I am fortunate enough to have travelled widely, and my colleagues often jokingly call me princess for the standard of luxury I prefer to enjoy, but on this trip I could not have been better cared for should I actually have been royalty. The recently appointed manager has been exceptionally kind and has made my stay so special with upgrades to suites with the most fantastic Nile views but more importantly with his understanding and humanity on a personal level. The staff have been, without exception, kind, quiet and helpful, and the guest relations officers genuinely seem happy to have pleased you. Overall, I would say they are attentive yet not intrusive, interested and interesting people, so stop and chat for a while if you have the time. Our stay has perhaps been unusual in that we have chosen to stay here for a week as our destination, and not on route to anywhere else in Egypt, but we have happily filled our time. There it's lots to see; Philae, high

dam, Elephantine and Kitchener islands, the unfinished obelisk and the souk but the hotel itself is just as great an attraction with fabulous outdoor and indoor pools, a spa and the terrace where
you can just watch the felucca drift by. Another reviewer was disappointed with the Terrace menu, but this is essentially the cafe and as such more than reaches expectation. For a grander experience the 1902 restaurant cannot be beaten, with great food, fabulous surroundings and a waiting staff, Samah and Elia on the evening I went, who made the evening special with efficiency, fun and an ability to please which is rare. I asked for a pudding not on the menu and in 15 mins it was placed before me and was delicious.
Yes, there have been troubles in Cairo, but Aswan is calm and the Old Cataract is serene, so do not defer your trip, come now!

we friends stayed as a layover from Luxor on the way to Abu Simbel. Rooms were in the new wing: fully refurbished, stunning contemporary design, WiFi, balcony overlooking the Nile bend - i was impressed by the quality!

Please keep in mind this part of Egypt does not have too much luxury to offer, so Sofitel is the top choice and staff working here are extremely proud to work here as well as overly zealous that guests' requests are satisfied. After having spend the whole day in the car visiting various temples in the area at the check-in we were besieged with questions about what we want for dinner and breakfast as well! (All i wanted at that point was a shower!). Due to the very early departure to Abu Simbel, we were then negociating for 20 minutes what could a breakfast box contain, etc - all this is to simply get you ready and patient that staff are really trying to help and keep you happy!
i was a little disappointed with quality of meal in the main restaurant on the veranda - was a very basic mediteranian selection. We ordered a european wine they did not have, but instead of saying so they spent 30 minutes trying to convince us to make another choice - a local Egyptian wine.

Otherwise, is stunning

We have been really impressed by this hotel and its staff. We were upgraded for free to a prestige Nile view suite which was simply wonderful. The pool was beautiful and great atmosphere too. We had dinner at the 1902 restaurant, marvelous interior. The restaurant staff was exceptional. I wish we stayed longer there. Agatha Christie would still like it although the interior looks a bit more modern now. Good value for money. If you travel to Aswan this is the place to be!