Aswan
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
Aswan, a palm-fringed city an hour’s flight south of Cairo, saw glory in the 1950’s, when politicos and bold-faced names arrived to visit the Aswan Dam. But even during Egypt’s recent unrest, the peaceful destination remained out of the fray. That’s why a top-to-bottom revamp of the riverfront landmark hotel, a cinnamon-colored Nubian manse, is well-timed. Tourism is beginning to rebound, and this updated icon is a reason to extend your stay. Of the two buildings, the Nile is more modern, with walls of windows that frame a village square. We prefer the Palace, where Sofitel’s preservation efforts are on display: the public spaces have Egyptian antiques and Oriental rugs. It all whetted our appetite for another bygone-era experience: tea on the hotel’s legendary terrace, which still offers an inimitable view of felucca boats that inspired Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.
Room to Book:
The nine Opera Suites in the Nile Wing have soaking tubs, balconies, and a separate living area concealed behind intricately carved wooden doors.
Insider Tip:
Ask Moustafa Ahmed, the rooms manager, for tales of the hotel's dramatic history and a felucca-boat tour of the Nile.
Amenities
Open / Closes- Adjoining Rooms
- Babysitting
- Concierge
- Childcare
- Dry Cleaning
- Family Friendly
- Gym/Fitness Center
- Historic
- Handicapped Accessible
- Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Laundry Service
- Meeting Room
- Maid Service
- Parking Available
- Room Service
- Spa
- Turndown
- WiFi
Number of Restaurants: 4
Number of Bars: 4
Number of Pools: 2
Year Opened: 1899
Number of Suites: 79
Other:
Number of Rooms: 59
