Marhaba Palace

Description:

• The Marhaba is a newer hotel near the train station and has one of the most gloriously tasteless facades (an odd sort of neo-Pharaonic pastiche) in town. Once you're inside, though, everything follows suits for a fairly bland, midrange hotel. Rooms vary in size and design, so look at a few before deciding if possible. If not, try to avoid paying for a "side Nile view," as these really stretch the point of what constitutes a view. The health club is basic and quite small, and the pool area is cozy. Staff are well trained and very pleasant, and the Internet works very well. With a bit of a discount from the rack rates listed, the Marhaba is a good bet for a comfortable, midrange place to stay in Aswan. Note that the Marhaba is officially an alcohol-free zone, so don't expect any beer with dinner.

• © Frommer's 2013