Mandarin Oriental Revitalizes Aswan's Old Cataract

Mandarin Oriental announced August 7, 2026, that it has taken over management of the iconic Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, Egypt. The property is currently undergoing a renovation slated for completion in July 2027.

Perched on granite cliffs overlooking the Nile, the hotel, originally opened in 1900 by Thomas Cook, blends Ottoman arches, Arabic mashrabiya woodwork, and Victorian elements. It has hosted a roster of historical figures including Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie—who reportedly penned portions of Death on the Nile here—and numerous royals.

While the hotel's location and pedigree are undeniable, SMH Traveller notes that its interiors have lagged. A recent guest described their garden suite, despite being palatial in size, as featuring furnishings and fabrics that "might have come from the parlour of a dowager aunt whose taste atrophied in the 1950s." The property comprises two distinct wings: the original Palace Wing and the more functional Nile Wing, built in 1961.

Our take: This renovation is long overdue. Mandarin Oriental's involvement signals a much-needed modernization while hopefully preserving the Old Cataract's unique character. The promise of "lighter, prettier colours, panache and a style uplift," as reported by SMH Traveller, suggests a thoughtful update rather than a complete overhaul.

Upon completion, the hotel will expand its dining offerings to six venues. SMH Traveller highlights Al Saraya for its "Ottolenghi-does-Egyptian dishes" and handmade pasta, along with the timeless appeal of a sundowner on the Terrace, a historical spot where one can easily imagine figures like Churchill or Orson Welles.