What makes a hotel memorable? There is usually one special feature that stands out above all the rest, lovely as they may be. Cairo Central Magazine has selected top picks from hotels in Cairo and further afield. Feel tempted?
Best Steaks
Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
There are few things in life we can really depend on, especially in a fast-changing world where new enterprises spring up and often just as suddenly disappear. So it’s good to know that some things stay consistently reliable – such as a quality meal at the JW Steakhouse at the Cairo Marriott Hotel, where the ambience is pure class, the staff remember your name, and the food never lets you down!
Type of cuisine: American – a connoisseur carnivore’s dream venue.
Signature dishes: Top quality Angus and Wagyu beef, plus seafood like salmon, lobster, scallops, and king prawns.
Dishes sampled: As starters we went for a Trio of Seared Canadian King Scallops, which came in a mouth-watering sauce made from tomato confit and pine-nuts, and Iced Jumbo Prawns with Marriott Cocktail Sauce, and fresh brown bread, home-baked with caramelized onion. Both dishes were delicious but light enough not to spoil our appetites for the real reason to come here: the irresistible Filet Mignon (succulent and as easy as butter to cut through), with fluffy fries on the side, and a ten ounce Rib-eye Steak, deliciously seasoned and served with mashed potatoes. The accompanying vegetables were lightly cooked to perfection, and there was a choice of sauces to complement the meat if required.
Unable to resist dessert we chose All-American Apple Pie with a crunchy almond topping served with vanilla ice-cream – a oldie but a classic.
Other menu options that appealed: Lobster bisque, Pan-seared Scottish Salmon; Grouper with Ginger Lime Sauce, and Scampi.
Beverages: A great selection of international fine wines and liqueurs; fresh juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee. They also mix a great pre-dinner cocktail.
Décor: Sophisticated lighting, dark wood panelling, with sleek, well dressed tables and the kind of deluxe leather armchairs built to last a generation.
Clientele mix: Business dinners, couples, intimate groups, no children allowed.
Ambiance: Upscale with an understated elegance, the Steakhouse is part of the JW Marriott brand and has its own signature feel, with details such as the serving trays decorated with bull-horns, and a non-intrusive jazzy soundtrack as ambient music. Expect impeccable service with the staff going out of their way to put you at your ease. There’s a dress code: ‘smart casual.’
Price range: Moderate to high
Opening hours: 6pm to midnight
Address: 16 Saray El Gezira, Zamalek
Tel: 02 27283000 ext. 4661
Best … SPA
Dusit Thani LakeView
Founded in Bangkok, Thailand in 2000, Devarana Spa, is a luxurious Thai-inspired spa chain and part of the internationally reputed Dusit International Group. It was established to deliver outstanding spa services at selected five- star hotels.
Devarana (pronounced te-wa-run) comes from Thai-Sanskrit meaning, “Garden in heaven”. It dates back to ancient Thai literature, called Tribhumphraruang.
Built over two floors, Devarana Spa comprises 13 treatment rooms including six single rooms, three double rooms, and two for specific Thai massage, separate treatment rooms for men and women, a large joint pool area plus a spacious, secluded salon for couples. Devarana Signature Massage is particularly outstanding as it combines five different massage techniques for the foremost soothing experience. The Dusit’s Deverana Spa has nearly 30 treatments, massages, body scrubs, wraps, water treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures to choose from.
Address: The LakeView, El-Tesseen Street, Fifth Settlement, New Cairo Tel: 02 26140000
Best… Grill and Cigar Lounge
Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski
The Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s steakhouse and cigar lounge are quickly becoming East Cairo’s most coveted destinations. Romanov is a European grill room that features juicy meat cuts, marinated in ever-so-flavourful rubs with accompanying savory sauces, and fresh seafood grilled to perfection by expert Chef Hany Zakaria, who masters the flame and cooks with intuitive skill. Romanov redefines the traditional steakhouse experience in an elegant setting that enthrals diners. What is even better is that with 1897 Bar & Cigar Lounge directly connected to Romanov, you are able to dine, sip and smoke your night away.
The Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski is located in New Cairo, the city’s new business and leisure district, only a 15-minute drive from Cairo International Airport.
