Overlooking The Nile and other Cairo, Egypt Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

When I checked out this hotel’s website I was a little confused – how could it have just 160 rooms yet be a tower block? However, it does indeed stand 16 floors above the Nile and the rooms are well spread out to make the most of the available views - the Nile from the fron and The Pyramids from the back.

My room was on the fifth floor, looking across the Nile and down on the pool. Yes, the front of the hotel is noisy with traffic, but it didn’t bother me at all – I still managed to fall asleep by the pool with great ease.

The room was comfortable and spacious with twin beds and plenty of wardrobe space. There were very few clothes hangers, but I plan to ask for more and see what happens. Towels were thick, fluffy and plentiful, as were toiletries.

I was rather disappointed in the balcony as, although furnished with cane table and chairs, they were covered with thick dust. I accept that a lot of dust is to be expected from the traffic on the busy road before, but there was way too much dust for the balcony to have been recently cleaned. I Later larned that there were dust and sand storms while we were here, which probably explains a lot.

The staff are superb – helpful, anxious to please, always trying to anticipate your needs.

The Pullman bar is a great place to go for a drink, and there's live music four nights a week.

There are several restaurants to choose from and a courtesy bus service to the City several times a day.

The hotel has its own casino and a spa which appears to be used by guests and visitors alike.

Unique Qualities: The view of the Nile at The Corniche is hard to beat.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: Cornish El Nile-maadi, Cairo 11728

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Ain Sukhna, Egypt
Directions: Driving along the motorway this is about 80 mins East of Cairo on the Red Sea.

We visited this hotel for a couple of hours and while there we asked to be shown the rooms, planning a future visit.
Even the standard rooms here are large, with two big windows overlooking the golf course.
They are decoated in the most relaxing shades of pale blue and golden cream, the beds have a pretty canopy overhead, and big fluffy cotton robes are spread at the foot of each bed. The bathrooms are the ultimate in luxury and are up to the minute in style.

We were also shown a suite, which was extremely large with spectacular views.

Downstairs, an infinity pool is set on a terrace off the main lobby, and again the views are of the immaculately trimmed greens of the golf course.

The lobby is cool and rich, with shining marble and wood panelled walls.

There is a well stocked golf pro shop and a souvenir shop.

Rates are quoted at half board and for a standard room work out at less than €100 for two people sharing per night! For five star ultimate luxury this is amazing.

Unique Qualities: The stunning views of the golf course from all rooms are hard to beat. This is a true golfer's paradise.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Ain Soukhna, Egypt.
Directions: Driving along the motorway East of Cairo, this resort is about 20 kms south of Suez.

I stayed at Palmera for one night while on a business trip and, frankly, I wouldn't stay there again.

We were entertaining some clients and to be honest the place was such a disappointment that I would never invite clients there.

The public grounds are lovely and they are well laid out. However, they're not well tended and the vegetation has become overgrown, which causes a real problem with mosquitoes. We were literally eaten alive.

There are three large swimming pools plus a children's pool and these are indeed lovely. The main freeform pool has a swim up bar. A gorgeous wide beach lapped by crystal clear waters is accessed directly from the gardens.

Now for the down sides. The rooms are poorly furnished, tired, and badly need decorating. I hear that the owner is trying to sell off blocks of the hotel as apartments so this may explain the lack of care.

When we arrived we were thirsty and our Irish clients wanted gin - there was none; nor was there vodka when they agreed to opt for that. Indeed, the only spirit available was whiskey. We agreed to have wine. All was going well until we discovered that they were watering down the wine - and they denied it when challenged. In addition to all this, it took forever for the drinks to arrive.

All meals were buffet style and served in the ballrooom. Dinner was actually tasty, but breakfast was a disaster.

Unique Qualities: The grounds are so thick with vegetation that they're a haven for wild birds.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Ain Soukhna, Egypt.
Directions: leaving Cairo on the motorway head East towards Suez, then veer South to Ain Soukhna which is 20kms south of Suez.

From the moment we entered the gilded lobby of the Mena House, we felt like royalty in a truly palatial environment.

Unfortunately, our travel agent had booked us into the newer garden wing - if I were staying again I would reserve a room in the original Palace (I mean, why stay in a palace and bunk in the garden!).

The restaurants and public areas are in the main located in the palace and are opulent and spectacular.

The rooms are comfortable, clean, and welcoming.

The staff are nice, if a little officious. On the first morning we were assured at reception that residents didn't need a reservation for dinner in the main restaurant (where there is a floor show each night) - but we were bitterly disappointed that evening to be told that there were no good tables left n the restaurant!

I was disappointed in the pool area as all of the pool was deep, there was no shallow end, and thus noplace that you could wallow in the searing heat. Also, because it's located in a garden there are more flies than youmight tolerate.

Unique Qualities: Wherever you go in the hotel the pyramids are visible in the public areas - both from the windows on the public rooms, and also from the gardens. It was wonderful.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 20 2 383 32 22
Address: Pyramids Road Giza
Directions: Within touching distance of the pyramids.