Located on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan hotel is an oasis reminiscent of a legendary dream. Combining historical significance with a stunning location on Elephantine Island and unparalleled luxury rooms, the hotel itself is a destination. The very name of the venerable Old Cataract Aswan, opened in 1899 in Aswan, Egypt, was inspired by the confluence of the river and the granite wall forming the first Nile cataract. The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers 220 luxurious rooms, including 82 stunning suites.

One of the architectural features of the hotel is the beautiful Moorish-style architecture present throughout the interior. This style was one of the 19th-century revival architectural forms that sought to preserve earlier examples of historical architecture. Moorish Revival architecture was one of the first revival styles to appear across Western and Central Europe in the early 1800s. It was widely represented at the turn of the century before disappearing during the Great Depression. While most revival styles born in the Victorian era typically copied earlier Western design aesthetics, Moorish architecture largely borrowed its elements from the Moors of North Africa. The Moors had conquered almost the entire Iberian Peninsula by the early Middle Ages. Although their civilization was largely displaced from the region by the 15th century, many aspects of their culture persisted through subsequent generations. Perhaps one of the greatest legacies of the Moors in Spain and Portugal was their grand architectural projects. Heavily influenced by Islamic design principles, the Moors created brilliant buildings that employed concepts of rhythmic linear patterns, vegetal designs, and intricate geometric forms. One of the most important elements of Moorish buildings was the “horseshoe arch,” which represented a perfect curve protruding outward from the base. Additionally, the Moors also adorned their structures with bulbous domes, typically topped with a pointed spire.

Majestically rising on hills of pink granite at the edge of the Nubian Desert, this luxurious hotel combines the treasures of the pharaohs with French artistry. From the moment you step through the doors of the Old Cataract hotel, you will be struck by classic architectural features such as slender columns, wrought iron balustrades, and elegant arches reminiscent of an era of glamour and sophistication. The hotel’s interior is equally magnificent, with richly decorated plasterwork, sparkling chandeliers, and carefully selected antique furniture.

The rooms and suites at the Old Cataract hotel are designed to provide unparalleled comfort while preserving the charm of the past. Luxurious furnishings and fabrics add sophistication to every space. Most suites offer breathtaking views of the Nile, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. Spacious bathrooms, finished in marble and equipped with the latest technology, add an extra touch of luxury.

The crowning jewel is undoubtedly the hotel’s magnificent terrace. It is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Nile. With panoramic views of one of the world’s greatest rivers and the surrounding landscape, it is a place for relaxation and contemplation. Whether you prefer to have breakfast outdoors or sip a cocktail at sunset, the terrace at this establishment is a must.

The Old Cataract hotel is more than just a hotel; it is a destination in itself, an oasis of elegance and comfort. Every element, from the stunning rooms to the terrace overlooking the Nile, is thoughtfully designed to create a luxurious atmosphere meant to convey the charm and glamour of a captivating era. An unforgettable stay that also immerses guests in the exceptional world of one of the greatest writers of all time: Agatha Christie.

In 1933, writer Agatha Christie stayed at the palace with her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan. It was in this wonderful setting that she was inspired to write her novel "Death on the Nile," first published in 1937. Christie even used the surrounding environment as inspiration for the book. Part of the novel’s plot unfolds aboard a cruise ship on the Nile, beautifully capturing the charm and mystery of the Aswan region. It is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous novels, in which Hercule Poirot becomes entangled in a complex web of murder, love, and betrayal in the heart of Egypt. The novel has captured the imagination of several generations of readers and has been adapted multiple times for film and television, perfectly conveying the exotic atmosphere created by the magnificent Egyptian setting.

The Old Cataract hotel has been visited by many famous personalities, including renowned archaeologist Howard Carter and Agatha Christie. Carter himself visited the building in the early 1920s to celebrate the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger stayed at the hotel while negotiating the end of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. In 1978, one of the many adaptations of "Death on the Nile," directed by John Guillermin, was partially filmed at the Old Cataract, which hosted the entire cast, including Peter Ustinov, David Niven, Mia Farrow, and Angela Lansbury. Director John Guillermin even shot several scenes in different parts of the hotel, such as its magnificent Moorish-style ballroom.

Suite 1201, where Agatha Christie stayed and wrote her famous novel, is also open for visits. Every day at 5 p.m., curious visitors are shown the famous suite. Although all the furniture has since been replaced, the chandeliers are the same as when Agatha Christie lived in the room.

In 1973, U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger and his aides stayed at the New Cataract hotel (an annex built in 1961) during negotiations to end the Yom Kippur War.

Besides those already mentioned, many other famous people have stayed at the hotel, such as Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales; Russian Tsar Nicholas II; Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili sect of Islam; and Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.

Sources:

https://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/sofitel-legend-old-cataract-aswan/history.php

https://www.en-vols.com/en/inspirations-en/culture-en/old-cataract-hotel-agatha-christie-egypt/

https://betweennapsontheporch.net/in-the-footsteps-of-agatha-christie-a-visit-to-the-old-cataract-hotel-aswan-egypt/