Hotel Basma

The hotel is located opposite the Nubian Museum, at an arm's reach from the Old Cataract hotel, on a hill overlooking the southern part of Aswan. It is a bit thrown off centre, a quarter of an hour walk from the city centre. From the top of this hill, you can see the city and the desert around it but the Nile cannot be seen, the hotel not being located on the ledge. The airport is about 6 miles away (15 minutes by taxi).

The Basma hotel was decorated by modern Egyptian artists and has a collection of remarkable mural works. In collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, the hotel also offers a space for sculptors who often work on an esplanade situated at the entrance of the hotel. It owns a private island bearing the same name. Spreading on an area of 12 acres, it is really close to the hotel and accessible to felucca boats (visits, walks or dinners are organised in extra. Plan some US$ 30 per person for lunch. Further information on the spot). It is on this island that the vegetables cooked in the restaurants are grown.

It is a big pink concrete hotel built in a U-shape around a remarkable pool (no doubt one of the largest in Aswan). It has 187 rooms and 12 suites situated on four floors with the possibility to ask for connecting rooms for families. The vast area offers various places to rest: the restaurant's terrace, the garden around the pool and a barbecue area. There is also a lawn area fitted with a large screen outdoors where you can watch films and sporting events.

The rooms, covering an area of 210 square feet, are quite spacious. They are equipped with satellite television (a dozen channels), a mini-bar, air conditioning, a telephone line for international calls, balconies or terraces according to the view. Half of the rooms overlook the city of Aswan (very beautiful sight at night). The others overlook the garden and the swimming pool and have a partial view on the Nile. The furniture has no particular style, it is rather classic and needs some refurbishment. The bathroom has a tub and a hair dryer.

The cuisine is varied and served at sumptuous buffets. The dishes blend Eastern and international cuisine. Plenty of vegetable dishes. The desserts are numerous and fresh (many Oriental pastries). The dining room is large and bright (picture windows everywhere). The reception is particularly pleasant. You can have a snack near the swimming pool on the terrace. Excellent and neat cuisine.