Hotel in Aswan, Egypt
Basma Hotel Aswan
Perched on a hill overlooking Aswan and the Nile, this hotel offers spectacular panoramic views at mid-range prices. The large pool area and terraced gardens create a peaceful retreat. Close to Nubian Museum and souq.
Basma Hotel Aswan is a mid-range hotel built on elevated ground on the hillside above Aswan city, situated off Abtal El Tahrir Street on the granite escarpments rising above the eastern bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. The elevated hillside position is the hotel's defining characteristic: the rooms, terraced gardens, and swimming pool command broad panoramic views southward over the Aswan Nile bend, Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum on the western bank, and the Nubian desert hills stretching toward Sudan. This elevated vantage point is difficult to match from river-level properties in the city.
The hotel building dates from the late twentieth century and has been maintained with periodic updates to preserve its mid-range standards. The architecture is functional in style, with a main tower block and lower garden-terrace wings allowing most rooms to capture some portion of the surrounding panorama. The terraced gardens are planted with bougainvillea, palm trees, and flowering shrubs, creating a pleasant outdoor environment during the main October-to-April travel season.
Room categories include standard doubles, superior rooms with Nile-view balconies, and family rooms for multiple guests. All units are air-conditioned and include private bathrooms, satellite television, and a work desk. The superior Nile-view rooms are particularly recommended, as the sunrise panorama over the water toward the Aga Khan Mausoleum and the Nubian landscape beyond is among the most memorable views available from a mid-range property in Aswan.
The outdoor swimming pool is set within the terraced garden at a level that preserves the Nile sightlines. Pool loungers and shade structures make the area functional for most of the year given Aswan's warm climate. The on-site restaurant serves Egyptian and international cuisine, drawing on Nubian and Upper Egyptian dishes reflecting the regional character of southern Egypt. Terrace dining takes full advantage of the hillside views.
The hotel's tour desk assists guests with all major Aswan excursions, including boat trips to the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island, visits to the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries, the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser, and day trips by road or air to Abu Simbel — the rock-cut temples of Ramesses II approximately 280 kilometres south in the Nubian desert. The Nubian Museum is approximately 1.5 kilometres from the hotel by foot or a short taxi ride, and the Aswan Souq and main Corniche are within easy reach.
Amenities
- Nile views
- pool
- garden terraces
- restaurant
- tour desk
- free WiFi
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +20 97 2310 901
Location
Abtal El Tahrir Street, Aswan
24.0792, 32.8856 — View on map
Highlights
- Hillside location above Aswan with panoramic views over the Nile, Elephantine Island, and Nubian landscape
- Outdoor swimming pool set in terraced gardens with unobstructed Nile panorama
- Superior Nile-view rooms delivering memorable sunrise views toward the Aga Khan Mausoleum
- Tour desk arranging Temple of Philae, Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel excursions
- Close to the Nubian Museum, Aswan Souq, and the main Corniche promenade
Tips
- Book a superior Nile-view room — the sunrise light over the western bank and the Aga Khan Mausoleum hill is the standout visual experience of staying at this property.
- The Temple of Philae evening sound-and-light show is worth attending; the tour desk can arrange boat transfers across the reservoir to Agilkia Island in the evening.
- Abu Simbel is best visited early in the morning before tour buses arrive; the hotel can arrange minibus day trips departing around 3–4 am for arrival at the temples at dawn.
- The hillside location means taxis are needed to reach the Corniche and souq — the reception desk can call reliable local drivers at reasonable fixed rates.
- Aswan is one of the sunniest cities in the world year-round; bring strong sunscreen even in winter, when UV levels remain high despite comfortable temperatures.
FAQ
How far is Basma Hotel from the Temple of Philae?
The Temple of Philae is approximately 8–10 km south of central Aswan, near the Old Aswan Dam. The journey by taxi takes around 20 minutes; a short motorboat crossing from the Shellal landing to Agilkia Island is required to reach the temple itself.
Can the hotel arrange a day trip to Abu Simbel?
Yes, the hotel tour desk organises day trips to Abu Simbel, approximately 280 km south of Aswan. Trips typically depart very early in the morning by minibus and return in the afternoon. Domestic flights to Abu Simbel from Aswan Airport are also an option arranged through the tour desk.
Is the Nubian Museum walkable from the hotel?
The Nubian Museum is approximately 1.5 km from the hotel, a 20-minute walk downhill through the hillside streets. The return journey uphill may be more easily managed by taxi, particularly in the midday heat.
Does the hotel restaurant serve Nubian cuisine?
The restaurant offers Egyptian and Nubian-influenced dishes alongside international options. Regional dishes such as grilled Nile fish, Nubian spiced stews, and locally baked breads feature on the menu, reflecting the culinary character of Upper Egypt.
Accessibility
The hotel's hillside location involves an incline from the main road to the entrance, and some internal garden paths are terraced. Lifts serve the main accommodation floors. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact the hotel to confirm room placement on lower accessible levels and discuss pool and garden access.
When to visit
October through March is the ideal season for Aswan, with warm days around 25–30°C and minimal humidity. February and March are particularly pleasant for Nile felucca rides. Summer temperatures exceed 40°C, making outdoor sightseeing challenging but the hotel's pool and air conditioning provide adequate relief.