3 Best Hotels in Aswan and Lake Nasser, Egypt

Sprawling across the northern portion of Elephantine Island, the Mövenpick offers uber-comfortable rooms decorated in bold geometric patterns and rusty desert tones. The otherwise low-rise hotelscape is dominated by an odd tower that looks like it could be for air traffic control but actually houses Panorama, a wraparound restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that display some of Aswan's best sunset views. A LE350 day pass allows nonguests access to the pool and restaurants.

Set on 28 lush acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Pyramisa is a veritable oasis with an enviable location. The rooms are decorated in dark wood and homey apricot tones and come with a balcony to soak up the Nile views.

The high-ceilinged reception area, complete with olive and maroon columns and carvings of Abu Simbel and Philae, makes the Tolip look like a neo-pharaonic temple on the northern reaches of the Corniche. The rooms don't quite live up to the lobby's lofty promise, but this hotel is a great place for families looking for an entertaining alternative to the temples: try on-site tennis, bowling, billiards, and more.