Where heritage meets modernity
Step into the legendary site where King Fouad once entertained and Agatha Christie sipped cocktails: the 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel. In the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island, the majestic hotel sits on a pink granite cliff overlooking the world’s longest river. This ravishing hotel with its legendary guest list of royals and dignitaries is both ideal for romantic getaways, and a perfect venue for small summits and corporate meetings.
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, the Unfinished Obelisk… then return to indulge in French and oriental cuisine and wines.
Rooms and Suites in the Old Cataract are designed to be characterful yet modern, infused with Oriental and Arabian-influences. Spread between the original Palace Wing and the newer Nile Wing, amenities in each room include an LCD TV, complimentary internet access, pillow menu, individually-controlled air conditioning, bottled water, Nespresso coffee machine and a minibar. Many have terraces with views over the Nile, and all have a marble en suite bathroom with a shower, bathtub, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer.
Choose from a Premium Nile View room with two single beds, a Palace Premium Garden View room with one king-size bed, a Luxury Nile View room with one king-size bed, sitting area and terrace, or a Palace Luxury Garden View Room with one king-size bed, a sitting area and balcony.
Suites start from the Palace Cataract Garden or Nile View options, both featuring a spacious design one king-size bed and a sitting area. The larger and more lavish Palace Prestige and Opera Garden or Nile View Suites feature the above, as well as an additional private terrace.
The 67m², 750sqf Prestige Suite features fashionable, elegant furnishing and a spacious design with an oversized Nile view marble bathroom and large terrace, Sofitel My Bed, LCD TV, shower, bathtub, French amenities and butler service.
The 84m², 904sqf Opera Suite is luxuriously designed with elegant, contemporary furnishing and a separate living room with spectacular panoramic views, along with a beautiful bathroom, Sofitel My Bed, LCD TV, safe box, marble bathroom, shower, bathtub, French amenities and butler service
The 138 m², 1500sqf Nile Suite is located on the first floor. A gentle blend amongst the legendary world and the contemporary comfort, with the 50 m² terrace overlooking the charming Nile and the pool gardens. The suite also features a Sofitel My Bed, marble bathroom and French amenities.
The magnificent Sir Winston Churchill Suite is 138m² or 1500sqf, featuring an 80m² scenic terrace overlooking the Nile, hand- carved furniture, a high ceiling, dining area, Sofitel My Bed, LCD TV, marble bathroom, French amenities and butler service.
The most indulgent suite at the Old Cataract is the Agatha Christie Suite, measuring 175m² or 1900sqf. Savour the pure historical indulgence featured by the classy décor, high ceiling, separate lounge with large balcony overlooking the Nile, separate dining room. Sofitel My Bed, LCD TV, marble bathroom and French amenities
Dining
Watch the sun set over Upper Egypt while sampling from a menu of beautifully presented dishes and delicacies at Aswan’s “hottest table.” Stunning panoramas from this terrace restaurant and bar soar over Khnum Temple and Elephantine Island.
At the signature 1902 restaurant, celebrate 12 decades of gastronomy with exquisite French cuisine paired with fine wines from the sommelier. Relax beneath the grand Arabian dome by a Qualaun crypt, and savour steamed lemongrass fish or filet mignon.
Oriental chefs blend local flavours with rich Levant cuisine at Oriental Kebabgy, a top Aswan restaurant. Over a feast of spicy, grilled meat and herbed rice, recline on gold banquettes or linger on the terrace with sweeping views of the Nile River.
In this gourmet all-day dining restaurant in Aswan, feast on fresh Mediterranean cuisine with local flavours, from handmade pasta to fish. Copper lamps flicker in the Aswan dining room with Moorish arches in cream and scarlet. Outside, a terrace tempts.
Relax and unwind with a cocktail while you gaze at incredible sunsets over the Nile. Or indulge in traditional High Tea with scones, strawberries and cream, gourmet sandwiches and savoury snacks.
Set on the Palace’s rose granite promontory, the Promenade offers prime views of Elephantine Island and the Khnum Temple. Sip champagne cocktails or sweet hibiscus tea at this majestic Aswan bar, as the sun disappears over the flowing Nile River.
Sybille de Margerie invokes the elegance of Egyptian codes in this British-style piano bar: brass lantern chandeliers, rich mahogany, crushed velvet and cool leather. Enjoy a malt whisky or dry martini, a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill.
Tucked by the pool overlooking the Nile, this healthy Aswan bar displays striking décor: deep purple, rich wood, glowing crystal. Cool off from the Nubian sun with a hand-squeezed lemonade or energy-boosting smoothie. Unwind on a grand chaise longue.
Map and travel information
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH