Sofitel Old Cataract, Aswan
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
- Board
- Bed & Breakfast
- 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
- Accommodation
- Bed & Breakfast
- Destinations
- Aswan
02Overview
A first look
Sofitel Old Cataract is a historic riverside hotel in Aswan overlooking Elephantine Island and the Nile. We handle bookings, private transfers, and guided on-site briefings with local Egyptologists.
Please note: this hotel is currently closed for a full renovation, and a reopening date has not yet been announced. We're happy to recommend comparable alternatives for your travel dates.
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 center, 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
- 01Historic hotel opened 1899 on the Nile in Aswan, combining Victorian architecture and restored period public rooms.
- 02Riverside rooms and suites with direct Nile views; we reserve river-facing rooms on request for sunrise views.
- 03On-site outdoor pool, gardens and terraces providing immediate Nile access and outdoor dining options at the hotel.
- 04Short motorboat runs link the hotel to Philae Temple and Elephantine Island; we arrange private departures to avoid waits.
- 05Central Aswan location near the souk, Aswan Museum and Nile corniche; ask us for guided walking routes.
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 center
- 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 $319 /night. Most expensive in Jan 2027 at $993 /night.
Jul26
$319
Cheapest
Aug26
$328
Sept26
$386
Nov26
$681
Dec26
$691
Jan27
$993
Highest
Feb27
$679
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 center, 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
01Is Sofitel Old Cataract on the Nile in Aswan?
Yes; Sofitel Old Cataract sits on the Nile bank in Aswan with direct river views. Not every room faces the river, so request a Nile-view when booking. The property includes historic and later wings, and room layouts vary between them. We can request specific room categories and confirm exact view before you travel.02How do I get from Aswan International Airport to Sofitel Old Cataract?
We can arrange private transfers from Aswan International Airport to Sofitel Old Cataract. Our drivers meet in arrivals with a name card and assist with luggage. Taxis are available at the airport, but we recommend prebooked transfers for predictable timing and fixed pricing. We track scheduled flights and adjust pickups if your flight is delayed.03Does Sofitel Old Cataract offer Nile-view rooms?
Yes; the hotel offers Nile-view rooms and suites, usually assigned by request at booking. Nile-facing rooms are limited and often book early during peak season and cruise calls. Views and room sizes differ between the original 19th‑century wing and newer sections. Tell us you want a Nile view and we will confirm availability and any rate differences.04Is Sofitel Old Cataract wheelchair accessible?
Partial accessibility: Sofitel Old Cataract is a historic property with stairs and some step-free public areas. The building's age means ramps and lift access are limited and some rooms require negotiating steps or uneven surfaces. If you have mobility requirements, contact us with precise needs and we will confirm accessible room availability and bathroom adaptations. We can also arrange accessible transfers where required.05What dining options are available at Sofitel Old Cataract and how does Ramadan affect them?
The hotel operates several restaurants and a bar; meal hours and alcohol service may vary, especially during Ramadan. During Ramadan daytime service can be limited and hotels commonly offer iftar menus after sunset; we confirm current hours and can prebook iftar on request. The property follows local regulations on alcohol; we will verify the hotel's policy for your travel dates. Special dietary requests should be communicated in advance.06Can Discovery Tours Egypt book Sofitel Old Cataract and arrange transfers or extras?
Yes; as a licensed Egyptian tour operator we can book Sofitel Old Cataract rooms and arrange transfers, upgrades, and extras. Hotel rates, room availability, and cancellation terms are set by the property; we will confirm those before booking. Note that pyramid interior entry, premium tombs, and site gratuities are not included in archaeological-site pricing unless explicitly stated. Provide your travel dates and requirements and we will send written options and terms.
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 2026Product ID: HTL-ASW-083197
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