The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, Egypt, managed to become famous throughout the world twice. The first time this happened was when Agatha Christie made it the setting of her famous novel Death on the Nile, first published in 1937. Then it was called simply “Cataract”, and let’s make a reservation right away: the murder, although fictitious, did not happen here, but on a cruise ship. The second wave of fame overtook the hotel in 1977 after the release of the film adaptation of the novel. Then Peter Ustinov, who starred in the role of Hercule Poirot, as well as Maggie Smith, Mia Farrow and Jane Birkin, came to the hotel for filming.
I want to go to Egypt!
Agatha Christie herself visited Cataract more than once. The writer traveled a lot. Especially after she married archaeologist Max Mallowan, with whom she traveled throughout the Middle East.
“Cataract” was built in 1899 by the famous Thomas Cook, owner of the travel agency “Thomas Cook and Son”, mentioned in Samuel Marshak in “Mr. Twister”. It was a luxurious five-star hotel, built on the banks of the Nile in the best traditions of the heyday of colonial Britain, with all the amenities possible at that time: a library, fireplaces, living rooms, round-the-clock electricity. Initially, the hotel was designed for only 60 guests, but after two years Cook had to expand. Today, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract has several additional wings attached to it. However, this is still a luxurious five-star hotel, with perhaps all the amenities possible. It offers modern, elegant rooms and suites.
You can relax and unwind in the swimming pools (outdoor and indoor),
hammam, spa or eight hotel restaurants and bars. The Oriental Kebabgy Restaurant’s terrace offers panoramic views of the Nile, while the Promenade Bar offers panoramic views of Elephantine Island. In addition, the hotel is located within walking distance of the main historical attractions for which most tourists travel to the Nubian Desert: the Nubian Museum with a large park, as well as the temple at Philae, the Temple of Calabash, the remains of the Middle Kingdom temple at Elephantine.
When traveling, pay for purchases with a OneTwoTrip loyalty card, and up to 10% of the order amount on OneTwoTrip, as well as up to 2% of any purchases paid for with the card, will be returned to your account.
Author: Elena Novikova-Kitaeva
