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The Old Cataract Hotel
The
Old Cataract Hotel is perched atop a granite hill at the
Nile river's edge in Aswan, Egypt, and takes its name from
the rivers First Cataract (rapids) at the traditional
northern border of Nubia.. It was Thomas Cook, the grand
tour manager of Egypt who had the hotel constructed, mostly
for the tourists that his company was escorting down the
Nile at the end of the 19th century. Unlike many historical
hotels in Egypt, it was never a royal palace or lodge. It
has always been a grand hotel. Today, under the management
of Sofetel, it remains one of the finest hotels in Egypt.
The Old Cataract's first newspaper advertisement appeared
in The Egyptian Gazette on 11 December 1899 and promised:
"Every modern comfort. Large and small apartment rooms,
library, billiard room etc. ... fireplaces in hall, salons
and the main rooms. Electrical lights running all night.
Perfect sanitary arrangements approved by the authorities.
Can accommodate 60 visitors." In 1900, the hotel was
considerably enlarged, but became so popular that by 1901,
tents had to be constructed about the hotel to accommodate
overflowing demand.
Staying at the Cataract has been described as walking
into a painting, or a period post card. This hotel is a
living history that one not only senses with the eyes, but
feels in the bones. With its high ceilings, long halls and
Moorish decor, one is transported back through time to
Egypt's Victorian past, of empire builders locked in
monumental discussions on the famous Terrace, of Howard
Carter reveling in his recent discovery of Tut's Tomb and of
Europe's royalty relaxing and gaining their health in
isolated gardens.
 The Old
Cataract Hotel is a favorite of many Tour Egypt readers,
almost to the extent that a few we hear from must make an
occasional visit for a routine "Cataract Fix". It
easily qualifies as one of the two best known hotels in
Egypt, perhaps after, or before the Mena House in Cairo.
The Old Cataract Hotel was always a favorite of the Elite
during Egypt's British colonial period, and with the release
of the movie written by Agatha Christie and Anthony Shaffer,
"Death on the Nile", in 1978, the hotel received a
grand revival of interest. However, for those of you already
planning on staying there, if you rush out and rent this
movie, please be advised that there are considerable
inaccuracies regarding monuments and travel locations.
The Famous Cataract Hotel Terrace
 As one
of Egypt's monuments to its colonial period, the Cataract
Hotel is at the very least a place to be visited, even if
the traveler's budget does not allow a stay. Unfortunately,
one may or may not be allowed in. This is, after all, and
exclusive resort, and the management protects the privacy of
the guests. The Knoph Guides, usually fairly sedate on their
descriptions of hotels, states, "Absolutely charming
with a magnificent view of the Nile and Elephantine Island.
Truly wonderful, it is a privilege to stay there; an
unforgettable experience". Another guide simply points
out that it may be a place that one cannot afford to not
afford, while yet another calls it the finest place to stay
in Egypt.
Certainly others have thought the same. The Cataract's
guest list includes Czar Nicolas II, Howard Carter, Sir
Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, the Duke of Connaught,
the 3rd son of Queen Victoria, the Aga Khan III, King Farouk
of Egypt, the Shah of Iran, Nahas Pacha, Khedive Abbas Helmi
Soverein of Egypt, Mohamed V King of Morocco, Margaret
Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, Helmut Kohl, Queen Noura of Jordan,
Lady Diana and the Princess Caroline of Monaco.
 Obviously,
this is a five star hotel with all the amenities. There are
several restaurants and bars, a beautiful swimming pool,
tennis and volleyball courts, a health club, meeting rooms
and of course a business center. The Rooms are well
appointed with elegant private baths, air conditioning,
color televisions and telephones. But all this is to be
expected. It is the elevation of these amenities which speak
to the tourist of the hotel's charm and elegance.
Each room is different, with high ceilings, wonderful
Nile views classic furnishings and bathroom fixtures and
comfortable beds. Near the large swimming pool, surrounded
by gardens and trees, one may find quarry marks from ancient
times. Public areas are splendid, with marble, fine wood and
artistic draperies.
While the hotel has several restaurants, the
"1902" is also one of Egypt's most famous
eateries. Designed as a Moorish hall, the domed restaurant
features four red and white traditional door-key arches and
is decorated with fine mashrabiya and stained glass. It was
opened to celebrate the first Aswan Dam, a British
construction, and opening night was attended by the Khedive
Abbas Helmy, the sovereign of Egypt, Winston Churchill, who
attended with King Edward VII's younger borther, as well as
Dukes, Lords, and other dignitaries.
The 1902 Restaurant
In 1999, the Cataract celebrated its centennial,
beginning the next hundred years of service. Anyone
traveling to Aswan should consider this hotel for their
stay. While certainly not inexpensive, as has been said, one
may not afford to miss the opportunity of staying in one of
the world's best known and most elegant hotels. Make
reservations well in advance.
Notation: The Old Cataract Hotel is not the same as the
New Cataract Hotel, of fairly recent construction.
The Old Cataract Hotel
Abtal El Tahrir Street, Aswan, Egypt
Phone: +20-97-316000 Fax: +20-97-316011
Telex: 92720
Reservations
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