The Abu Simbel Seti Hotel

By Jimmy Dunn

Until recently, the selection of hotels in Abu Simbel where rather dismal. At best the Nefertari Hotel, owned by the government, has been the hotel of choice. But a relatively new hotel, the Abu Simbel Seti, now provides travelers to this remote region with fairly luxurious accommodations. I was really impressed with the well landscaped facilities.

This is a reasonably large hotel located in between the town of Abu Simbel and the Temple complex. It sits on the shores of Lake Nasser. It's "rocky" architecture blends in well and it is clear that considerable effort and care went into the hotels construction. The hotel grounds are large, and the garden landscaping is nicely done. Rooms have nice details, including engraved wood and are reasonable large with new fixtures and furnishings. Rooms have direct dial telephones, private baths, individually controlled air conditioning, minifrigs, terraces and satellite color television.

The hotel has several different restaurants and bars, basically set up to provide entertainment and facilities to guests in a location where there are few other sources. There is a nice roomy bar just off the main lobby, as well as a garden bar near the swimming pool. The hotel also has a an adult and children's swimming pools which are very nice, as well as a few shops and though I may not have exactly figured out its purpose, a nice meeting room.

Simply put, this is the best hotel in a region that is often visited as no more then a day trip. However, with the new light show at the temples, and their grandeur as several of Egypt's finest temples, perhaps more travelers will wish to come and spend a night or two, particularly now that the Abu Simbel road is again open for travel.