Elephantine Island Aswan (Movenpick Hotel)

Stayed here for 4 nights in March. The grounds are stunning; the Nile views are second to none and the atmosphere is quite simply - magical. The rooms, however, are not. I was surprised at how basic my room was, though to the hotel's credit, it was spotless. People are being assigned to the older rooms since the newer ones are nearer the never-ending renovations. 'Reception' is a very small room that you would surely walk past if it wasn't for the sign and arrow indicating that this was your point of welcome. Staff are friendly and accommodating, and the hotel shuttle boat runs frequently so you don't have to wait for scheduled departures if you want to into town to get a taste of the local atmosphere.

I didn't eat dinner at the hotel but the breakfast buffet was very good. Lots of choices and ample supply. Many of the restaurants are closed, but because I was out and about and the prices were resort prices I wasn't bothered. Ditto the pool. There are sunbeds in the garden facing the Nile so that was some consolation. Didn't have problems with dust or noise. Unless you want to eat in the many restaurants or use the pool the renovations won't be a huge bother, but you will have the feelng of entering a construction site-type setting upon arrival and in some parts of the grounds, and I didn't see much to entertain kids.

Even though having an enchantingly beautiful island all to yourself feels quite exclusive, I wouldn't stay here again until all renovations are completed. I am continually amazed at the prices Movenpick tries to charge when half the facilities are closed. My advice? Stay elsewhere and visit for the ice cream. You can stroll around the grounds as you eat it.