Volume II, Number 7 July 1st, 2001
The Isis Hotel, Aswan
by Jimmy Dunn
We often get travelers inquiring about midrange accommodations in Egypt, and the Isis Hotel in Aswan is a perfect example of midrange accommodations. This is a mature, four star hotel located on the Nile river in downtown Aswan. However, one point about budget hotels in this area needs to be pointed out. There seem to be few three star hotels of any value, though we will review one that is next month. In other words, there is a gap between backpacker hotels (very cheap hotels) and four stars. The Isis is one of the better priced four stars.
While in Aswan, we visited a number of different hotels that we will be reporting on. Some were new, and like a new house on a new track of land anywhere, they lack lush gardens and trees. Not so with the Isis. Exploring their grounds, which twist about on a number of different levels is fun all by itself, even though it is not a huge hotel. This is where you really see the maturity of the grounds, which are well kept and peaceful. When entering the hotel, one finds themselves on a wood walkway almost like going to a boat. The lobby is below.
This hotel does not have the amenities of a five star hotel, but what it does have, a great location, many of the five star hotels cannot provide. It is dead center in downtown Aswan, not for from the bazaar, internet cafes, and most anything else one would wish to find in downtown Aswan. Not only that, but it is right on the river, with a nice observation platform by the pool that allows for a relaxed view straight on to the Nile. Unfettered by trees and bushes, the sunsets here are frankly better then the famed terrace at the old Cataract Hotel, and a lot less pretentious, as it seems to cater to a younger crowd.
While the accommodations are not as good as the best of the five stars, then again they are better then some. While in Egypt this last trip, frankly I stayed in some well known hotels that would not live up to the rooms at the Isis. Rooms are clean and of a fair size, with private baths that look to have been recently renovated. Each room has air conditioning, and a new direct dial phone system. As with most three star and better hotels in Egypt these days, the rooms also have satellite cable color television. Most of the rooms also have minifriges.
From the standpoint of onsite facilities, this hotel really does rival some of the five star hotels. The swimming pool area is fantastic, with a bar and multiple lounge areas which are unique. There is a disco, a tent coffee shop, a lobby bar, as well as several restaurants. One of these is an Italian restaurant which is very nice and cosy. There are also a few stores about the hotel.
One of the features of the hotel I found very inviting are the little private niches scattered about the gardens for sitting. These peaceful areas really jump out at you as your round a bind in the walkways.
Isis Hotel Corniche El Nil St. Aswan, Egypt
Phone: (097) 315100
Fax: (097) 315500
Rates This Summer:
Single: $61.00
Double $80.00
Triple $99.00
Suite $160.00
The Mysteries of Qurna By Sonny Stengle
Traveling by Train in Egypt By Dr. Susan Wilson & Medhat A-Monem
The Charm of the Amulet By Anita Stratos
Egyptian Rock-Art Unveiled By Arnvid Aakre
Great Hair Days in Ancient Egypt By Ilene Springer
Touring With the Young, and Not-So-Young By Jimmy Dunn
A Tour in Egypt's Mohammed Ali's Mosque By Muhammad Hegab
Ancient Egyptian Agriculture By Catherine C. Harris
Why I Keep Going Back, and This is No 'Fish Story'! By Duncan McLean
Off the Beaten Path in the Sinai By Jimmy Dunn
Editor's Commentary By Jimmy Dunn
Ancient Beauty Secrets By Judith Illes
Book Reviews Various Editors
Hotel Reviews By Jimmy Dunn & Juergen Stryjak
Kid's Corner By Margo Wayman
Cooking with Tour Egypt By Mary K Radnich
The Month in Review By John Applegate
Egyptian ExhibitionsBy Staff
Egyptian View-Point By Adel Murad
Nightlife Various Editors
Egypt On Screen By Carolyn Patricia Scott
Restaurant Reviews Various Editors
Shopping Around By Juergen Stryjak
Web Reviews By Siri Bezdicek
Previous Issues
June 1st, 2001
May 1st, 2001
April 1st, 2001
March 1st, 2001
February 1st, 2001
January 1st, 2001
December 1st, 2000
October 1st, 2000
September 1st, 2000
August 1st, 2000
July 1st, 2000
June 1st, 2000
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Last Updated: April 28th, 2011