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Cairo has a growing number of five-star hotels (as rated by the Egyptian Hotel Association) scattered across the city, but many of Cairo's big business hotels disappoint. This may be because they are too characterless and modern (distinctive Egyptian atmosphere is lacking in almost all cases) or because they simply fail to measure up to international standards, most often in terms of service. There are certainly exceptions, and the general quality of the top hotels is on the rise at this writing. Regardless, the top-end hotels will offer all the facilities and modern conveniences you need to recuperate after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. Outside the five-star range, Cairo's options quickly grow limited, though there are still a few more budget-oriented hotels that fit the bill.
Cairo's top hotels are all quite affordable by international standards, but few have any sense of Old World charm. Expect to pay a substantial premium for a Nile or Pyramids view. While government authorities rate all hotels on a five-star scale, only a few really earn their stars. August and September are crowded with Gulf Arab arrivals, December and January and Easter are peaks for Europeans, and the major Islamic holidays see a lot of local and regional guests.
Between two towering office blocks overlooking the Nile, this luxury hotel appeals to both business and leisure travelers, with an interior design that looks to the early 20th century for its inspiration. To balance the yin and yang, rooms have contrasting color schemes—rich black and gold juxtaposed with cool ivories and natural tones.
As you'd expect from the luxury brand, this hotel is superb, with a serene setting, white-glove service, and beautifully appointed guest rooms with marble baths. The best rooms face west (be sure to request a balcony), with lush greenery just below and the haunting forms of the Pyramids hovering in the distance.
Amenities here include a health club, a spa that offers customized treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and restaurants that range from Italian to Japanese. Although it’s directly connected to Citystars Mall, one of the area's busiest, the hotel is still very private.
With on-site amenities like a golf course, a fitness center, and a saltwater "beach" pool complete with sun beds, it's no surprise that this hotel has received raves. A spacious and comfortable executive lounge and an excellent selection of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world are also among the offerings.
Revered for its proximity to the pyramids, this hotel, which was built in the 19th-century as a khedivial hunting lodge, has hosted many politicians, royals, and celebrities. Although there are antiques, Islamic-style art and architecture, and ornate carpeting throughout, the older section is far more atmospheric than the newer garden wing. The buffet breakfast in the open-air restaurant, with the pyramids towering in the background, is a must.
It's hard not to be taken in by the palatial grandeur of the exterior, the sleek styling of the interior, and the abundance of amenities and creature comforts throughout. The food in all eight of the hotel's restaurants is excellent, the service is impeccable, and a treatment in the spa is exactly what you need after a day of sightseeing.
