Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

It seems Sofitel Legend is being delisted, and the management has completely checked out from top to bottom. The front desk staff, Madonna, an Egyptian Arab woman, had an appalling attitude and showed no respect for Chinese guests. Her room tour was as perfunctory as it gets. Is Mandarin Oriental taking over and putting her job at risk? Ironically, the only highlight of the hotel service came from the local Nubian people in Aswan. They often provided genuine and simple service at the concierge and in restaurants. I hope Chinese guests don't judge them based on their skin color; it's clear these Nubians treat guests from afar with sincere warmth. The hotel's hygiene is a serious issue. There was dried nasal discharge from a previous guest on the headboard cushion, and the disposable slippers were low-quality and covered in unknown hairs. All the toiletries in the room were unbranded, similar to what you'd find in a basic three-star motel in China. The entire hotel was filled with tour groups from various countries taking photos, making it impossible for staying guests to enjoy any peace and quiet. I can only hope that once Mandarin Oriental takes over, this hotel will be managed properly and genuinely treat its guests with care.

Relive classic movie scenes here; the hotel's facilities and ambiance are impeccable. This is a top-tier luxury hotel that's definitely worth checking off your bucket list. My only minor complaint is the limited breakfast selection, but that's easily overlooked given the hotel's legendary restaurant. A couple of staff members had some attitude issues, but they apologized promptly after we spoke with them. Families traveling with teenagers should note that there's an extra charge for minors exceeding a certain age; it's $150 per night and includes an extra bed and breakfast.

We stayed in the old building. The view from the window was beautiful, though photos probably look better from the new building. However, if you want to experience the hotel's traditional charm, the old building is definitely better. The hotel restaurant combines North African elegance with Baroque grandeur. The staff were well-mannered, polite, enthusiastic, decent, and attentive. Since we couldn't have breakfast at the hotel due to our trip to Abu Simbel, we asked the front desk to prepare a breakfast pack, which was very substantial. At sunset, a flutist plays in the lobby, adding a delightful ambiance.

The only downside is the price, haha! But the service was absolutely fantastic; they upgraded our room for free. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. This is by far my favorite hotel in all of Egypt. The Nile sunset view was unbelievably beautiful. At 5 PM, they even organized a tour of the rooms where Agatha Christie and Churchill once stayed. The prices for dining at the hotel were also completely reasonable. Next time, I plan to visit during the off-season and stay here for a few more days—it was pure bliss!

After my luggage was lost, the staff at the Old Cataract Hotel went above and beyond to help me find it. On the first night, without my suitcase, they even provided many daily necessities (double sets of t-shirts, socks, spray, and other essentials). I was truly touched. The hotel manager who greeted us told us he loves Chinese people, and he didn't just say it; he proved it with his actions! ^_^ It truly lives up to its century-old reputation; it's so impressive. It's not just the beautiful scenery but also the hotel's culture. Every staff member's smiling service and simple Chinese greetings made me feel completely at home! This trip to Egypt, I met many wonderful people, but also some terrible scammers. I also experienced EgyptAir's 100% flight delays and frequently lost passenger luggage... A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. Next time, I'll know better what to look out for.

The iconic location and legendary charm of the Old Cataract speak for themselves, and the quality of the Sofitel Legend brand is absolutely top-notch. During my trip to Egypt, I stayed at several excellent hotels, including Mena House, Rixos, and Waldorf Astoria, but for me, the rooms here were by far the most impressive. The balcony was incredible, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Nile. The entire hotel is simply stunning. The service was also exceptional. The only minor drawback was perhaps the somewhat limited breakfast selection. Otherwise, everything else was perfect!