Basma Hotel

If you're travelling from the West, it should be expected that the standard of hotels in Egypt is not as good as other hotels in more developed parts of the world. Having stayed at a number of Egyptian hotels beforehand, the Basma was a slightly better experience. The rooms and beds are comfortable, and the view we had over the city was beautiful. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel is well-presented. As other members have mentioned, the pool is very cold, and the buffet dinner is good but does not vary much from evening to... more

We spent three nights here in late December 2006 and found the rooms satisfactory, if small, with lovely views. The food was quite good and not overpriced but it would get tedious for longer periods. Service not a problem. There can be problems with the plumbing - when our group of 16 all got up together, the water ran out completely. The location is good, just up the hill from the Old Cataract and opposite the excellent Nubian Museum. There is a shuttle bus into town. Sadly the pool, which could be nice, was unheated and freezing... more

We are old hands at Egypt - having been 8 times over the last 15 years. So we've seen most of the sites/tombs/temples etc. but wasted to see Abu Simbal (worth the wait). Two weeks at the Basma was just toooooo long. The meals were very much the same and the public rooms and bedrooms were gloomy. Also the pool was ICEY - The view from the roof terrace was simply MAGNIFICENT. SO we packed and moved to The Isis on an island on the Nile. Just the job for a longish stay (some folks were there for 3 months) Food was VERY good, everywhere... more

This hotel was fine for a one night stay, but the rooms are not very comfortable and need to be remodeled. I would recommend, but not if you're looking for a luxurious stay.

What a brill hotel. Stayed 3 nights as part of a 3 week stay in Egypt and Jordan. Our room was at the end of the building with a balcony to die for. The hotel and rooms were really nice. The pool and service from the pool bar was 100% - nice big pool. The gardens around the hotel were well kept and the views over Aswan were FAB. Hotel staff 100% and could not be better. If you can take the trip to Abu Simbel and Philae Temple.Aswan town comes alive at night time and crossing the road is almost an impossible task. The people are friendly... more

Stayed in this hotel for 1 "short" night due to us travelling to Abu Simbel at 4:30am in the morning. LOCATION: The hotel is located on a small hill pretty much opposit the Nubian musuem. Aswan is not exactly big, so although the hotel is not centrally located it is still just a short 5 mins max. stroll to the Corniche (main street on the Nile river). Arrived early in the morning from the overnight sleeper train from Kairo - took a taxi for 20 egyptian pounds to the hotel (I'm sure its possible to get it cheaper, its just a short... more

Allocated room 530 on arrival which has a stunning view over the Nile, the cataracts and in the distance, the Agha Khan mausoleum, Kitchener Island and the start / end of the Western desert camel train track. Pleasant and welcoming staff, and a perfect pool for cooling down. The hotel covers a considerable area with nice gardens and it is possible to miss some of the best bits by not going 'exploring'. There is a second small pool that nobody uses and yet is fully maintained way out on an extremity of the premises, and superb 360 degree... more

Unfortunately we only stayed here one night before joining our Nile Cruise, but that one night was great. The pool was fantastic which was good as we had four kids with us. Staff were very friendly. Ordered lunch from the Pool Bar, but they forgot one part of the order. What food did arrive was plentiful and very reasonable. Rooms were good size, as were bathrooms. Our room had a balcony overlooking the pool which was lovely. A must do if staying here is the Nubian Museum across the road which is fascinating.

Stayed at the Basma hotel last week in April 2006, lovely place but a little out of town, good views over town and the nile though from rooftop restaurant. Food good, rooms clean and tidy as was the lobby, pool area etc. Good security. Definitely recommended. A must when you go to Aswan is the trip to Abu Simbel, its a 3 hour ride from town through the desert, they get you up at 4am, to join a "convey" at 4.30am, you get there 7.30am, stay about 3 hours then get back by lunchtime to snooze by the pool in the afternoon. Well worth the... more

We stayed at the Basama for only 1 night. The staff were friendly and the place was clean, but the hotel and rooms were extremely dated. The swimming pool also had hideous astroturf surrounding it. Also we were disappointed with the view as it was back up on the hill too far away from the Nile, and the view was also blocked by trees; you could see the opposite hills but not the Nile. (The New Cataract Hotel looked like it would have the perfect views, though reviewers on this website have said the rooms there can be worn too, but I... more