Old Cataract Aswan
Perched on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is an oasis reminiscent of a legendary dream. Blending historic significance with a stunning setting across Elephantine Island and unrivaled, luxury accommodations, the hotel is a destination unto itself. Dating back to 1899, the venerable Old Cataract’s very name was inspired by the marriage of the river and the granite wall that forms the first cataract of the Nile. Boasting 220 luxurious accommodations, including 82 stunning suites, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers the ultimate Egyptian retreat, affording magnificent hospitality, and luxurious facilities, including an indulgent spa, fine-dining establishments, and world-class meeting venues.
The Terrace is a legendary venue, where Dame Agatha Christie once settled for hours, intently penning chapters of her celebrated Death on the Nile. Framing the Nile, picture perfect side of the restaurant and out towards the pool over-looking Khnum Temple and Elephantine Island. Wicker chairs, canvas awnings, and a spectacular view of the palm-lined river has earned The Terrace a reputation as the preferred location to experience an Egyptian sunset. Offering an exquisite premier menu, The Terrace is considered the “hottest table” in Upper Egypt.
Discover the library of the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, which features literary gems from legendary writers that have passed through Egypt and documented the country’s incredible history and beauty.
From its rose granite plateau rising above the sacred river, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers its guests two different experiences, The Palace Wing and The Nile Wing, each with distinct guest rooms and suites.
The Palace Wing
The majestic building offers 76 sumptuous guest rooms, including 45 suites. Infused with the spirit of Aswan, both a gateway and haven since time began. Guest rooms have been restored to their initial grandeur and enhanced with the latest comforts. Decorated in gold and scarlet—the colors of the mythical Phoenix which rose from its ashes, the wing offers true refinement where guests can enjoy the peaceful breeze off the Nile, and experience a lavish, legendary stay.
The Palace Wing Accommodations:
Palace Premium Room
Palace Luxury Room
Palace Cataract Suite
Palace Prestige Suite
Palace Opera Suite
Sir Winston Churchill Suite
Agatha Christie Suite
The Nile Wing
The gracefully flowing outdoor swimming pool carries guests from past to present, connecting the Palace Wing to The Nile Wing, a spacious, contemporary extension of the Old Cataract. Bright white, refreshing tropical greens and blues complement the genuine Oriental luxury of 62 exquisite rooms, including 37 suites. Decoration includes modern interpretations of the friezes and chandeliers of the historic Palace, and all rooms benefit from private balconies overlooking the mesmerizing Nile.
Particular care has been taken with bathrooms, and some guests may have the delightful experience of taking in a panoramic view of the Nile while lazing in the bath. The Nile wing offers direct access to the majestic So Spa and a superlative wellness experience.
The Nile Wing Accommodations:
Premium Room
Luxury Room
Prestige Suite
Opera Suite
Nile Suite
If you can tear yourself away from the beauty of the magnificent Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, a world of fascination awaits you. Elephantine Island and the Aswan Museum are at your feet. The rock Tombs of Amarna, where ancient Egyptian nobles are buried, are close to the hotel. Aswan city centre is a stroll away. Other attractions to tempt you during your stay: the Nubian Museum, the Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Must dos:
Explore Elephantine Island, which gets its name from the smooth grey boulders that surround the island and look like elephants in the water. This island was the original border town between Egypt and the Nubian lands to the south, and in ancient times was an important strategic position for both defense and trade.
Explore the Ancient Egyptian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, a reservoir which formed after the Aswan High Dam was constructed on the Nile River. The relocation and reassembly of the Abu Simbel Temples was considered to be one of the greatest challenges in archaeological engineering, and the complex consists of two temples as well as four large statues of Ramesses II.
Explore the Nubian Museum, which contains more than 3,000 Egyptian antiquities representing various ages, as well as a library, information center, and botanical gardens. These antiquities were saved during UNESCO’s International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, which were threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.
Experience the pink granite that proliferates throughout the Aga Kahn Mausoleum. Build in 1957, this stunning structure currently serve as the tomb for Aga Kahn III.
Tour the exhibits at the Museu d'Assuan. This spectacular cultural attraction features a permanent collection of various Egyptian and Roman artifacts excavated around Aswan.
Stroll among the beautiful plant life at the Aswan Botanical Garden. Covering nearly 17 acres, the gardens are replete with many different species of bird and hundreds of unique flora. The Aswan Botanical Garden itself is quite historic, having been originally founded in the 1890s by Lord Horatio Kitchener.
