Hotel Aswan
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sofitel Old Cataract Aswan is a 1-day hotel stay covering Nile-view accommodation in Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- 5-star
- Destinations
- Aswan
02 Overview
A first look
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract sits on Aswan's Nile corniche with views across to Elephantine Island. We commonly recommend it for short stays when guests arrive by day train or before Nile cruises.
Background
The facts
Sofitel Old Cataract is a five-star hotel in Aswan on the east bank of the Nile, facing the river and the islands beyond. Its location places it within practical reach of central Aswan’s riverfront areas, with Philae Temple reached by road to the dock area and boat access from there, and the Aswan High Dam located farther south-east of the city.
Aswan is a compact Nile city, so many sightseeing points are reachable by short road transfers or local boat connections. The hotel’s setting is useful for travelers who want a fixed base in the city rather than a mobile itinerary, with room and suite accommodation, a pool, fitness centre, spa, and established dining venues within the historic property.
The hotel is commonly booked on room-only, Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, or Best Available Rate arrangements depending on the chosen rate plan. For BB bookings, breakfast is provided as a buffet; optional extras such as airport transfers, spa treatments, and local excursions are arranged separately when requested.
For visitors planning Aswan sightseeing, this property is suited to stays connected with Nile-side walks, felucca rides, and visits to monuments such as Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. It functions as a city hotel with heritage character rather than as a standalone all-inclusive resort.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is suitable for couples, solo travelers, and mature families who want a central Aswan base with Nile views and hotel services. It also suits travelers who prefer short transfers, historical surroundings, and easy access to local boat excursions and city sights.
What lingers
- 01 Riverside rooms with Nile views facing Elephantine Island; hotel sits on the Nile Corniche in Aswan.
- 02 Short stroll to felucca berths on the Corniche, facilitating sunrise sails and Nile transfers.
- 03 Approximately three-hour road transfer to Abu Simbel; popular choice for clients doing the overnight private transfer.
- 04 Historic public rooms and riverside terraces – ideal for late-afternoon Nile light and private events.
- 05 We often book Sofitel Old Cataract for one-night Aswan stays between Luxor and Abu Simbel road transfers.
Choose your room
Featured rooms
Dining
Where you'll eat
The property offers a main restaurant and a bar, with breakfast buffet service available each morning. Menus combine international dishes and Egyptian flavours; the bar serves soft drinks and spirits. Room service operates 24 hours for light meals and drinks. Spa treatments, the pool and the on-site gym are separate charges unless your rate specifies otherwise.
On property
What's here
- spa
- gym
- wifi
- garden
- concierge
- business-center
- bar
- pool
- restaurant
- airport-shuttle
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Room per night, rate basis as booked
- Buffet breakfast (Bed and Breakfast rates only)
- Complimentary WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Use of pool and fitness centre
- Concierge and front-desk assistance
Not included
- City or tourism taxes payable locally
- Spa treatments, massage and wellness treatments
- Minibar and room-service charges unless specified
- Optional excursions, guiding services and entrance fees
- Airport transfers unless explicitly booked
Plan around price
When to book
Cheapest in Jul 2026 from £252pps/night. Most expensive in Jan 2027 at £785pps/night.
Jul26
£252
Cheapest
Aug26
£259
Sept26
£305
Nov26
£538
Dec26
£546
Jan27
£785
Highest
Feb27
£536
Indicative rates for a 2-night stay, 2 adults sharing. Actual nightly rates vary; final quote always confirmed at booking.
Indicative rates only – pricing and rooms fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Location
The setting
The Sofitel Old Cataract sits on Abtal El Tahir Street in central Aswan, a short drive from the Nile corniche. Several rooms have direct Nile views, while others face the hotel gardens. The hotel is within the city centre, so local shops and the Aswan waterfront are reachable by a short taxi ride. We book rooms facing the river for guests who want sunrise or sunset light on the Nile; these views are not available at every room category.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 Where is the Sofitel Old Cataract located in Aswan?
Sofitel Old Cataract sits on the Nile bank in central Aswan, near the Old Cataract and the city centre. The hotel occupies a late‑19th/early‑20th‑century building and famously hosted guests such as Agatha Christie; the main boat piers and Aswan souq are a short walk. We can organise private transfers or on‑site services when you book with us. -
02 How far is Sofitel Old Cataract from Aswan International Airport?
By car, transfers between Aswan International Airport and Sofitel Old Cataract typically take 20–30 minutes. Times vary with traffic and flight schedules; we arrange private airport pickup with meet-and-greet. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we include vehicles and local drivers in our transfer quotes. -
03 Do rooms at the Sofitel Old Cataract have Nile views?
Many rooms face the Nile, while other categories overlook hotel gardens or the city, so views vary by room type. If a Nile view matters, request it at booking and consider a confirmed upgrade; we record preferences but cannot guarantee allocation on arrival. Balconies and sightlines differ between the hotel’s older and renovated wings. -
04 Can you arrange excursions from Sofitel Old Cataract to Abu Simbel and Philae?
Yes – we arrange private excursions from the hotel to Philae, Abu Simbel and other Aswan sites. Abu Simbel is roughly a 3‑hour road transfer each way; alternatively we can quote internal flights. We do not run mass group bus tours – excursions are private, and our itineraries state whether an Egyptologist, driver‑guide, entrance fees or flights are included. -
05 Is Sofitel Old Cataract suitable for mobility-impaired guests?
The hotel contains historic areas and steps; please discuss mobility needs with us before booking. Historic floors can be uneven and some public rooms have stairs; accessible rooms and lifts exist but availability varies. We will request accessible rooms, arrange private vehicles with low steps where possible, and confirm the hotel’s actual facilities on your behalf. -
06 What should I pack and wear for a stay at Sofitel Old Cataract?
Bring strong sun protection, comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces, lightweight daytime clothing and modest clothes for temple or mosque visits. Also pack a sun hat, SPF50+ sunscreen, a light layer for cooler Nile evenings, swimwear for pools and a smart outfit for hotel restaurants. During Ramadan, restaurant opening hours may change; we will advise closer to travel.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: HTL-ASW-083197
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