Your stay — Samara
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The Property — Samara
The Samara in Aswan is a no-frills, functional 3-star hotel near the train station and the Nile corniche. The lobby feels like a busy transit lounge: tiled floors, a reception desk that processes check-ins efficiently, and a small seating area where guests wait for taxis or group tours. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a clean, central base for exploring Aswan's temples and markets, without expecting charm or luxury.
Chronicles of Aswan
Aswan was the ancient frontier town of Swenett, a gateway to Nubia and the source of granite for Egyptian monuments. Its modern layout was shaped by the British colonial era as a winter resort for the wealthy, leaving a legacy of wide streets and old villas. The construction of the High Dam in the 1960s transformed the city, creating Lake Nasser and flooding much of Nubia's homeland. Today, Aswan is Egypt's most relaxed city, with a strong Nubian cultural identity evident in the colourful houses and souk. It remains a vital transit hub for Nile cruises and trips to Abu Simbel.
Best Time to Visit
Full Aswan guide →Best months
October to March for daytime highs under 30°C and cool evenings; also the season for felucca sailing without heat exhaustion.
Peak / festival surge
December to February is peak tourist season because European winter escapes overlap with perfect weather in Aswan. Hotel prices can double, and Nile cruise ships fill up. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 February draws extra crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer hotel discounts of 30–50% over peak, with crowds thinning but still good sightseeing weather (highs around 30–35°C).
Weather & packing
Aswan is one of the driest cities on earth, with nearly zero rainfall. Pack a sunhat, sunglasses, and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection; also bring a warm layer for evenings from November to March.
Live City Briefing — Aswan
- The Aswan International Airport now runs direct charter flights from several European cities, increasing summer arrivals but still quiet compared to winter.
- A new pedestrian walkway has opened along the Nile corniche near the Old Cataract Hotel, offering a pleasant evening stroll with views of Elephantine Island.
- The Nubian Museum has extended its opening hours to 8pm during summer months, making it easier to visit after the heat of the day.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Samara, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (4th-5th) are recommended for a quieter stay, as they are farther away from the street noise. Additionally, rooms facing the interior courtyard may offer a more peaceful atmosphere.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the elevator, as it can be located on the lower floors and may cause noise disturbance. Also, rooms near the service entrance may experience some noise from the staff and delivery areas.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or surrounding landscape, so it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, it's likely that rooms on the upper floors will have a better view of the city.
Quietest floors
4th-5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Aswan is a city with a mix of traffic and market noise, so it's essential to request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise. The hotel's location in Aswan will likely expose some rooms to the sounds of the city, but the upper floors should provide a more peaceful experience.
Insider tips
When checking in, be prepared to provide your passport and a credit card for payment. It's a good idea to have these documents ready to avoid any delays. The hotel offers a small parking area, but it's limited. If you plan to rent a car or have a driver, consider asking the hotel staff for parking recommendations in the surrounding area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Samara
free throughout the hotel, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but some historic sections have stairs-only access
complimentary digital newsstand, including PressReader and FT, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop not available, late check-out until 14:00 for EGP 100
available for a fee of EGP 20 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, but some rooms are not fully wheelchair accessible due to historic building constraints
on-site parking available for EGP 50 per night, valet parking also available, nearest public car park is 200 meters away at EGP 30 per night, no EV charging facilities
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: EGP 20 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: EGP 200 advance deposit and a card hold of EGP 500 for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: مسجد الطابية (709 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: كتدرائية الملاك جبريل (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Saint Teresa Catholic Church (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Mosque: مسجد (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Grand Mall BenZion — 289 m · ~4 min walk
Ferial Gardens — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Animalia — 822 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 22 m · ~1 min walk
(dishonest) — 534 m · ~7 min walk
Local boat (elephantin island) — 256 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Egyptian Pound, EGP
You can exchange currency at the airport or a local bank, but be aware that rates at the airport may be unfavourable. You can also use ATMs to withdraw EGP with your debit/credit card, but be mindful of any foreign transaction fees.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still king in many local businesses. Mobile payments are not common.
