Some hotels are destinations in their own right. The Old Cataract in Aswan and the Winter Palace in Luxor have hosted travellers on the Nile for well over a century. In February 2026, Mandarin Oriental and owner Talaat Moustafa Group announced that both will join the Mandarin Oriental portfolio, and both are due to reopen in July 2027.
What is planned
- Mandarin Oriental, Old Cataract, Aswan: overlooking the Nile and the Temple of Khnum, with Mandarin Oriental's management in place since May 2026
- Mandarin Oriental, Winter Palace, Luxor: near Luxor Temple, closed for renovation since early 2026, with gardens and event spaces
- Six dining venues and a Spa at Mandarin Oriental at each hotel, according to the announcement
- A Mandarin Oriental Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with three, four and seven night itineraries, is in design development. No launch date has been given
Planning a Nile journey around the reopening
Upper Egypt is at its most comfortable between October and April, when days are warm rather than hot. A July 2027 reopening means the first full season for both hotels is likely to be winter 2027 to 2028, and that is when we expect demand to be strongest.
A classic private journey combines a few nights in Luxor for the Valley of the Kings and Karnak with a few nights in Aswan for Philae and a felucca at sunset, with a private Egyptologist and transfers throughout. Private aviation into Luxor or Aswan can save most of a day compared with connecting through Cairo.
How we can help
We can register your interest now, plan the itinerary around the opening dates as they are confirmed, and arrange guides, private flights and site access. Reopening dates can move, so we will only confirm a booking once each hotel is taking reservations for your dates.
