March 15, 2008: I specifically chose Old Cataract Hotel for our group's stay of 2 nights in Aswan. Being such a well-known landmark in stories and movies, the Old Cataract is probably the best known hotel in Egypt. It is colonial in feeling, like Raffles, with expansive public rooms, especially the lobby and the 1902 restaurant. The rooms are unusally... more

Definately worth booking a De Luxe Nile View but do insist on one with a balcony - 2nd or 3rd floor have best views. We stayed in Room 239 which was great. Faded splendour still but renovation planned.. hope Sofitel don't spoil it like the Old Winter Palace which is now really poor value for money. more

We stayed for a night in Aswan after a Nile cruise - and are very glad we picked this hotel. Yes it is worn down and feels older, but one should know to expect this in an older historical building. Ceilings were very high, chandelier in our room very classy, and bed comfortable and clean. Large window with very pretty... more

Having just returned from 4 nights stay I am saddened that having looked forward to staying here for many years I was very disappointed. Ok the hotel is old , full of charm, and is like reading a history book. However the food was very poor, the rooms tired and worst of all the pool was dirty,( always cloudy.. the... more

This hotel is past its' sell by date', living on a reputation built many years ago when it was great.. We have stayed on a number of occasions but this years break was the last.. Sofitel are closing the hotel for refurbishment which will take 2 to 3 years BUT will the mind-set change ? Front gate staff who try... more

I have stayed in this hotel over six times and I still love it. Yes, it is old and a bit shabby in places but that only adds to its charms. The rooms that I have stayed in have always been large whether I have booked the room directly with the hotel or through a travel agent. The service can... more

This hotel, like The Winter Palace in Luxor, is government owned and run by Sofitel (not a great chain). It will close for a 2 year renovation in April or May 2008. It should have been closed for renovation probably 20 years ago. Rooms and corridors on the ground floor smell of humidity and on the walls one can see... more

Well, I totally agreed wiz most of the reviews the carpet is stained and rumpled. There's no room safes. The room keys are v. big. The fridges make noise. The TV is v. old. The hotel has the best reputation in Aswan but I think it got that from its oldeness. It's a great experience but not for too long... more

I stayed at the Old Cataract for one night and that was enough. The draw of the hotel is its iconic status, not the actual accomodation. The lobby and other common areas look worn out. The bathrooms are old and the showers do not work well. The rooms are fairly small, with not much space outside the bed. I would... more