We stayed at Basma Hotel as part of a 9 day tour with On the Go. On arrival we were presented with a refreshing drink of hibiscus cooler (when made nobody sick--hooray!). There is a big attractive swimming pool with pool bar that many of our group made use of. A few of us went for some late lunch instead. The burgers were excellent, especially the Oriental special. We then chilled out on some colourful outdoor daybeds on the hotel's large terraced area overlooking the Nile valley and city life below (the hotel is located up on a hill so has excellent views). The hotel happily provided sheesha pipes to enhance the mood. In the evening my friend and I ordered a-la-carte at the hotel restaurant rather than the group buffet. The meal was excellent. I highly recommend the Fish Tajen. The breakfast spread was also very good with made-to-order omelletes and loads of pastries and cakes (some shaped like animals and faces). The room was comfortable, clean and large with own balcony and plenty of points for electronics.

The location was also great. Be sure to go for a walk up to the top of the stairs joining the terraced area where there is a small apartment building and pool. The views of the valley are spectacular. The walk into town is about a 10-15 min walk downhill. You can get a horse & cart back for about 20 Egyptian pounds (less than £2) if u don't fancy the walk uphill.

Our small group stayed in Basma hotel at the end of February for 2 days and 2 nights after Lake Nasser cruise and before moving to Luxor .
There are some excellent views and photo opportunities from the Basma hotel café terrace and roof top terrace of the Nile with its green islands, white sails of feluccas and mausoleum in the desert of the opposite river bank. Basma hotel is beautifully located on top of the mountain but 10-15 minutes of easy walk from Cornish. When returning after the dinner in the “Panorama” restaurant (simple seating by water, good local style food, very reasonable price and host collection of cute staff including coins, shells, dishes, baskets…) I did not really fell that I was walking uphill. On our way we passed by historic Cataract hotel (entrance appears to be restricted to hotel guest only; new building looks ugly) and by the Coptic cathedral (magnificent outside but very modest inside). Nubian museum is across the street from the Basma hotel and really worth visiting at the very least reason that it is so close, all exhibits are well labeled, although its collection is surely overrated when they try to compare it with the Cairo or even Luxor museums.
Our room in the Basma hotel was on first floor, had pleasant balcony in shade and was facing pool area surrounded by flowers, green shrubs and trees. It is very amazing that most trees on the hotel territory have labels with proper Latin names as in a botanical garden. Some trees had fruits. Hotel also has a garden with modern sculptures and some small shopping arcade.
Our room was large, comfortable and clean. There were plenty of drawers and hangers. Bathroom was also clean but slightly outdated at the edges. However, bath tube is surprisingly narrow which was fine with us but might be very uncomfortable for a large man considering that shower and/or water socket is attached in the middle of the wall on the longer side of the tube.
Swimming pool was heated up to 26 degree C (as indicated at the entrance) and the air was about 25 degree C. So, both swimming and sunbathing were comfortable during our stay at the end of February. Towels are provided by pool attendant. At the pool side I have spoken with one French lady who recommended having a massage in the hotel facilities but I run out of time to try it.
Lobby areas are very nice. Upon arrival they greeted us with a welcome hibiscus drink while we were waiting for our room assignment.
Buffet breakfast was fresh, abundant and good. Personally, I was very pleased to find there some sweet halva and they had two different kinds of halva on two consecutive mornings.
I believe there is a shuttle bus from Basma hotel to some other hotel at Cornish area. We did not use it because our group had a mini-bus for our day time tours.
Bring your earplugs if do not want to be awaken at 5 am by morning prayers.
Notes: 1. I would really recommend Philae temple night show in addition to a day time visit. It is a festive fairytale experience gliding on a boat at night when temple is lightened, surrounded by water and under the stars. So much better and more pleasant than Karnack night show which I would honestly suggest skipping. 2. The other activity that I would consider for my next visit to Aswan will be the camel ride to Saint Simon monastery. It looked adventurously appealing from the shaded comfort of felucca (“Captain Faruck”) but who knows...

The Basma Hotel is an excellent and affordable choice in Aswan. Though there are more ritzy hotels in the area, Basma provides the unique feature of a hilltop view. The walk down to the Nile is quick and easy and the views from the restaurant are spectacular. It's set amidst a well cared for botanical garden and the smell of flowers and spices fill the air. Though the rooms are a bit dated, they're clean and spacious.
When dining in the restaurant, you have a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. I recommend the outside, as the views of the blue Nile, feluccas, and desert scene will take your breath away !
The staff was friendly and helpful and security was excellent.
Although Egypt is a safe place to travel, it's nice to see policeman and patrol cars in numbers.
I will certainly stay here again.

Stayed at the Basma for one night, independently from a group tour in order to catch an early flight to Abu Simbel. The hotel is beautiful and located right next door to the Old Cataract. Gorgeous condition, with balconies looking over the pool area to the Nile. Service in the restaurant was slow but the staff were all very helpful and friendly. breakfast was included and for those travelling to Abu Simbel by bus or plane a take-away boxed breakfast was handed out.
The pool was nice and clean. The hotel is a good spot if you are joining a cruise or heading to elsewhere as it is close to the airport and docks.
Wish I had more time to relax at this gorgeous hotel!