The best Cairo hotels

Our Local Expert Says:

Centrally-located former palace set amid lush tropical gardens.

Description:

This former palace was built especially for France's Empress Eugenie, who came to Egypt for the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The main building has retained much of its 19th-century charm, but there have been several modern renovations, including two somewhat out-of-character towers. The Marriott has a limited business center, but its lush gardens and pool are attractive for those looking for a relaxing vacation. Many of the rooms in the north tower have been renovated in the last year and offer spectacular views of the Nile and the downtown core. Less modern but very comfortable business suites are available in the south tower and feature fold-out desks, high-speed Internet access, and a range of complimentary international newspapers and magazines.

The hotel has several upmarket restaurants, including JW's Steakhouse and the Marriott Terrace. The food at the Terrace is mediocre, but it's a favorite lounging spot for Egypt's TV and movie glitterati and enjoys a steady clientele of those who want to see and be seen.

Overall, this hotel is geared primarily toward an American clientele and manages to balance a relaxed and friendly Egyptian attitude with efficiency.

Description:

This boutique hotel is set in central Cairo, one kilometre from the Egyptian Museum and 15 kilometres from the pyramids of Giza. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature North African-style decor in warm colors, and come with satellite TV and Internet access. The front desk has a safe-deposit box, and the hotel's multilingual staff are on hand to offer guests tour assistance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oriental splendor set in the shadow of the Pyramids - this hotel is luxury at it's finest.

Description:

Apart from the fact that it's historically worth a visit in its own right, the Mena House is a good place to stay for those who are in Cairo to see the Pharaonic sites at Giza and up the valley toward Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis. Originally built as a hunting lodge next to the pyramids for the Khedive Ismail, it was converted to a hotel in the 1890s. Oberoi took it over in the 1970s and distributed a roomful of 19th-century furnishings throughout the present guest rooms.

The hotel's location is not ideal for venturing into Islamic Cairo, but it cuts an enormous amount of hassle out of getting to Saqqara and Memphis, as well as the Giza pyramids (which can be viewed directly from the hotel). Public areas of the hotel are decorated with dark wood paneling and mashrabeya, which evoke a time of more relaxed and elegant tourism. Add to this one of the nicest outdoor pools in the city and easily Cairo's best Indian restaurant, the Mogul Room, and the Mena House makes a pretty good home base for Egypt.

Our Local Expert Says:

Be treated like a pharaoh in Cairo's most luxurious hotel.

Description:

For a pleasant stay clubbed with class and style, check into this branch of the Four Seasons. Ideally located along the banks of the magnificent Nile, most of the rooms in here offer stunning views of the river and of the old 12th century Citadel. Rooms are lavishly decorated with delicate fabrics, cushy beds, and rich furnishings and come with a chain of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as it can get. The hotel is also well equipped with fantastic facilities for the business traveler.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cairo's most charming budget option – book (far) in advance to ensure a reservation.

Description:

Reservations are essential here as rave guidebook reviews and word-of-mouth have made the Roma one of the most popular hotels in its class. The hotel oozes 1940s charm and is a veritable reliquary of antiques dating to that period. The rooms are elegantly furnished with gorgeous wood furniture and rich fabrics. Its location is good too - very central and just minutes away from Islamic Cairo. Cash only, due on arrival.

Our Local Expert Says:

Colonial-era hotel with beautiful period bar.

Description:

This downtown fixture has changed little since it opened in the 1930s. Travel posters from the 1950s adorn the walls, and while the claim that the Schindler elevator is one of the oldest operating in the world is hard to verify, it's certainly the oldest in Egypt to still be carrying passengers. The building was originally a khedival bathhouse and served as a British Officers Club during World War II. The heart of the hotel is undoubtedly still the lounge bar on the second floor, with its chairs cut from old barrels and a chandelier of antlers. The vintage reception desk in the lobby, with its original switchboard, however, comes a close second.

Rooms vary considerably, from high ceilinged and spacious to small and quite dank. At the best of times, the whole place is somewhat musty, but if history is your thing, it's going to seem a small price to pay for the sense of time that the hotel conveys. Less forgiving are recent reports that visitors have felt pressured to accept guide services touted by the front desk.

Description:

This brightly painted light-filled place, with large windows, high ceilings and lovely breezes blowing through, makes a good change from many of the other budget accommodations in Cairo. The hostel is frequented by young international travellers who appreciate the spacious rooms, communal kitchen and washing/ironing facilities. There's also a small library that lends books. The rooms are basic and the single beds are narrow, but it's very clean. If visiting in summer, it's worth noting that some rooms have air-con while other have fans. The atmosphere is very relaxed and guests make themselves at home, doing washing and ironing. There is a coffee shop/TV room with balconies overlooking the square - a great spot for a drink in the evening.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best mid-range hotels. Fantastic Nile-side location in the leafy island of Zamalek.

Description:

The Golden Tulip Flamenco Hotel is a large modern hotel occupying 13 floors, situated in the heart of Zamalek Island, the main residential and diplomatic district of Cairo, overlooking the Nile. The 162 air-conditioned guestrooms are characterised with cheerful decor and colourful patterned fabrics. Guestrooms open to balconies, provide bathrobes and come equipped with minibars, coffee/tea makers, direct-dial phones, and cable television.
Guests have the option of dining in Restaurant Florencia, serving Spanish and continental cuisine with views over Cairo and live classical music, or in Restaurante La Scala offering fine Italian cuisine and Tuscan Specialties. The Flamenco Coffee Shop provides an extensive buffet breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. In-room refreshment is available from the 24-hour room service and 'Postres' delicatessen is open all day with baked goods and pastries. Guests can visit the Health & Fitness Club to take advantage of its jetted tub and sauna, work out on the fitness equipment, or be pampered with a massage. Ten function and meeting rooms are available for business meetings and private events; the largest room can accommodate 260 people. No visit to... read more