| |
The Conrad International is perched on the Downtown corniche, just north of the Egyptian Museum and close to the main conference locations of Cairo. The hotel specialises in serving the needs of travelling businessmen, regularly hosting international meetings. The rooms are up to snuff and those overlooking the Nile offer a relaxing view. The hotel frequently hosts visiting chefs to spice things up a bit. If not, the in-house choices range from a buffet lunch to Italian, seafood or barbecue for dinner. For those who want to explore a bit without wandering too far, the cool riverside Sangria restaurant/bar is just a hop across the corniche.
|
Looking toward Giza from the east bank of the Nile, it’s impossible to miss the distinctive round tower of the El Gezirah Sheraton. Located at the southern tip of the island of Zamalek, the hotel offers unparalleled views of the city and the Nile. The large rooms all boast high-speed internet connections and the Sheraton’s seven banquet rooms can handle any type of corporate function. The highlight is the Nile Terrace, which perches at river level. The Terrace is possibly Cairo’s most scenic café and can be rented for special functions. The sushi restaurant is excellent and the in-house movie theatres often show first-run Hollywood flicks. The hotel grounds, rimmed by the Nile and the vast Gezirah Club, are surprisingly quiet. If the seclusion gets too much, the casino will provide some excitement and Downtown is just a five-minute taxi ride away.
|
Despite being outshone by its new sibling across the river, the original Four Seasons remains, with reason, one of Cairo’s favourite hotels. The new visitor should not be deceived by the hotel’s somewhat drab exterior. Inside the amenities, service, cuisine and views—especially from the upper floors of this 20-storey tower—are spectacular. Located on the western bank of the Nile, beside the historic Botanical Gardens, the hotel is a solid 45-minute ride from the airport, but only 10 minutes from Downtown. Seasons restaurant is well-known in Cairo for its Friday (the first day of the weekend) brunch, and the Library bar is one of the best places in town for a quiet, civilised drink. Even if you’re not staying there, the Four Seasons’ spa, one of the best (and priciest) in town, should tempt you to visit.
|
The Flamenco is a hidden secret of a hotel. Located in the heart of Cairo, on the east bank of Zamalek Island, the hotel is within easy walking distance of some of Cairo’s best shopping and is a short taxi ride from Downtown. While modest from the outside, it is surprisingly plush and well equipped on the inside. The standard rooms are modest but well appointed and clean. The 6th floor Executive Club boasts its own business centre and six large rooms, all with spectacular panoramic views of the Nile. With one large ballroom and eight separate meeting rooms, the hotel is well suited to business travellers. The Florencia restaurant on the top floor offers a Nile view and a mix of Spanish and Oriental cuisine, including duck from the Fayyum oasis, renowned for its taste and tenderness.
|
Located on the corniche just south of Downtown, the cube-shaped Helnan Shepheard (not to be confused with the famous, no-longer-existing Shepheard Hotel) suffers at first glance in comparison to its next-door neighbour the Semiramis InterContinental. Not only is its architecture uninteresting, it doesn’t meet the same standards of luxury of its more modern competitors. It does, however, offer nice rooms, good food and great views. The Helnan has seven conference rooms, the largest of which has been newly renovated and can hold up to 900 people. It is within easy walking distance of the Egyptian Museum.
|
| |
|