Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

We had the afternoon tea which was very impressive. We especially appreciated the service provided by Soliman who looked after

Simply wow. When advertised as the best hotel in Egypt I was skeptical, but boy this place is great. From the immaculate grounds to the wonderful pool area it is really really well maintained. We used their fellucca a from the private jetty and this was so convenient. We were upgraded to a suite in their new building, and honestly this was the most comfortable night of sleep we had during our trip. Waking up to a quiet Nile with views over Elephantine island was amazing. It’s pricey, but it’s a bucket list hotel for a bucket list trip. The only thing I would improve is more grab and go type food offerings and more reasonably priced cocktails in the bar.

Booked the Sunset Afternoon tea.On arrival sat on the terrace,although booked as a couple were sat on a table for four then another table was added on the end so were six of us squeezed in.food was brought out pre packaged in bags,was ok not fresh.Ordered two Gin and tonics,came out in cheap Tesco glass tumblers not even a gin glass.Were hurried along as coach tours of many Chinese arrived.Overall really looked forward to this and was underwhelming.Asked about Agatha Christie room or anything they could tell us,just said there’s a photo on the wall over there.

The Old Cataract is only interested in certain guests, not all guests. My husband and I came in to Aswan on a cruise ship and one of our excursions was a Sunset Tea at the Old Cataract hotel, now part of the Sofitel group. I know very well that cruises and those on them can sometimes have a bad rep but honestly, I didn't expect for us to be treated with so little respect. It's not like any of our group were loud, covered in tattoos or inappropriately dressed! The very opposite. Our group of 10 strangers to each other were all very smarty dressed and impeccably polite. We passed through the hotel, which has beautifully manicured gardens, a lovely and cool reception, past a lovely terrace with lovely views ... but this was not for us. We went sideways and towards a new, modern block of rooms in the garden above the spa. Interesting. Our guide from the ship said we were going down into the gardens for the Sunset view. Lovely. Not quite. When we found our way to the bottom level, there was a terrace with lots of seating. Beautiful tables for 4 with beautiful rattan chairs. Overlooking a lovely view. Every table empty. Naturally we started making our way happily to those tables but no. Those tables weren't for us but 'for another party' that did not show up before we our party left. Our whole party was instead directed to a single large round table in the full sun (it was 40 degrees yesterday in Aswan) set back 3 rows (the last row) back from the terrace edge. Despite us being the only guests there. We questioned this, as did our rep but received only head shakes. There was no thoughtfully organised parasol for us and no nice rattan chairs for us either. Nor a nice glass table, just a white linen covered piece of MDF. When we asked for some shade and a parasol it all seemed like too much effort for the staff. There was some shrugging, some half hearted attempts to move a parasol on wheels before the staff gave up. Instead, under the direction of Peter, who could not have been less welcoming, our ugly round table and chairs were all moved to literally as far from the edge of the terrace and our 'sunset view' as was physically possible. We were pretty much against the building wall, still, the only guests on a large and completely empty terrace. And so my husband and I sat with strangers on a table for 10, unable to speak privately and as I faced an interior door to goodness knows where, in the back end of beyond, I couldn't see the view, let alone the sunset as I had my back to it and even had I been on the other side of the table, it still couldnt be seen. It all felt incredibly awkward. Our ship representative was upset by this behaviour as we were. To be fair, the sandwiches and cakes were lovely and looked beautiful. At least the kitchens did a good job. Marissa (or similar, she did not introduce herself) came out to see if we were all ok but honestly, how does one person on a table of 10 strangers speak up without spoiling the experience for others? So we all dutifully nodded and mostly continued in our silence. Overall my husband and I were made thoroughly unwelcome. It felt like if we needed to be kept away from more important guests and our presence was grudgingly accepted only because we had paid to enter and very clearly the staff looked down on cruise guests. Poor show Old Cataract. So my message is, if you want to be shoved into a corner and treated like 2nd class guests, then The Old Cataract is the place for you. I just wouldn't bother. Postscript: I did offer discrete feedback on our experience to office managers before leaving and they seemed concerned. my husband and I were offered a drink each in compensation if we returned. I explained we weren't after something for nothing just respectful treatment and a hope that they take on board our constructive comments. We could have returned today for those drinks but honestly, dont wish to visit a hotel that behaves in such a manner.

Our stay at the Old Cataract Hotel was divine! From the dining to the pool, we felt well tended to and experienced wonderful service. This was a highlight of our trip. We want to give a special thank you to Ossama and Mohammed (Room 1123) for their beautiful turndown service and for the gift of roses. They have no idea how much their friendly service was appreciated.