PARIS, Oct. 18, 2011 -- Following a three year closure for the completion of renovations, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan reopens its doors as the brand's third Legend property. The five-star luxury hotel, located in the heart of Aswan on the banks of the Nile River, is housed in a Victorian building dating back to 1899 and has accommodated many famous faces, from Sir Winston Churchill to Agatha Christie. Named after its location, the property sits on the point where the Nile River's first cataract is formed.

Divided into two different yet equally luxurious sections, the hotel provides its guests with varying experiences. The Palace wing, comprised of 76 rooms including 45 suites, preserves the property's historical charm with Byzantine-style striped arches and other similar, traditional touches. Contemporary and elegantly appointed, The Nile wing's 62 rooms including 37 suites feature private balconies and guest bathrooms overlooking the Nile River.

A full-service resort, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan features the new So SPA and four restaurants including the legendary 1902, a dining room famous for its Qualaun crypt and outstanding decor. French interior designer Sybille de Margerie resurrected the mythic luxury of the property while conserving its original beauty by combining Victorian, Middle Eastern and French styles.

Highlighting iconic, historical properties throughout the world, Sofitel Legends blend French roots with the local culture of each property. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi became the first Legend in July 2009 and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam became the second Legend in June 2011. Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara will launch as the fourth Legend in 2012.

Sofitel Legend, Live the Legend
Created by Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Sofitel Legend is a label, a seal, an exclusive club of hundred-year old establishments, as often as not historic monuments, legendary places full of history, destinations unto themselves set like jewels in the cities or landscapes that surround them. Every Sofitel Legend is a unique gem, a guaranteed seat on a journey to luxury and history, where legend and reality become one. Service, a true feature of the Legend hotels, is at the heart of this experience. Precision and elegance, discreet and devoted attention, delicate and effective service, every thought is given to guests' needs and to making every day a pleasure.

For more information, visit www.sofitel-legend.com .