Great hotel with history of 125 years accommodating kings and queens in the past. Great breathtaking Nile views worth the upgrade. Staff are great in reception (Mohra) and the terrace/bar restaurant.

The taste and quality of the food in the entire hotel do not match the upscale experience of the hotel especially in Aswan where you don’t find variety of good restaurants. Food is mediocre at best and they should have better food and beverage management (touristic level of food noticed in breakfast, terrace or in kababgi oriental restaurant). Maintenance painting of the walls with the paint smell during January, I guess should’ve been done off season.

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!

The staff is quite fast... My room service arrived after 2 hours, so it did for many of my friends ( the fastest was 1.5 hours). I asked for an iron to iron my clothes, and they brought a broken one after 50 minutes and 4 phone calls. And the quality of the food, besides the lentil soup, was a bit over cooked

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.

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.

The most beautiful, gracious hotel that I've ever stayed at; it was truely an experience that I will treasure and my time spent there is a highlight of my visit to Egypt. The Sofitel Cataract hotel was like an oasis, a place of tranquility and calm, as once stepping out onto the busy street there isn't too much peace to be had from a tourist's perspective. My massive suite with spectacular Nile river views was magnificent and I so enjoyed watching the boating activity at sunset from my balcony. I could not believe the size of the hotel's swimming pool, I would estimate it to be well over 50 metres and was astonished by the many many hectares of beautifully maintained lawn and garden beds. The hotel is steeped in history evidenced by the dozens of photographs of previous famous guests displayed along the hotel's main corridor. I really enjoyed the tour of the hotel which allowed guests to view 2 stately suites that had once been occupied by Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie respectively.. I really loved the endless choices on offer at the hotel's breakfast service and also the wait staff's attention to me was highly personalised, by the second morning they were familiar with my every need. My room was kept beautifully clean and well stocked with amenities. Security staff at the gate helped me out many times each day when I needed interpreter help for directions and to negotiate a reasonable fare when dealing with the taxi drivers. All staff were so attentive and cheerful. I only wish that I could remember the names of the so many truely professional team members, at all levels, who displayed such genuine kindness when engaging with me. I do remember Kirolos however as he first greeted me at reception upon my arrival. I would subsequently chat with him and update him with news of my daily sightseeing. In return he would provide me with many a practical tips when visting Aswan and the surrounds.

Everything was perfect

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.

In conclusion, Cataract Hotel in Aswan surpassed all expectations, fulfilling my Cinderella dream of a luxurious escape with unparalleled views and exceptional service. For anyone seeking the best of Egypt, look no further than the Cataract Hotel—it's an experience that transcends time and leaves you with memories to cherish forever.

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

Food quality did not meet expectations on all occasions - not to standard for this level of hotel. Main restaurant - 1902 - inaccessible due to dress code - so forced to eat at ancillary restaurants and outdoor in the cold as not enough indoor space for all dining guests. Mass tours taking over resort and disrupting peace and privacy. Tech in room very dated. No hot water on one night. Service provision should be more integrated to ensure consistent customer journey - staff working in silos - too little then too much service. Issue at check out caused unnecessary poor last impression.

Lovely building, lovely location. Full of character & history. Staff remembered we stayed just 2 nights before, But flew down to Abu Simbel. Now we are in another Sofitel in Luxor & they knew we had stayed the 2 times at Old Cataract - so excellent in-house communication on guests. Check-in was easy & comfortable too. Sitting on a sofa with a glass of Hibiscus juice offered. Try it. It’s good. Friendly staff throughout the hotel.

The older part of the hotel had a lovely bath, but not a separate shower. Just the retractable shower head on a hose. Not really the same. Ask for a river view if possible. Nicer.

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

The Old Cataract Hotel is a remarkable blend of history and luxury, offering a unique experience that transports guests to another era. The hotel's iconic architecture, provides an authentic glimpse into Egypt's colonial past, while its modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay. One standout feature is the Felucca breakfast, which was truly outstanding. Enjoying a meal on the Nile, with traditional local flavours and impeccable service, creates a memorable start to the day. The Old Cataract Hotel is not just a place to stay but a journey into history.

The Old Cataract Hotel is undeniably expensive, and at first glance, the high prices may seem hard to justify. However, once you experience the grandeur of the place, it becomes clear that it's totally worth it. The historical charm of the building, the stunning views of the Nile, and the impeccable service set it apart from typical luxury hotels. Every detail, from the lavish rooms to the exquisite dining, is designed to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. While it may strain the budget, the Old Cataract delivers an exceptional stay that justifies the splurge.