About this hotel
General information
Old Cataract is a late-19th-century palace hotel in Aswan, part of the Mandarin Oriental collection. It rises from a pink granite bluff above the Nile, facing Elephantine Island, and takes its name from the granite rapids that once marked the southern edge of ancient Egypt. This is where Egypt meets Nubia: the desert runs down to the water, and felucca sails drift past the terraces.
The palace keeps just 35 rooms and suites, each furnished individually in a mix of French classicism and Egyptian detail — lofty ceilings, hand-painted walls, carved furniture and marble bathrooms. Days gravitate towards the terrace above the Nile, with its open view of Elephantine and a signature afternoon tea, and towards the infinity pool that hangs over the river. The pace is set by the water and the sunset, while the concierge arranges sailing trips and visits to the ancient temples nearby.
Location
The hotel stands on Aswan's Nile Corniche, on a granite outcrop directly above the river and opposite Elephantine Island, at the edge of the Nubian Desert. The Nubian Museum and the Aswan Museum are close by, and the temple on Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk are a short drive away.
Sports & leisure
Leisure here centres on the infinity pool above the Nile and on the river itself; the concierge arranges outings on request:
- a two-hour sail on a wooden felucca past the granite islands, with breakfast on board or tea at sunset
- a three-hour trip by felucca or motorboat to Elephantine Island and its ancient ruins, and to the botanical island with its shaded garden paths
- a five-hour excursion to the temple on Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Aswan High Dam
Restaurants & bars
The kitchen leans towards Levantine and Mediterranean cooking with local touches, and most tables look out over the Nile.
- Al Saraya — Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine beneath Moorish arches and copper lamps: à la carte breakfast, handmade pasta, fresh Nile fish and regional dishes, indoors or on a terrace above the river
- The Terrace — an open-air restaurant and bar on the riverside promenade just below the main terrace, looking across to Elephantine Island: light Mediterranean and regional dishes, a signature afternoon tea, sunset drinks and private cabanas for dinner à deux
- Pool Bar — drinks by the pool from morning until sunset
- In-Room Dining — round-the-clock service with local and international dishes
Swimming
The outdoor infinity pool sits above the Nile, with the Pool Bar beside it. The hotel has no beach.
Rooms
The palace has 35 rooms and suites — nine rooms and 26 suites — each individually decorated in a blend of French classicism and Egyptian detail. The named signature suites have generous layouts and private terraces or balconies facing the Nile.
Every room has a king-size bed, a balcony or terrace, a marble bathroom, an HD television, a Nespresso machine and a minibar.
Palace Garden View Room
A high-ceilinged room with hand-painted walls, a king-size bed and a private balcony over the tropical gardens. The marble bathroom has a walk-in shower.
Palace Deluxe Garden View
A roomier layout with polished wooden floors, classic furniture, a king-size bed and a private balcony above the tropical gardens. The marble bathroom has a separate bath and walk-in shower.
Palace Garden View Junior Suite
A junior suite with hand-carved classical furniture, a separate sitting area, a king-size bed and a private balcony overlooking the tropical gardens. Marble bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower.
Palace Nile View Junior Suite
A junior suite with a separate sitting area, a king-size bed and a private balcony with a wide view of the Nile. The minibar is complimentary; the marble bathroom has a bath and separate walk-in shower.
Palace Garden View Suite
A suite with a separate living room, a bedroom with a king-size bed and a private terrace facing the tropical gardens. Marble bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower.
Palace Cataract Nile View Suite
A suite of theatrical proportions with rich classical detailing, a separate living room, a king-size bed and a spacious private terrace above the tropical gardens. Marble bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower.
Sir Winston Churchill Suite Nile View
A signature suite with a lounge, dining room, parquet floors, carved furniture and a king-size bed; its large private terrace looks over the Nile and the passing feluccas at sunset. Marble bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower.
Agatha Christie Suite Nile View
The hotel's largest suite: a lounge, a separate dining room, parquet floors, lofty ceilings, a king-size bed and a private balcony with sweeping Nile views. The marble bathroom has a deep soaking bath and separate walk-in shower.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.