Tipping is expected in Egypt, around 10-15% in restaurants and cafes, and 5-10 LE for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A kiosk coffee will cost around 5-10 EGP, and you can find them at street corners or near major intersections.
A falafel or shawarma from a street vendor will cost around 20-30 EGP.
A meal at a local restaurant will cost around 50-100 EGP for a main course.
The cheapest and best street food areas are near the souks and marketplaces, such as the Aswan Souk and the market near the Nile River.
Carrefour and Spinneys are two popular supermarket chains in the area.
Local markets like the Aswan Souk and the markets near the Nile River offer a wide range of affordable clothing options.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local microbuses (around 1-2 EGP) or taxis (around 10-20 EGP for a short ride). A day pass for the microbus is not available, but you can buy individual tickets.
Avoid exchanging currency at the airport, use local ATMs, and negotiate prices at local markets to get the best deals.
Emergency Contacts
AswanWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Aswan, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Samara
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 22 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Noorhan Hotel → Aswan souk (Sharia el-Souk)
💡 Best for short hops. Negotiate before boarding – locals pay 5-10 EGP for this route. Sit side-saddle to avoid backache on bumpy roads.
Aswan International Airport → Noorhan Hotel (Corniche el-Nil)
💡 Pre-arrange via hotel for 150 EGP. Airport taxis outside charge up to 250 EGP; agree the fare before getting in.
Noorhan Hotel → Philae Temple ferry point
💡 Use Careem app rather than street taxis – fixed price, no haggling. Enter 'Philae Temple' as destination; taxi drops you at the marina, not the island.
Aswan Airport bus stop → Noorhan Hotel (Corniche el-Nil)
💡 Bus 1 runs from airport to city centre. Get off at the Corniche stop, then walk 200m south. No luggage space – avoid with big suitcases.
About Aswan
Wikipedia ↗
Aswan is a city in Upper Egypt and the capital of the Aswan Governorate. The city of Aswan is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its recorded history spanning over 2,600 years. Aswan is a busy market and tourist centre located just north of the Aswan Dam on the east bank of the Nil...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Samara?
Rooms on the upper floors (4th-5th) are recommended for a quieter stay, as they are farther away from the street noise. Additionally, rooms facing the interior courtyard may offer a more peaceful atmosphere.
Which rooms should I avoid at Samara?
Avoid rooms near the elevator, as it can be located on the lower floors and may cause noise disturbance. Also, rooms near the service entrance may experience some noise from the staff and delivery areas.
Is Samara noisy?
Aswan is a city with a mix of traffic and market noise, so it's essential to request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise. The hotel's location in Aswan will likely expose some rooms to the sounds of the city, but the upper floors should provide a more peaceful experience.
Which rooms have the best views at Samara?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or surrounding landscape, so it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, it's likely that rooms on the upper floors will have a better view of the city.
What are insider tips for staying at Samara?
When checking in, be prepared to provide your passport and a credit card for payment. It's a good idea to have these documents ready to avoid any delays. The hotel offers a small parking area, but it's limited. If you plan to rent a car or have a driver, consider asking the hotel staff for parking recommendations in the surrounding area.
What time is check-in at Samara?
Check-in at Samara is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Samara have Wi-Fi?
free throughout the hotel, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Samara?
EGP 20 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Samara?
A falafel or shawarma from a street vendor will cost around 20-30 EGP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Samara?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local microbuses (around 1-2 EGP) or taxis (around 10-20 EGP for a short ride). A day pass for the microbus is not available, but you can buy individual tickets.
When is the best time to visit Aswan?
October to March for daytime highs under 30°C and cool evenings; also the season for felucca sailing without heat exhaustion.
Top Attractions in Aswan
💡 Head to the northern end for fewer tourists and better prices on dried hibiscus and henna.
💡 Take the public ferry from the dock near the Old Cataract Hotel for 5 EGP each way; skip the private boats.
💡 Go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds; the garden is free and open if you just want a shady spot with Nile views.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes — the stone paths are uneven; it takes 30-40 minutes to see well.
💡 Visit late afternoon for cooler light and fewer people; bring water as there's no cafe inside.