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Reviews of Heissa Hostel

Heissa island, 81511 Aswan, Egypt

#32 of 57 hotels in Aswan

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 89 hostel reviews

5.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    6.3

  • Comfort

    6.6

  • Location

    7.3

  • Facilities

    6.2

  • Staff

    7.8

  • Value for money

    6.8

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: January 11, 2025

    5.0
    Fair
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    it wasn’t the property i thought i booked for i was looking for heissa camp and i saw a comment that one of the stuff said it is heissa camp apparently it’s not and i lost my money

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: August 19, 2024

    7.0
    We can have a relaxing time at a low cost
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would have been better if I had known about the ship's system and costs before booking.

    It was a quiet place where I could relax. They suggested a better sightseeing plan and arranged for me to go to Abu Simbel.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: June 24, 2024

    5.0
    You get what you pay for
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I was surprised to learn that the property was on an island and that I needed to take a boat to get there. I was more surprised to learn that I had to drag my luggage up a steep hill from the dock to the property. I stayed in a room that had a bunk bed and a twin bed and a separate, out-of-room bathroom, which did not have a proper shower.

    I arrived late at night but the contact at the hostel arranged for transportation for me from the airport to the hostel, for a hefty commission of course.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: April 14, 2024

    7.0
    See the local Nubian life and see the stars in a quiet village.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Hotel is not suitable for short trips because going to the port costs too much money and you can not find a boat every time. There is a restaurant on the island but it is better to carry your food with you. Remember it is not a hotel, it is a small village house.

    This village is great if you want to experience local life. The staff here are really nice and always ready to help with a smile. It's very safe to walk around this island even at night. I felt comfortable with the Nubian people and trusted them completely. For those seeking conformity, this hostel may not align. But if you want to relax and enjoy the peacefulness while looking at the stars, this is the place to be

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: February 9, 2024

    7.0
    Suitable for people who don’t have a very busy schedule
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I made a reservation to go to abu simble the next day and even though the boat was not working much the day before, they chose to use it the next day. So I was stuck on the Nile for almost an hour

    great views and friendly staff

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 22, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Triple Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful scenic location and very friendly and helpful staff.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 23, 2023

    7.0
    Good with some comments
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Triple Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    - The staff were often helpful but not very quick in responding to accessibility issues. For example, it's difficult to get up to the hostel with luggage and also down upon check out. No preparations were made in that matter, and the response to the issue was relatively slow and hesitant, especially upon check out although we had already reported the issue upon check in. - Staff need to be more welcoming and generous to match the authentic homie nature of the place. - Meals are really good but price does not include any drinks/water. - The place is very simple, which is a good thing, but the kitchen and utensils weren't very clean. The place in general needs more continuous care in terms of cleaning. - The bed mattress isn't comfy. The sitting area outside as well can be made more cozy and comfy with more comfy pillows and plants.

    - The island is very calm and serene. - The view is superb. - The location is very unique. - The food and drinks are exceptional, very tasty and delicious. Much better than other places we tried in the area. - Staff is mostly helpful. - The room and bed sheets are very clean and neat.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: February 27, 2025

    1.0
    Very Poor
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We didn't dare to stay, after 1,5 h of waiting for cleaning everything the bathroom was very disgusting, hairs everywhere and shit leftovers in the toilet. The beds didn't have prober blankets as it was 10 degree at night. A very small and dark room, very small window. Shared cooking area very dirty. We left, and filed a complain. And one needs to know only by private boat one can access the island. To a small boat deck below the hostel

    We left before even staying there. There is a nice view to the water and a small stony beach to take a bath in the Nile. It's very quiet, but deserted.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 24, 2025

    1.0
    Worst experience ever—-scam
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    SCAM ALERT! Do not book this place I booked this property based on the photos and description, but what I got was completely different. The place was dirty, poorly maintained, and nothing like the pictures. It was so bad that I had to check out on the same day. To make matters worse, the owner refused to refund me anything, even though the property was clearly misrepresented. They are running a scam, using fake photos to trick people I recently booked in heissa hostel on [feb 2025] through booking. The listing showed a clean and well-maintained property, but when I arrived, it was nothing like the photos. The place was dirty, unlivable, and completely misrepresented. Due to these issues, I had no choice but to check out immediately. However, despite these valid concerns, I was denied a refund. This is unacceptable and goes against fair business practices. I am requesting a full refund for this misleading booking. I have attached photos as proof of the false advertising and poor conditions.

    Worst place ever -filthy

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 9, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Amazing place to disconnect. Beautiful views and great host.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 16, 2025

    1.0
    It promots as Heisssa Camp, but it’s definitely not
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night

    It promots as Heisssa Camp, but it’s definitely not.

    the location is great But this not Heissa Camp

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 14, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Solo traveler
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Needs to be cleaner.. The bedsheets were not clean but they kindly replaced it when I asked.. Also the kitchen.. On the other side, they worked on all comments mentioned and I enjoyed my stay.