The hotel houses 245 guest rooms and suites. Each is a private retreat with a butler, with10 unique restaurants and bars that will surpass all culinary experiences in Cairo to choose from. There is a grand selection of event spaces, named after the world’s most exclusive diamonds. Crowning the venues is Excelsior, Egypt’s largest ballroom. The Palace also pays homage to Resense Spa, the first European spa in Egypt.
Address: First Settlement, New Cairo
Tel: 02 2389 9000
Best… Airport Hotel
Radisson Blu
Top-level comfort and service await just 3km from the Cairo International Airport at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis. Slip into comfort in one of the elegant rooms or suites that include an array of upscale amenities, and premier services including airport pick-up and access to the fitness and business centers at the hotel. The Cairo cityscape is yours to take in as you relax alongside the rooftop pool, or take your relaxation indoors and indulge in a treatment at the spa. For business and personal events, make use of our flexible indoor event space, skilled caterers, outdoor venues and special event packages.
Radisson Blu Offers:
Located near Cairo International Airport as well as near bus, metro, and train stations
427 rooms and suites with features such as daily newspaper, coffee and tea, mini bar, turndown service and Free high-speed, wireless Internet
Classic Italian dining at Filini and a continental breakfast and lunch buffet at MIX.
Heavenly pastries at Gourmet House.
Refreshing drinks at 1122 Bar, situated in the lobby’s sunlit atrium
Rooftop pool and sunbathing with a beautiful city view.
Fitness center and spa with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi
8 spacious meeting rooms, including ballroom, that can be customized to meet your group’s needs.
Spa On 9:
Spa on 9 has a stunning location on the 9th floor. Visitors enjoy impeccable service, free swimming pool access and a range of treatments that help strengthen the immune system and restore balance in the body.
Seek refuge in one of 8 tranquil treatment rooms, each with unique decor and color scheme. Specialized rooms accommodate individuals or couples seeking a soothing retreat.
The spa provides a variety of treatments including massages, body scrubs, wraps, and facial masks as well as manicures and pedicures.
Guests can also visit the sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi, while the well-equipped fitness center caters to those interested in exercise as well as relaxation.
Spa on 9 Facilities:
24-hour fitness room with modern equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, dumbbell rack, gymnastics mats and water dispenser
Sauna room 70°C – 110°C
Jacuzzi 32 °C – 37 °C
Steam Room – 45°C – 52°C
Changing rooms with shower and hairdryer
Separate female and male relaxation area, saunas and treatment rooms
Outdoor pool (heated in winter)
Couple’s treatment rooms
Address: Abd El Hamed Badawe street.
Tel: 02 26965656
Best… Ein Sokhna Weekend Getaway
Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort
Get into the swing with the swank of a jet-setter at the five star Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort. Located in Ein Sokhna just 100km from Cairo International Airport, the jazzy retreat is secluded and just a jive away. Dazzling pearly white beach and whispering waves are all yours to play. Stage an all-inclusive escape to Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort and enjoy the Red Sea holiday of a lifetime.
Jaz is a five-star boutique resort with extensive facilities for dedicated golfers as well as guests seeking relaxation. Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort features 60 spacious and well-designed rooms perfect for a single getaway, a couple’s romantic retreat, a head-on golfer extravaganza or the whole family’s wagon of fun.
The temperature is always just right, from splashing it on at the private sandy beach to cooling it down in the heated swimming pool during winter. From enjoying the golf-view gym to singing along to the live entertainment shows. We like serving you the world on a platter at Mangiamo Restaurant with its array of cuisines and at the beach and pool bars.
The Sokhna Golf Club is the largest golf course in Ein Sokhna and offers a set of golfing facilities and amenities to rival any world-class destination. The 18-hole championship golf course par 72 offers a superb playing environment between the Red Sea coastline and the desert landscape.
Jaz Collection
Tel:02 3854 1111 – 012 0222 2782
Website: www.jaz.travel
Best… VIEW
The Mena House Hotel
The Mena House is one of the most unique hotels in Cairo, with its own rich and colorful history. Set on 40 acres of gardens, this palatial hotel is located in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The royal history of the hotel is reflected in the luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture, original works of art and magnificent antiques that are rarely found in luxury hotels. Mena House has played host to Kings, emperors, heads of state and celebrities.
