Old Cataract Aswan

19th century charm with sophisticated modernity

The Old Cataract hotel is an icon in the Aswan and Abu Simbel region, with a long list of famous guests from Agatha Christie to King Fouad. The hotel itself is a grand 19th century palace thoughtfully restored to maintain the characterful original features and ambience of the past. The property sits on the banks of the River Nile and the terraces and restaurants, as well as some of the rooms, enjoy the beautiful riverside view.

The hotel’s style is opulent and traditional, drawing upon both French and Egyptian influences throughout. The hotel offers two different accommodation experiences, there’s 76 rooms in the heritage part of the hotel and then a further 62 rooms and suites within the modern and contemporary ‘Nile’ section of the hotel. There are several different room and suite categories ensuring that there’s something to suit every type of traveller.

There are a range of facilities to enjoy here. The large outdoor pool overlooks the Nile and is surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens and comfortable loungers – the perfect place to unwind with a cool drink from the bar. There’s also an indoor Middle Eastern pool within the wellness area of the hotel where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments and massages.

Dining at the hotel is a wonderful affair with five different restaurants available. Guests can choose from relaxed outdoor dining, oriental inspired fusion or perhaps an evening at the  exquisite French restaurant (where formal attire is required). There are four different bar options where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks outside with beautiful views or tucked away in the atmospheric piano bar.