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The Isis Hotel, Aswan
by Jimmy Dunn
We often get travelers inquiring about midrange accommodations
in Egypt, and the Isis Hotel in Aswan is a perfect example of
midrange accommodations. This is a mature, four star hotel located
on the Nile river in downtown Aswan. However, one point about
budget hotels in this area needs to be pointed out. There
seem to be few three star hotels of any value, though we will
review one that is next month. In other words, there is a gap
between backpacker hotels (very cheap hotels) and four stars. The
Isis is one of the better priced four stars.
 While in Aswan,
we visited a number of different hotels that we will be reporting
on. Some were new, and like a new house on a new track of
land anywhere, they lack lush gardens and trees. Not so with
the Isis. Exploring their grounds, which twist about on a
number of different levels is fun all by itself, even though it is
not a huge hotel. This is where you really see the maturity of the
grounds, which are well kept and peaceful. When entering the
hotel, one finds themselves on a wood walkway almost like going to
a boat. The lobby is below.
 This hotel does
not have the amenities of a five star hotel, but what it does
have, a great location, many of the five star hotels cannot
provide. It is dead center in downtown Aswan, not for from
the bazaar, internet cafes, and most anything else one would wish
to find in downtown Aswan. Not only that, but it is right on
the river, with a nice observation platform by the pool that
allows for a relaxed view straight on to the Nile.
Unfettered by trees and bushes, the sunsets here are frankly
better then the famed terrace at the old Cataract Hotel, and a lot
less pretentious, as it seems to cater to a younger crowd.
 While the
accommodations are not as good as the best of the five stars, then
again they are better then some. While in Egypt this last trip,
frankly I stayed in some well known hotels that would not live up
to the rooms at the Isis. Rooms are clean and of a fair size, with
private baths that look to have been recently renovated.
Each room has air conditioning, and a new direct dial phone
system. As with most three star and better hotels in Egypt
these days, the rooms also have satellite cable color
television. Most of the rooms also have minifriges.
 From
the standpoint of onsite facilities, this hotel really does rival
some of the five star hotels. The swimming pool area is
fantastic, with a bar and multiple lounge areas which are unique.
There is a disco, a tent coffee shop, a lobby bar, as well as
several restaurants. One of these is an Italian restaurant
which is very nice and cosy. There are also a few stores about the
hotel.
One of the features of the hotel I found very inviting are the
little private niches scattered about the gardens for
sitting. These peaceful areas really jump out at you as your round
a bind in the walkways.
Isis Hotel
Corniche El Nil St. Aswan, Egypt
Phone: (097) 315100
Fax: (097) 315500
Rates This Summer:
Single: $61.00
Double $80.00
Triple $99.00
Suite $160.00
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