Built in 1899 on the brinks of the Nile this historical hotel in Aswan is a must-visit
Made for legendary travellers.
Old Cataract is one of the worlds historical hotels. Build in 1899 on the brinks of The Nile in Aswan on the same granit of which stones were sourced in ancient times to use in the building of the temples, obelisks and the pyramids this beautiful hotel is located.
From the hotel you have a perfect view over the Nile to Khnum Temple and the Elephantine Island.
Build by Thomas Cook
The hotel was built by the British entrepreneur Thomas Cook. He had already made himself a name as the travel company specializing in Egypt for especially British tourists – mostly wealthy people from the aristocracy and other people who spend a fortune on travels to the magical and mysterious Eggypt with the rich history and appealing climate in the winter months in the Belle Epouqe.
When his Nile Cruises reached Aswan they had to switch boats to get the temples south of Aswan – and therefore he decided to build the hotel for the guests to enjoy while waiting for the next boat, and the hotel became a favourite to many esteemed guests.
Agatha Christie and Death on the Nile
Among the cherished guests was Agatha Christie who supposedly wrote parts of the big seller “Death on The Nile” here ( Christies’ lovestory with Egypt you can read more about here). Some parts of the movie based on the book which was filmed in 1977 was also filmed on this very hotel.
Sir Winston Churchill was also one of the famous guests at the hotel and today you will find a fantastic suite with a impressive wooden terracce overlooking the Nile with his name.
The hotel still oozes off the colonial era with its dark wooden floors and decors inspirered by the Egyptian ancient history mixed with French Art de Revoir.
In other words: this is a really special hotel with a great location and fascinating history.
The modern hotel
The hotel is now a days parted in two sections; The Palace Wing, which is the original building from 1899 and the The Nile Wing from 1961. Both sections has recently been carefully renovated and appears both modern but true to the original design of the hotel. You can stay in both sections.
The hotel is perfectly laid on the banks of granite with a stunning view of The Nile, Khnum Temple and the lush ElePhantine Island in the middle of the Nile.
You will also find several restaurants and bars at the hotel. 1902 is the name of the most stunning restaurant which interior and splendid colorful columns takes you back in time. The menu is French cuisine.