best one in Aswan, if you ask me. The spa is also great!

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.

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're budget travelers who wanted to splash out for a night at the legendary hotel and we are so glad we did. The pool is fantastic, the staff very friendly and let us use the spa facilities before our check in time which, from a long, hot, walk from the train station was very welcome. The breakfast was delightful and the views 10/10. P.s. I think the staff are told not to accept tips as we tried a couple of times and seemed to upset people so be aware.