If you travel regularly, you know that there are Mandarin Oriental properties just about everywhere. In fact, the luxury hospitality brand has over 100 properties (hotels, residences, and exceptional homes) peppered all around the world. From Asia to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, the brand has a presence in 30 countries and territories. But there’s one destination where until recently, you couldn’t find a Mandarin Oriental hotel: Egypt. Now, there are three in the works – and a Mandarin Oriental Nile river cruise in the pipeline to boot.
Mandarin Oriental Hotels In Egypt
In 2022, Mandarin Oriental took over the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, but the extensive renovations necessary won’t allow this property to open until 2027. That said, those who want to visit Egypt and stay at a Mandarin Oriental property now can do so by booking a stay at the Old Cataract, Aswan, a luxury historic hotel that the brand took over in May 2026. Part of the hotel is being upgraded, but it remains open to the public.
Far from being satisfied with acquiring two properties in Egypt, the brand has also assumed the management of another storied Egyptian hotel: the Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor. Also being remodelled, this property with views over the Nile and located near the Temple of Luxor, won’t open until 2027.
Mandarin Oriental’s Very First Cruise Offering
Those who have a good understanding of Egyptian geography will have noticed that all the hotels that Mandarin Oriental has acquired in Egypt are located very strategically along the Nile river. That’s not a coincidence. Mandarin Oriental is planning to operate its very first luxury cruise that will link all three hotels as soon as they are all up and running. Rumor has it that there will be three-, four-, and seven-night sailing itineraries that will include amazing excursions. But details are scarce, so we’ll have to wait and see what Mandarin Oriental has in store for us.
The Old Cataract, Aswan
Mandarin Oriental took over the management of the Old Cataract in May 2026, but the hotel is much older than that. It first opened in 1899 and has therefore a long legacy of welcoming travelers keen to see the wonders of Egypt. Among them are some very well-known names, including Egatha Christie, Winston Churchill, and even royalty in the form of Tsar Nicholas II.
The grand hotel with its maroon exterior is set in the Nubian desert on the banks of the Nile. It comprises 138 rooms with only 35 currently bookable due to the renovations. If you want to see this historic property without hordes of other travelers, now might be the best time.
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FAQs
Q: How many properties does the Mandarin Oriental group have in Egypt?
A: There is only one Mandarin Oriental property operating in Egypt at the time of writing: the Old Cataract, Aswan. However, starting in July 2027, the group will add the Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor to its portfolio. The Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo will reopen in 2027 following a comprehensive renovation.
Q: When will the renovations on the Old Cataract, Aswan end?
A: The renovations on the Old Cataract, Aswan will be completed in July 2027. The hotel remains open during the renovations that started in May 2026.
Q: Is Mandarin Oriental offering cruises ?
A: In July 2027, the Mandarin Oriental group will start its very first luxury cruise river offering on the Nile river. The Nile cruise will allow travelers to explore Egypt by sail between the brand’s hotels.
