Aly Abdel Aziz gives his first impression when visiting the historic Old Cataract Hotel recently renovated in Aswan

Aly Abdel Aziz  CEO of  The Holding Company for Tourism , Hotels & Cinema (Hotac) gives his first impression when visiting the historic Old Cataract Hotel which has been recently renovated in Aswan:

I am both happy and very proud to be in this outstanding hotel witnessing the first and important check in this historic hotel. It is a dream and a splendor; a rebirth of a mythical hotel that has contributed to the cultural awareness and references that surround Aswan as being one of Egypt’s special and prime travel destinations.

The Old Cataract is one of Egypt’s landmark and cultural jewels, which sprang from an essential point of local Egyptian heritage and culture. Now, it is integrated into the cultural topography and landscape of Aswan, just as important and of equal cultural merit as the sacred temples and Nile Valley.

The Old Cataract is Egypt’s most legendary hotel: world renowned and historically acclaimed. Its restoration process lasted for more than 3 years, transforming the hotel into a marquis landmark even more, retaining its status as of one of the leading destination hotels of world.

The physical attributes of this breathtaking hotel property and cultural attributes of the setting ensured that the serenity of the setting makes such a destination a rarity in what it offers visitors.

This beautiful hotel has featured in chapters of Egyptian history and great literary works including Agatha Christie’s book ‘Death on the Nile’.  The hotel has become legendary in Aswan for more than a century and will undoubtedly continue to be so for centuries to come. 

Aware of the cultural significance of the hotel, in 2008 I decided that a huge renovation project must be undertaken and entrusted Sofitel with such an important task. They in turn branded the property under their premier Sofitel Legend brand. As a result, the Old Cataract has now exceeded our expectations.

I would like to thank Egoth, the owning company, and Sofitel (both its corporate office in Paris and local office) for their hard work and commitment. 

A special mention of course goes to the French interior designer, Sybille de Margerie. She preserved the soul, spirit and mysticism of this hotel, forming a mélange of French elegance and Egyptian cultural references. Most importantly, she focused on providing our discerning travelers the most desirable elements of technology, comfort and well being in the hotel.

This is the re-birth of an Egyptian landmark: today the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan will be a driving force behind attracting high-end tourism to Egypt- a must have for the whole country, most particularly during our current times.