Happi Hotel is a little out of the budget category. The regular rate is 60EP for a double, which is just over $10 and three times as much as a budget Egyptian hotel. A few travelers I met enjoyed Nubian Oasis for 20EP each. It seemed like it was one of those Lonely Planet places that becomes overrun with backpackers, while the Happi Hotel, despite being listed, was almost empty because it's not as low-budget.

I got the hotel as a deal through my hotel in Cairo. Essentially I paid 25EP the first night, and bargained them down to 40EP for the second night. Still out of my budget but considering how nice it was, I let it go.

The room had two double beds, very cold A/C (the knob was broken off, so I couldn't control it), big sunny window, and a clean bathroom with good shower. The staff were not particularly friendly but very nice, the lounge area was spacious and clean, and the location is convenient for the various souk areas and a few internet cafes. It's a little further from the train station than Nubian Oasis, but not bad by any means. There is a large mosque very nearby but I didn't go in to check it out. Most hotels in town are supposed to include breakfast, which in Egypt is traditionally bread, cheese, and jam. If you are taking the early-morning tour to Abu Simbel, they will pack you a box.

Happi Hotel is a nice place if you're more flexible with your budget, but there are many cheaper places in town if you are willing to search more.

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