Hotel in Southern Aswan Hills, Aswan, Aswan
Basma Hotel Aswan
Perched on a granite hill overlooking the Nile and the Western Desert, the Basma is a popular mid-range choice with an excellent pool and great sunset views. Comfortable rooms and friendly staff make it ideal for independent travellers.
The Basma Hotel Aswan sits on a granite hillside on the southern edge of the city, elevated above the corniche road and offering sweeping views across the Nile toward the Western Desert sand dunes. The hotel occupies a commanding promontory near the Abtal El Tahrir Street area, roughly a ten-minute walk from the Sofitel Old Cataract and a similar distance from the main felucca embarkation points. The elevated position means that even standard rooms on lower floors capture meaningful river and desert panoramas, while upper-floor rooms enjoy some of the most photogenic sunset vistas available from any mid-range hotel in Aswan.
The building dates from the 1970s and has been progressively refurbished. Rooms offer comfortable, unfussy furnishings: twin or double beds, satellite television, individual air conditioning, and tiled bathrooms with hot water. Standard rooms are mid-range in size; superior categories add partial Nile views or desert-facing balconies.
The hotel's standout feature is its outdoor swimming pool, positioned at the edge of the granite plateau with an unobstructed view over the Nile and the dunes beyond — widely considered one of the most scenic hotel pools in the city. A poolside bar and shaded lounge area operate alongside the pool, and the terrace is popular in the late afternoon even with day visitors during quieter periods.
The on-site restaurant serves Egyptian and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfasts are particularly well regarded, with fresh bread, local cheeses, ful medames, and eggs cooked to order. The hotel's travel desk arranges felucca and Nile cruise bookings, Abu Simbel day trips, and Nubian village visits at competitive rates. Free on-site parking is available — a practical advantage for guests arriving by private vehicle from Cairo or Luxor, as parking is scarce among Aswan hotels.
Rated 4.3, the Basma occupies a strong position in the mid-range category, offering views and a pool setting that compete with more expensive properties at a fraction of the price.
Amenities
- pool
- wifi
- restaurant
- bar
- desert views
- parking
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +20 97 231 0901
Location
Abtal El Tahrir Street, Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
24.0839, 32.8942 — View on map
Highlights
- Elevated granite hillside position with sweeping Nile and Western Desert sunset panoramas — among the best unobstructed views from any mid-range Aswan hotel.
- Outdoor pool perched at the edge of the plateau with direct river and desert views, widely regarded as one of Aswan's most scenic hotel pools.
- Free on-site parking, a rare advantage among Aswan hotels, making it practical for guests arriving by private vehicle.
- In-house travel desk offering felucca bookings, Abu Simbel day trips, and Nubian village excursions at competitive market rates.
- Reliable Egyptian breakfast spread including fresh bread, ful medames, local cheeses, and eggs cooked to order.
Tips
- Request a superior room or a unit on the upper floors for the most dramatic Nile and desert views; specify this preference when booking.
- Arrive at the pool by 10:00 in peak season (November-February) to secure a sun lounger with the best Nile sight line.
- The hotel is a ten-minute downhill walk to the corniche felucca docks; the return uphill is steep in midday heat — consider taking a taxi back.
- Sunset from the pool terrace is at its most dramatic between October and March when the sun descends directly behind the desert escarpment.
- The restaurant's ful medames and fresh bread are reliably the best items at breakfast; international options are competent but less distinctive.
FAQ
Where exactly is Basma Hotel located in Aswan?
The hotel is on a granite hill in southern Aswan near Abtal El Tahrir Street, about ten minutes' walk south of the Sofitel Old Cataract and 20 minutes from the central souk.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes. The outdoor pool is positioned at the edge of the hillside plateau with panoramic views of the Nile and the Western Desert dunes, and is one of the hotel's principal attractions.
Can the hotel arrange Abu Simbel day trips?
Yes. The front desk travel service books Abu Simbel excursions by convoy minibus or flight. Advance booking of at least 24 hours is recommended during the winter peak season.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available, which is relatively uncommon among Aswan hotels and makes the Basma a practical choice for guests travelling by private car.
Accessibility
The hotel's hillside site involves some steps and slopes between the car park, reception, and room wings. A lift serves the main building. The pool terrace involves a short flight of steps from the main terrace level. Guests with significant mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to identify the most suitable room allocation.