Visiting Old Cataract Hotel 
- Where Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill used to drink their tea – a hotel brimming with charm and history
- Tea time on the hotel terrace overlooking the Nile
- A trip back in time to the first half of the 20th century
- Optional guided tour of the hotel, including a visit to the ‘Agatha Christie suite’
- See and be seen in the hotel lobby
Introducing…
- Mahmoud Sayed, nick ‘Sheemy’, 46 years old
- Born in southern Egypt, married, 3 children
- Official tour guide and operator throughout Egypt since 2006
- Linguistic genius with excellent English skills, has studied English literature, among other subjects
- Deep unterstanding of customer relationships
- Well-established intercultural and organizational skills
An absolute must-see in Aswan 
In March 2026, after 23 years, I revisited the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill regularly spent part of their winters.
Who hasn’t heard of the book ‘Death on the Nile’?! The world-famous British author was inspired to write her classic novel – which has been adapted for film multiple times – while staying at this hotel. Winston Churchill, too, used to smoke his cigars here over a cup of tea while enjoying magnificent views of the Nile river.
Anyone staying in Aswan who wants to take a little trip back in time to the last ‘British’ century should definitely visit this 5-star hotel.
Guided tours of the hotel grounds are offered regularly for small groups upon request. Every visitor should definitely check out the spa area and take a look inside the oriental restaurant, where regional delicacies are served in a unique way.
If you’re interested in the Old Cataract, please write to me using the contact form. By the way: My tour guide, Sheemy, might also be the right person for you to contact if you’re interested in tours in Aswan and to Abu Simbel.
