Old Cataract Aswan
The Old Cataract Hotel is one of the finest and most famous historical and luxury hotels.They built it in the late 19th century . Its top is from a granite hill at the Nile River edge in Aswan, Egypt. The design reflected elements of the interior and exterior architecture in the courtyards, terraces, and gardens, sensitive to the natural, built, and historical context. As it has the splendor of the site and its breathtaking location.
Old Cataract Aswan
Facts About The Old Cataract Hotel
The historic building’s construction took place at the same time that railway lines were extended to Aswan, which at the time saw a rise in visitors. He went on to say that the word “Katrakt” means waterfall and that the first waterfall is in Aswan, with the other five being in Sudan. Because it is situated atop the granite rocks that make up the first waterfall, “Katrakt,” it was given this name.
Building of this hotel began in 1899 in the Victorian style, as the English style was prevalent during that period when Egypt was under British occupation.
The name referred to the magic of the place, as the hotel’s name came from the meeting of the river with the barrier, which creates the first waterfall on the Nile, and combines the Victorian character with authenticity.
There are 138 rooms and suites in the Old Cataract hotel divided into two parts. Moreover,The suites are characterized by their wide areas and Victorian style.
The rooms and suites have the best furniture in the world and are very luxurious. Among the largest and most famous suites in the hotel are the “Agatha Christie Suite” and the Churchill Suite.
Building Hotels :
Old Cataract Hotel building
The idea of building hotels began in the late 19th century with the extension of the railway to southern Egypt. Tourists visited Aswan and enjoyed its historic sites and sunny winter weather. As the number of tourists increased, the idea of building hotels on the banks of the Nile in Aswan began, and construction began in 1899.
The hotels were in the elite Victorian style, with English influences often being present in the architectural style of this period, when the English language defined Egypt.
The History Of the Old Cataract Hotel
Cataract-Hotel 1960
In the middle of the desert, the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel is built on a granite rock on the banks of the river, nestled in the heart of enlightened Aswan. Its name came from the confluence of the river and the granite barrier, where the first waterfall on the Nile meets.
Combining Victorian architecture with authenticity, it welcomes visitors into a historic lobby featuring smooth marble floors and heavy-duty arched décor in an Islamic style.
The Old Wing houses 76 rooms and suites, while the contemporary Nile Wing houses 62 rooms and suites.
Khedive Abbas Hilmi, ruler of Egypt for all, attended the opening of the main restaurant on December 10, 1902. Also in attendance were the Duke of Connaught, third son of Queen Victoria, Lord Willard Cromer, Sir Winston Churchill, and a large number of statesmen and ministers.
Ganga Khan III, the Indian leader, was one of the most famous hotel guests. He regularly visited the hotel to rest from his rheumatism. He moved to the hotel in 1937, where he spent his honeymoon in the second-floor south wing. Ganga also requested to be buried in Aswan. In 1957, his tomb was next to the hotel. It took about two years to build. Anyone could see it from the hotel café.
The Renovation Of The Old Cataract Hotel:
A three-year renovation and development project was completed in 2008, restoring the hotel to its former glory. They completed this comprehensive renovation project to restore the hotel to its former glory. So This is the largest and most significant modern renovation and development project in the history of the venerable hotel, saving it from collapse and giving it a new look as a legendary hotel.
Sofitel entrusted world-class interior design by French architect Sybille de Margerie to blend French creativity with the splendor of the original Victorian-style building’s cultural heritage, while taking into account the historic value of the hotel to its guests and visitors over a century of splendor. De Margerie fully agreed to participate in reviving the legend and immortalizing it forever.
The Old Cataract Hotel’s location
Old Catract Hotel is in Aswan, in front of Elephantine Island in the Nubian desert. The hotel has a great swimming pool and wonderful rooms. Moreover, The employees are friendly and very welcome so it is a tourist destination. the hotel exises in the center of the city.
Hotel Room Types
The Old Cataract Hotel provides a variety of rooms, and they all offer a wonderful view of the Nile. And from luxurious Palace Premium rooms to non-smoking rooms. also the hotel’s location is ideal, right on the banks of the Nile.
The views from the rooms are simply amazing. In addition, the employees are friendly and they are going to try to help you and make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Available Rooms At Old Cataract Hotel
- Luxury Palace Room with Garden View. The room area is 53 m².
- Palace Premium Room with Garden View. The room area is 53 m².
- Deluxe King Room with Nile View Room area 64 m², Room area 62 m².
- Prestige Suite with Nile View. The room area is 67 m².
- Premium Twin Room with Nile View. The room area is 36 m².
- Palace Cataract King Suite with Nile View. The room area is 64 m².
- Prestige King Suite with Terrace and Garden View. The room area is 70 m².
Restaurants And Types Of Food
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a historic luxury hotel located in Aswan, Egypt. It includes four restaurants and three bars covering every culinary aspect.
- 1902 Restaurant: This great restaurant is the hotel’s jewel, as it has architectural design and a stunning glass dome. Serving delicious international and oriental dishes in a luxurious, regal setting, dining here is unique.
- Saraya Restaurant: Offering panoramic views of the Nile, this restaurant serves a rich breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet with a lot of cuisines.
- The Palace Bar: A perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink with a nice view of the Nil.
Its menu combines international and European cuisine. The hotel’s culinary features also include special meals for children and separate menus for those with special diets. It also offers a bar serving drinks, snacks, and light meals. Breakfast is available in the room upon request.
Entertainment activities
Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan, offers luxurious accommodation and also provides a range of recreational activities and services.
- Swimming Pools: The hotel has two swimming pools, one outdoor overlooking the Nile and the other heated indoor. It offers you the opportunity to relax at any time of the year.
- Spa and Wellness Center: Give yourself a comfortable massage or a good spa treatment at the hotel’s wellness center.
- Kids Club: The hotel offers a special kids’ club filled with fun activities to make children happy.
The Relation Between the Cinema And The Hotel
The film “Murder on the River” is based on the mystery novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. She wrote it at the same hotel.
The series “Grand Hotel” began airing in 2016 and was produced in Egypt and filmed in hotels.
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