The Mena House is located 700 meters from the Pyramids and offers unmatched views of them. You can gaze upon the magnificence of the Pyramids from your room at sunrise and sunset. After dinner at one of the many restaurants, you can return to see them lit up for your private viewing pleasure. An ideal location for meetings in Cairo, the hotel banquets and conference centre offer venues for weddings, receptions and meetings ranging from 50 to 1000 guests. Recreation options at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, and a Spa & Fitness centre. The Hotel combines the magical charm of a bygone era with unrivalled service fit for royalty. Your interlude at the hotel promises a journey of discovery, exploring Cairo’s ancient treasures and unraveling the many mysteries of the past.
Address: 6, Pyramids Road, Giza
Tel: 02 33773222
Best… RELAXATION
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
As far back as the 12th century, sultans indulged in the healing, cleansing and detoxifying properties of medicinal mud. Today, guests of our luxury spa can experience this ritual, in our Peloid Therapy Chamber. Directly accessible by elevator from the guest floors of our hotel, the spa also offers massage, facial and body therapies. Indulge in lavish manicure and pedicure treatments to relish a quiet moment of tranquillity.
Spa
Offering an escape from the rigours of city life, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Cairo, offers a sanctuary of pure indulgence for all your senses, with nine treatment rooms, including one for couples, a sauna and steam room, and an array of holistic treatments.
Try one of the Signature Treatments like the Peloid Treatment Chamber or the Sea Holistic Experience. Opt for one of the five options of facials on offer like the Youth Revealing Pioneer, the Marine, or the Skin Escape for Men.
The latest in body treatments are available. Like the Coconut Scrub or Marina Body Wrap. Massage therapists are also on hand to provide you with one or more of the 7 massage options available like the Balinese Massage, or the Volcanic Stone Massage.
Address: 1113 Corniche El Nile
Tel: 02 25778899
Best… Turkish Food
Kempinski Nile Hotel
Live a Legendary experience at Kempinski Nile Hotel nestled in the heart of Cairo overlooking the banks of the Nile. Set amidst the picturesque area of Garden City, this hotel takes you into a secluded world of exquisite luxury and indulgence. A sacred haven that blends European flair with Egyptian charm.
Embark on your own journey to the past Ottoman Empire and enjoy a true Turkish experience at Osmanly. The waiters will make you feel like a Sultan and make sure you leave with an unforgettable experience. Choose your hand crafted menu, an authentic mouth-watering Ottoman dish. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this signature restaurant presents a contemporary twist in fine dining with one of the world’s great cuisines.
Address: Cornish El Nile, 12 Ahmed Ragheb Street
Tel: 02 27980000
Best… variety
The Conrad Cairo Hotel
Celebrity Chef Joe Barza has partnered with Conrad Cairo’s culinary team to introduce modern Lebanese cuisine at renowned restaurant, OAK Grill at Conrad Cairo. In addition to including delectable modern Lebanese options, Barza has added a contemporary Arabian-Mediterranean touch to the menu. Chef Barza works closely with OAK Grill’s team, led by Chef Khaled Mohamady, in the development and creation of the new dishes. Some of these signature dishes include Fattouch with Grilled Halloumi, Bourgoul with OAK Smoked Chicken, Osmaliyeh Halloumi Sticks, OAK Smoked Sea Bass Shawarma, Duo of OAK Smoked Duck and Chicken, and Chocolate and Halawa.
An acclaimed award-winning chef, Barza has over 25 years of experience in the culinary field, specializing in Middle Eastern Cuisine. Along with his trademark hat, he is known as the, “Rebel Chef” who revived traditional Lebanese dining by combining local ingredients in unconventional ways to create new trend-setting revolutionary dishes that have become his trademark.
OAK Grill is one of Conrad Cairo’s signature restaurants along with Solana Restaurant all-day dining, Jayda Restaurant & Lounge for al fresco dining, Asian Cuisine at Kamala Restaurant, Stage One Lounge & Bar and the Atrium lobby lounge.