    Om Youssef was supportive, I liked the view and location comfortable mattress. They offered a fresh guava juice as a welcome drink and always asked if I need anything. I really like the place and the welcoming vibe.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2025

    10
    It was just like a dream out of the city noise
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing.

    Heissa Hostel was perfectly what we were looking for. A beautiful guesthouse on the Nile where we really felt like home. Om Youssef and Om Rayan, our hosts are absolutely the Highlight of our stay. Both are very kind and very helpful. They took care if the slightest details and made sure that we are having the best Experience. The food is so yummy, cooked with so much love ❤️ we can’t wait to come again ! We recommend it 100%

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: January 6, 2025

    1.0
    This is not Heissa Camp They promote themselves as Heissa camp
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This is not Heissa Camp They promote themselves as Heissa camp

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2025

    1.0
    Very Poor
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was so bad experience and they destoryed my plan for one day stay unfortunately. It was agreed with the hostel about the food at Lunch and suddenly when I arrive, I was told me no food available so I had to waste my time searching to find place to have food. This happens at the sunset time which was impossible to miss it and waste my time to find place to eat at very diffcult time and the options was very limited and she recommended expensive place to have Lunch and far from Hostel. So I had to walk at the dark and hard way to reach the place. The hostel was like house which has only one bathroom for 8 beds and one bathroom outside of the house which you had to go out in front of the people and it was bad thing for my two girlfriends to walk in front of people after having shower. The other bad thing, The checkout was 10 am so it was supposed to have breakfast within the same time so unfortunately I had to go to other place to have breakfast and I can't imagine that the place has no drinks to have them at the morning. The place is a little dirty especially the tent which I was planning to reserve it at the beginning. The only good thing was that they let us leave from our rooms at 2 pm. Last thing, Thank you hessia hostel for letting us paying too much expenses at other nearby places and destroyed my short plan for showing my friends which was their first time in Hessia. I've been to Hessia Island three times before so please go to it because this island is super amazing and unbelievable but my recommendation is to stay at very good places nearby the hostel.

    They let us leave at 2 pm.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: October 27, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Excellent hostel, beautiful view of the lake and amazing sunrise. The owner Biba is great. Food is delicious.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: April 8, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This is a really unique place to stay. You are on heissa island in a small Nubian community. When you wake up all you can hear is the birds and the Nile lapping at the shore of the island. The host family are really charming and friendly and the area outside is always free to use and relax in the sun. You can swim in the Nile or walk around the island and go to some of the cafes there. We had a really peaceful couple of days. The guest house is quite basic but has everything you need including ac in the rooms. The journey over to the island is also beautiful past Philae temple.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2024

    9.0
    A peaceful place to contemplate Nile and immerse yourself in Nubian culture
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Heissa Hostel is a hidden gem away from the hustle of Aswan, located on Philae Island. It's the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in Nubian culture. To reach it, you'll need to take a boat, which can be shared or private. The shared rooms are spacious and clean, offering breathtaking views of the Nile River. You can enjoy both the sunrise from outside the Hostel, and sunset from the oposite side of the island. Rihab, the manager of the hostel, is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the area, ready to assist with any questions you may have. Since there are no restaurants on the island, they provide Egyptian breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the prices may seem high, the portions are generous and diverse. Rihab, Intisar, and Salua were exceptionally welcoming, making me feel like part of the family. A heartfelt thank you to all you!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 16, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Facilities were a bit old and could have been more clean, especially the beds were a bit dusty

    Rehab was a very helpful host. The place had real family vibes, as she said "it's not a hotel but just a Nubian home". As we arrived near the end of the season we were nearly the only ones and truly felt like we were staying at someone's home, amidst the lovely cooking ladies and their kids

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 15, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely peaceful island retreat
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The tranquility, amazing nature and friendly service.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 24, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    two wonderful days at a quiet place with wonderful view, Rooms are clean, very good breakfast, all staff are helpful. Many thanks to MRs Rehab the owner as she handeled all our requests to make our trip wonderful from A to Z. She gave us good price with good quality. Also she offered to us places to visit and it was excellent. Overall it was a excellent place comparing the price, we refreshed our mood in a quite place, simple and wonderful view.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 14, 2024

    10
    This hostel is just a true gem - wonderful tranquil position and generally fantastic!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Economy Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This is a real gem of a hostel - the position outweighs everything else. Superb location and so lovely to be somewhere so beautiful and peaceful and to travel everywhere very cheaply by boat. The manager Rehab speaks fantastic English and is lovely and incredibly helpful. The other Nubian staff are also lovely. Don’t be put off by the basic shower - it’s hot with a great jet. Yousef the boat driver/helm is a cutie. Breakfast was good but no tea or coffee offered. Evening meal was simple and could be improved but it didn’t matter due to the location - the restaurant on the neighbouring island opposite the temple was great but try to avoid 8-9pm as that’s when the temple light show is on if you want a peaceful meal. Abu Simbel day trip was worth the drive. Visit Elephantine Island from Aswan and wander to the Green of the other side through the streets of the village - real rural Nubian life and well worth it. Also take a Felucca trip (about £5 or 200el per hour). Worth seeing the soul/market for the spice shops, real life and felafel making. Just a gem of a tranquil place to stay!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 9, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location and views are just stunning. It's really a dream location. I wish I had more time to stay there. The staff is very helpful, they offered me a room instead of tent because it was empty and I had long day. The food was just delicious, home made by two very sweet Nubian ladies. I had a little gentleman picking me up on the boat, it's his hobby, no child explotation involved 😝 There is no Wi-Fi, which makes this location even better to fully disconnect and relax. The toilet is outside which isn't very comfortable if you need to wake up at night. The terrace and common area was beautiful, full Nubian style. I really loved chilling there. It's also very handy to visit Philae Temple, nearby. All in all, very special location that I'd totally recommend :)

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2024

    10
    Most relaxing experience ever
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This place was so idyllic. I just loved it. The view on the Nile is so mesmerizing and the kayaking experience is also worth it. Rehab is one of the best organizers I’ve witnessed so far, she helps out with everything and finds a solution every time. Thank y’all for this amazing experience.

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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