I agree that both locations cannot be compared but we don't actually know what is at stake. Accor usually work with these owners for multiple projects over time.

Accor has strong expectations for MEA in terms of development. Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza might be linked to other future projects

ADTIC has extremely deep pockets

It is now confirmed on the Sofitel website that the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan will cease being a Sofitel property on May 1st. Since I have a confirmed 8-day reservation in June, I have written to the hotel to ask if they are becoming an Orient Express property or leaving Accor entirely.

Since it is also now impossible to book the Aswan Movenpick, Pavillon Winter and Luxor Old Winter Palace after April, it would seem that a move away from Accor is actually on the cards.

The property has produced a beautiful 14-minute documentary




my pinky tells me there are good chances that Old Cataract will become a Four Seasons

And no doubt at 2x the rate

I have just received the following e-mail from the Reservations Manager of the Old Cataract Aswan:

:Greetings from Aswan and thank you for your interest shown in the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract. As regards your enquiry, allow me to share the following information: (1) The hotel will not be operated by any of the Accor Brands after April 30th, 2026; (2) Until the moment, we don't have any official announcement about the brand that will manage the hotel as of May 1st; (3) With regret the points will not be applied (for pre-bookings) and there will be no compensation, but our honourable guests are free to cancel considering that ALL benefits won't be extended. Hope all is well clarified and remain at your disposal for any further assistance.'

During a stay at the Luxor Old Winter Palace in June last year, the manager indicated that the hotel and the Old Cataract would probably become 4 Seasons properties. This will be a massive loss to ALL/Accor!

Agreed 😢

Wonder what �points will not be applied� means for pre bookings. Seems slightly concerning.

I changed my stay to check out May 1, hopefully my ALL benefits still mostly apply.

no Reward points credited for stays after May 1st

I would checkout on April 30th if I were you. From May 1st all accounting will switch to the new owner and possibly new systems/softwares and I'm not sure they will still be able to credit a stay with a checkout date on May 1st. Or you can double check with the hotel about the policy to be applied in this case. I am sure they have guidelines.

Thankfully not too worried about points earning, more worried about points redeeming haha. But sounds like it should be fine.

If you used points at the time of booking, then it's fine. If you want to use points at checkout on May 1st, then it could be a problem (better to check).

Good reminder. I actually split my stay for one ending on April 30, where I need to use some SUAs and want to pay with points, and a stay April 30-May 1. Happy to switch rooms haha just to avoid the potential to pay cash.

Did you hear anything back? Still want to book (no matter what flag) for October and can find no way to do so on any reputable site.

We have our answer for what's coming next:

• This property will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan in July 2027, following a management takeover by Mandarin Oriental in May 2026 and an ensuing, comprehensive renovation of the Nile Wing while the hotel remains operational.

The Winter Palace is also joining Mandarin Oriental, and I'll post the relevant update in that property thread.

khabah