Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – Aswan, Egypt

Arrival

After the Winter Palace, we were concerned about this hotel and it did not start well.  We were transferred by the Oberoi boat and there was no Ahmed No 3 there so basically we were just dumped at the entrance.  I was totally depressed at this point anyway, I wanted to get back on the boat and sail up and down the Nile forever in my jacuzzi.

The entrance is a small building where you go through security but without the agent the staff had no idea who we were.  You are then taken by golf buggy to the main building where we were asked to provide passports and were eventually given a fruity drink.   I tried to have a discussion on which wing was better but not much enthusiasm there to sell us an upgrade.

The main hotel has been really beautifully renovated although they have missed a spot in the public toilets.

Room

We were walked over to our ‘luxury’ room which was large but narrow and had a good size balcony with a great view of the Nile and the old hotel. The bathroom was modern and a good size, plus plenty of wardrobe space.

There was nothing wrong with this room but it does not have a quality feel to it, 3 to 4 star at best and was some reason the staff at both Sofitel hotels cannot make a bed properly, Tracey would have a fit!

It was a smoking room although we only used the balcony….hate smoking in rooms!

Old Cataract Room Facilities

• Toiletries provided but unknown brand
• Tea and coffee - kettle and packets and milk only
• Plenty of water
• International TV Channels
• Hangers - plenty
• Safe
• Dressing gowns
• Hairdryer

The Old Wing

Dining

All restaurants are in the old wing except for Oriental Kebabgy at the end of the new block but this did not seem to get any customers. We ate at The Terrace twice and had one room service which was poor.  The food at The Terrace was good but service slow and we had to ask for bread. Breakfast is also served here and you get a fair selection, nothing special. Do beware of the tea pots, cast iron which gets hot and too heavy for me to lift easily, Jon struggled!

Service

Unfortunately not to the standard you would expect from such a hotel.

Amenities

Pool area is large overlooking the Nile, plenty of sun beds but no staff around to help you move umbrellas etc.  They occasionally appear so you can order a drink.

Spa with Indoor pool at the Nile wing

Fitness Centre somewhere, at this point it was far to late to try and remove the extra kilos from the food on the Oberoi Philae!

There is also a very good little shop in the main reception area, he has a few one off pieces of unusual jewellery and is open to offers.

We also did the tour of the hotel which consists of seeing the two suites which Agatha Christie and Sir Winston Churchill stayed in (if not occupied) and you are then shown the restaurant and a telephone.

Restaurants / Bar

The Terrace - breakfast and mediterranean

The Promenade for cocktails and shisha

1902 - gourmet -  very large and you have to dress smart casual which means men need a jacket and tie (which they will provide).  This looked good but would not have any atmosphere if not fairly full.  They said you need to book as it gets busy but somehow I doubt it.

Saraya - breakfast and mediterranean

Oriental Kebabgy - regional

Piano bar

Historical Rooms @ The Old Cataract Hotel Aswan

The Winston Churchill Suite

This stunning suite was first used by Winston Churchill in 1902 during his visit to Aswan for the inauguration of the Dam and he returned to the hotel many times.  At 138 sqm you get an impressive entrance room, a large drawing room, separate dining room and en suite bedroom with a very plush bathroom.

They really have done a good job on refurbishing the suite but I would love to have seen what it looked like before, possibly like the Imperial Suite at the Winter Palace which does still have its 1902 furnishings.

If I could ever afford the 7500 USD per night price tag I would definitely stay there (that is the low season rate!)...of course breakfast and butler service are included but not the champagne at 250 USD per bottle!

Personally I loved the large 80 sqm covered terrace with those amazing views over the Nile and from where Winston reportedly sat painting.

The Agatha Christie Suite

You also have the option to stay in the Agatha Christie Suite, again beautifully renovated and size and price are the same as Winston's but you do not get that wonderful terrace, just an open balcony overlooking the Nile.

Reportedly in 1937 Agatha spent a year at the hotel and used it for inspiration for her novel Death on the Nile and if you watch the 1978 film you can watch scenes filmed at the hotel.  The 2020 film will also be using the hotel and is currently in production.

Besides these two famous guests who met frequently during their stay, look for the photo of them sitting together, the hotel has welcomed many other famous guests such as Tsar Nicolas II, Howard Carter, Aga Khan, Omar Sharif and Princess Diana.

Conclusion

Overall this is the best hotel in Aswan, it is not high end luxury or service (maybe if you are in the top suites) and I think I would definitely book the old wing if I stopped again. It really has been beautifully renovated and has great views and a good location. For anyone wanting to pay for either of these two suites go for the Winston Churchill one, it has a much better balcony. Both have been beautifully renovated and if the other rooms are of the same standard and you do not mind a small balcony then book the old wing.

 

TIP - If you want to go and see anything yourself, get a taxi from outside the hotel.

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan

I do not think there is a better hotel in Aswan and I would recommend booking the Old Wing, as high a category as possible.