There are dozens of mosques and museums worth visiting, and then there is the shopping at Khan el-Khalili, a souk that dates from 1,400 AD. Buy locally woven textiles and browse antiques and hand-made treasures. Cairo is one of my favorite cities, and its best hotels and top suites are the subject of this week’s issue.
1. The St. Regis Almasa Cairo
2. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
3. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence
4. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
5. Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo
6. Fairmont Nile City
1. The St. Regis Almasa Cairo
The Telegraph writes, “This is Cairo’s first truly wow five-star hotel, with 39 levels of luxury stacked above a Tokyo-style fifth-floor reception. Construction began in 2012, but the Qatari-owned hotel’s opening was delayed for several years due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis as it was unable to get a license. It is opulent, serene and the attention to detail is constantly impressive. The design is also refreshingly original – from a moat edged with Moorish lanterns to laser-cut filigree installations in the corridor to the pool.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Spanning more than 10,000 square feet; the St. Regis brand’s signature Iridium Spa enables guests to indulge in a range of transformative treatments and bespoke signature experiences in a tranquil and inviting environment. Thermal therapy areas have been carefully designed for stimulating sensory experiences with a special range of unique facilities, including sauna, steam, ice room, shock shower, adventure shower, and a vitality pool. The St. Regis Cairo also features a well-equipped Athletic Club and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.”
Stand Alone Villa
The three-bedroom Stand Alone Villas spans 2,421-sq.ft. with a full pitch, large living and seating areas, and a formal dining room.
More suites at St. Regis Almasa Cairo.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “The moment you set foot in Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, you’ll be captivated by its lush surroundings and elegant vibes. The fusion of modern-age luxury and panoramic Nile views of the ancient city is a once-in-a-lifetime ambiance worth waking up to. The hotel is in the heart of Cairo in one of its chicest neighborhoods, Garden City. The prime location doesn’t just offer you a breathtaking vista of the iconic river, but also easy access to the capital’s important sites. Fans of ancient Egyptian history can stroll to the Egyptian Museum. If you fancy architecture, then a tour around downtown is a must, and if you’re up for an aerial view of the city, Cairo Tower is less than a 10-minute taxi ride away.”
The Telegraph adds, “Opened in 2004, this hotel can’t quite claim to be one of Cairo’s historic grande dames, but its thumping scale – with its huge lobby area, expansive ballrooms and 30 stories – adds a certain grandeur and gravitas. Throughout the property, a 200-piece art collection includes some truly beautiful pieces by well-regarded Egyptian artists, but communal areas, from the spa and pool area to many of the restaurants, are often otherwise devoid of interesting decorative detail and can feel plain.”
Royal Suite
The top floor 2,971-sq.ft. Royal Suite with two bedrooms features a birds’ eye view of the Nile and the distant Pyramids. There is an opportunity to add a connecting room.
More suites at Four Seasons Cairo and Nile Plaza.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Rising on the western bank of the Nile, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence stands tall as the luxury brand’s first foray into Egypt. Though the property may have been built nearly 20 years ago, it maintains a timeless appeal with an array of international dining options, a sublime spa, and enchanting river views from nearly every angle. The stately stay doesn’t forget to pay homage to its roots. Interiors are a nod to Egypt’s Napoleonic history with dark wood furniture, period-specific paintings, and gilded accents. Rooms follow suit with sumptuous fabrics and plush furnishings. But the pièce de résistance might just be the river-facing pool — a picture-perfect oasis that combines contemporary taste (poolside service, chic white loungers) with a historic touch (Venetian-inspired mosaics, intricate ironwork).”
Royal Suite
The 5,597-sq.ft. Royal Suite features three bedrooms, including two with king beds.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence.
The 5,597-sq.ft. Royal Suite features three bedrooms, including two with king beds.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence.
4. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
Forbes Travel Guide notes, “The luxury hotel houses the largest swimming pool in downtown Cairo. Cool off after a day in the desert sun with a swim or quick bites and frozen cocktails at adjacent Aqua restaurant. Channel your inner Cleopatra with a visit to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa, where treatments like a soothing milk foot bath, sea salt exfoliation, and a mineral-rich mud cocoon will leave you looking like royalty.”
Royal Suite
The 3,229-sq.ft. Royal Suite includes views to the city center and the Nile River. It includes two separate living areas, a dining room that seats eight, a private office, and the opportunity to connect to an executive suite.
More suites at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo.
5. Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo
The Telegraph says, “There’s a Some Like it Hot-meets-Saint-Tropez essence to the architecture here, an all-white affair which wraps four wings around a gorgeous central pool, and each corner of the building topped off with a shiny blue dome. It’s luxe in a lightly 1980s, kind-of-backlit-marble way, and cavernous, with seemingly infinite ballrooms on lower floors. It’s all about product: conferences and weddings are obviously key revenue streams here, as are day visitors who see it as an opulent local amenity. The Royal Maxim Palace is ultimately a giant suburban resort with a lot of moods, from classic cocktail chic to retro Italian trattoria.”
Royal Suites
There are two 4,154-sq.ft. Royal Suites. Each offer an expansive living room, a private dining room, kitchen, gym, sauna and a dressing room. There is also a private rooftop terrace.
More suites at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo.
6. Fairmont Nile City
Forbes Travel Guide says, “A location amid Nile City Towers Mall gives the hotel easy access to shopping and entertainment…Starting midnight, people line up in front of the hotel’s famed Bab El Nil restaurant to get a taste of the full Middle Eastern experience. Shisha, live music, belly dance show, flavorsome cuisine, arabesque interiors — the place has it all. The hotel boasts the highest swimming pool in the city. Sky Pool, with its convertible ceiling, offers some of the top Nile views, served with fine Lebanese fare. The Willow Stream Spa is the hotel’s heavenly escape where you can unwind. The interiors are inspired by nature’s elements, and the ambiance is calming. All ballrooms and conference halls at the hotel enjoy mesmerizing Nile views.”
Deluxe Nile Suites
The 1,098-sq.ft. Deluxe Nile Suites all feature a bedroom, a living room, a dining area and kitchenette, in-room business facilities, high-speed internet access as well as an open-concept bathroom with sliding shutters, rain shower and exclusive Le Labo bathroom amenities.
More suites at Fairmont Nile City.