Address: 1191 Corniche El NiL
Tel: 02 25808000
Best… Egyptian Cuisine
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Zitouni serves some of the most authentic, seasoned-to-perfection Egyptian dishes, garnished with mouth-watering flavors and served with unparalleled Four Seasons luxury. Some of the oldest Egyptian recipes – from every corner in Egypt; fish, stews, molokheya, oxtail, you name it – even the most complex Egyptian dishes are served at Zitouni. Indulge all your senses while the distinguished views of the Nile that Zitouni takes pride in paint a masterpiece of beauty, elegance and culinary decadence. Prepared by award winning chefs; we guarantee you will get to taste Egypt on a plate.
Located at the most scenic spot in Cairo, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza lights up the bank of the world’s longest river.
With spacious rooms and breathtaking views of Cairo and the Nile River at its focus – Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers the epitome of excellence, the utmost in hospitality and exceptional attention to detail.
Address: 1089 Corniche El Nil
Tel: 02 27917000
Best… Business Hotel
InterContinental Cairo Semiramis
The Semiramis InterContinental Cairo has conceived a unique place to inspire today’s followers of a commercial calling, The Semiramis Pavilion. Efficiency and convenience. Impeccable hospitality. The essence of excellence.
Hospitality And Service
Sophisticated, less formal, open and fluid, the Semiramis Pavilion is specifically designed to bring out the best in people. The service is crisp and contemporary, understated, intuitive and discreet, matched with a passion to make any gathering inspiring and rewarding.
Culinary Experience
Guests receive the exclusive attention of The Pavilion Chefs. Their culinary skills are a pleasing sensory experience in the visually appealing à la minute Gallery Kitchen.
The coffee break menus change from day to day providing diversity, giving delegates choices from a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres, pastries and confections. A business lunch can be served – a time saver for many groups.
Design
The world-revered designer Tony Chi shared our vision: the epitome of efficiency and luxury for business guests.
The dramatic, yet uncluttered, environment, open kitchen and gathering spaces and inspiring artwork create the motivation for productive time. Décor is contemporary and a comfortable stylish balance of understated natural tones and vivid colours.
The facility houses the latest AV equipment including virtual flip charts, voice recognition and flat screen monitors to maximize the fidelity of presentations. The space can also be transformed for memorable celebrations.
Facilities include: Private delegates’ reception area, direction and information hub, a private reception area for SP delegates, a business center with environmentally conscious technology, all-in-one PC workstations, secure fast communications and professional secretarial services and assistance.
Address: Corniche El Nil, Garden City
Tel: 02 2798 8000
Best… Pan Asian Dining
Fairmont Nile City
From the lighting and design to the restaurants and bars, whether you are staying at the hotel for business or leisure there’s no better way to experience the majesty of the city than through the gracious and luxurious hospitality of Fairmont Nile City, the most extraordinary hotel in Cairo.
With sweeping panoramas of the river Nile and views of the Pyramids in the distance, culinary adventures created by Fairmont Nile City’s acclaimed chefs include the best Asian cuisine at Saigon Restaurant & Lounge, as well as California comfort food at Napa Grill Restaurant, or shisha and Middle Eastern cuisine at Bab El Nil, which includes an outdoor terrace and a different line up of daily entertainment.
Don’t miss a chance to bask in the sunshine or under the stars at the highest rooftop in Cairo, Sky Pool or truly relax with the indulgent, full-service treatments at Cairo’s largest spa, Willow Stream Spa or an exclusive lifestyle hotel experience promising privileged, discreet, and attentive services with the three Fairmont Gold floors including the largest executive lounge in Cairo — all ensuring that each and every visit to Fairmont Nile City is certain to be an experience that is memorable and utterly magnificent.
Saigon Restaurant & Lounge
Let the passion for fine pan-Asian dining enchant your senses at Fairmont Nile City’s Signature Restaurant, Saigon Restaurant & Lounge. A full-fledged Asian fusion themed restaurant with a plush lounge area and a dedicated sushi bar offering a taste driven experience. With a sharing concept, Saigon will add more value to your dining experience while wide floor-to-ceiling windows show off the spectacular Nile view.
Address: Nile City Towers, Corniche El Nil
Tel: 02 24619494
