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.
Under renovation — temporarily closed
Room rates are not being shown for this property while it is closed. Contact us and we will suggest an alternative, or let you know when it reopens.
On property
What's here
- Spa
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Concierge
- Business center
- Bar
- Swimming 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
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Sofitel Old Cataract is a historic property with period architecture, so some public areas and rooms include steps, uneven stone surfaces and narrow corridors. There is lift access between the main floors, but certain terraces and the historic wing have steps that may limit independent wheelchair access. Pool access is via steps; there is no pool hoist. Streets nearby are paved and may have raised kerbs. We can organise a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for transfers and help with luggage, but please tell us at booking if you require step-free arrival, an accessible room, or mobility assistance so we can confirm availability and plan transfers at least 72 hours before arrival. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will provide an accessibility contact on your booking confirmation.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children of all ages are welcome at the Sofitel Old Cataract. Cots are available on request for infants under 2 years; please request at time of booking so the hotel can prepare one. Extra beds for children or older children are subject to availability and a nightly supplement, payable to the hotel; we will confirm the supplement when you book. Strollers are practical in most public areas but may be awkward in the hotels historic wing where there are steps. High chairs are provided in dining areas on request. Tell us age and special needs at booking so we can coordinate room layout and facilities.
Indicative rates only – pricing and rooms fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We work with the hotel and local suppliers to reduce environmental and social impact in practical ways. Transfers we arrange use modern, air conditioned sedans and minibuses with seatbelts; where an accessible vehicle is required we book a suitable minibus. The hotel operates a linen reuse programme and sources some produce from local Aswan markets and registered suppliers. We contract licensed local felucca crews and excursion providers directly and pay local fees and guide rates, so community revenue stays in Aswan. Single use plastic reduction measures are in place at the hotel; spa and laundry services offer low-water options on request. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we request specific sustainability or community-impact options at time of booking and can provide details for particular requests.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
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
- 75% refund, or 100% as credit for future travel
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund, or 75% as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% refund, or 50% as credit
- 2–6 days
- No refund; 25% as credit
- Under 48 hours or no-show
- No refund or credit
Notice is counted from your arrival in Egypt. Some vessels have their own terms; if yours does, we tell you before any payment is made.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Product ID: HTL-ASW-083197
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