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Aswan has relatively few hotel choices, particularly in the midrange. You can expect rates to be higher here than for equivalent accommodations in Luxor or Cairo, except in summer. In Aswan, rates are less expensive in summer—late April to the end of September—sometimes dramatically so, and many hotels will offer discounted rates in times of low occupancy regardless of the season. Aswan in particular has a lot of large groups that stay only a night or two to see Philae and the local sights and then move on. The Aswan hotels that have island addresses automatically offer regular free ferry services to the town.
Get a taste of village life and Nubian hospitality at Anakato, a world away from Aswan city across the river. The name means "our home" in the Nubian language, and you'll immediately feel at ease walking around the colorfully painted guesthouses.
Owner Fikry Kachif can remember what Nubia was like before it was swallowed up by Lake Nasser, and he keeps that memory alive through this B&B. The best reason to stay here may be to admire the architecture and construction methods; you can see exactly how the mud bricks fit together to make the characteristic Nubian domes and barrel vaults.
Set back in a quiet residential area this lively hostel-B&B is run by owner Gandhi, a former tour leader whose invaluable advice is guaranteed to improve your time in Aswan. You're bound to find budget-minded travelers swapping stories and buddying up for tours and felucca rides.
