1. Kempinski Nile Hotel El Cairo
best hotels in cairo – Advantage
the luxury tower overlooking the Nile River
Most rooms have Nile views and private balconies
rooftop pool and state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center
Two restaurants offer Turkish and Italian food
Two bars and a chocolate lounge with afternoon tea
Butler service and complimentary minibars with soft drinks
full spa with a Turkish bath, hot tub, and sauna
Meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center
WiFi throughout
cons
Parking Fee
Smaller pool than luxury competitors
Summary
The 191-room Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo is located near downtown Cairo, on the banks of the Nile River. It’s just a five-minute drive from the city center and close to many cultural tourist attractions; it’s also within walking distance of the venerable Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Classic Rooms have 24-hour butler service and private balconies — many with river views. There’s also a rooftop pool, a full spa, and dining options from fine-dining Turkish cuisine to a lounge with handmade chocolates and afternoon tea. If the Kempinski is booked, the nearby Fairmont Cairo, Nile City is also an excellent option and has twice as many rooms — though room decor is more stylish here.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Advantage
Luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile River
A five-minute drive from downtown Cairo
Many of the rooms have stunning views and luxurious bathrooms
One of the largest spas in Cairo, with 14 treatment rooms
Two outdoor pools and a hot tub, plus a kids’ pool
Five restaurants and three bars on-site, including one poolside
Twelve meeting rooms and a business center for corporate clients
Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
free shuttle train station
Airport transfer and car services are available (for a fee)
Cons
Use of the car park, for a daily fee
35-minute drive to the pyramids
room style is quite bland
Breakfast is not included in the room price
Summary
There are 365 rooms at this luxury establishment situated on the banks of the River Nile. It is central to many of the city’s attractions, only a five-minute drive from downtown Cairo. Facilities are good — the hotel has the largest spa in Cairo, plus outdoor pools, a fitness center, and five restaurants. Rooms have indulgent marble bathrooms and fabulous views of the Nile, but the style is rather bland for an establishment of this caliber. It’s worth comparing with the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo, which also offers tennis, golf, and a man-made beach.
3. Fairmont Nile City
Advantage
Large property with sophisticated, contemporary Art Deco interiors
Ten-minute drive to Abdeen Palace and the Khan el-Khalili craft market
direct access to the Torres Nilo shopping center
Stylish rooms have interactive TVs and modern bathrooms
Two pools and a rooftop hot tub
Nile and pyramid view from the terrace
Eight on-site food and drink venues, including a champagne bar
Fitness center, a full-service spa, and salon on-site
Casino, nightclub, and gift shop
Business center and meeting rooms for business travelers
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Cons
Nearby slums and tight security may deter some travelers
Wi-Fi fees in rooms
Only higher-category rooms have balconies
Summary
There are 540 rooms at this fancy hotel, and it is about an eight-minute drive north of downtown Cairo. The nearby neighborhoods offer a lot of privacy in the glittering Nile City on the Nile’s bank. Its rooms have an Art Deco decor, with many beautiful touches like marble, delicate fabrics, and open-concept bathrooms. The guests have direct access to the Torres Nilo shopping center; it has a cinema, restaurants, and plenty of activities, including a spa, gym, casino, and fabulous rooftop pool. Those who want to be next to Cairo’s famous pyramids should check out the Mena House Hotel.
4. Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah
Advantage
On Gezira Island, with its promenade overlooking the Nile
Rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and great views
Six restaurants serving international and regional cuisine
heated outdoor pool with cabanas
full spa, gym, and salon
Club Lounge serves breakfast and snacks throughout the day
Small casino on site
Meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center
WiFi throughout
Cons
Some noise from the river
room decor is on the bland side
Only some rooms have Club Lounge access
Flat-screen TVs are small
Summary
The four-pearl Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah has 433 contemporary rooms with views of the Nile, thanks to its location on the southern tip of Gezira Island. The hotel also has a riverfront promenade and a deck that houses an open-air bar floating on the water. On the downside, the noise of traditional sailing “faluchos” and police speedboats can be heard inside the hotel. Additionally, rooms feature bland furnishings and lack fancy finishes. Still, the oceanfront outdoor pool is gorgeous, and there are six varied restaurants, a casino, and a spa. Travelers looking for more buttons in their room decor should check out the nearby Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo.
5. Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo
Advantage
Thai-style luxury property in New Cairo City
It has some of the largest rooms in Cairo
All rooms have a private balcony and whirlpool tub
Suites and apartments with butler service available
Three pools, hot tub, spa, and modern fitness center
Children’s pool, kids’ club, and a park
Restaurants include North African, Japanese, and Thai options.
Meeting rooms, ballroom, and business center for corporate clients
Free airport shuttle always
Wi-Fi throughout the building
Cons
The 35-minute drive from downtown Cairo may be inconvenient for some
Front desk service can be slow
Breakfast is not included in rates
Summary
There are 449 rooms at this five-pearl hotel in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement. It’s a newly developed upscale area with many restaurants and shops, though the city’s main attractions are at least a 35-minute drive from the hotel. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with balconies, whirlpool baths, and butler service in suites. There are excellent on-site facilities, including three pools, a swim-up bar, a sushi bar, and a Thai restaurant, plus a spa, gym, hair salon, and free Wi-Fi. Those who want to stay on the banks of the Nile should check out the equally-luxurious Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah.
6. JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
Advantage
Luxurious chain hotel with lots of services in one place
Spacious rooms with private balconies and high-end accents
Tennis and volleyball courts, plus its own golf course
artificial beach and three outdoor pools
Full-service spa with a large indoor pool
Kids’ club and playground
Twelve restaurants and bars, including Italian and Lebanese
Twenty-nine meeting rooms and a business center
free shuttle service provided
Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
Cons
In the isolated location, expect long drives to most tourist sights (a pro for some)
35-minute drive to the pyramids
The room style is upscale but a bit old-fashioned
Summary
There are 438 rooms at the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Cairo, located just off Cairo’s ring road. It is quite a secluded location but suits those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. There’s plenty to do on-site, with a spa, tennis courts, a golf course, a man-made beach, and a fitness center, while the 12 restaurants should please even the pickiest of palates. Rooms are traditionally styled with a private balcony and indulgent marble bathroom, while freebies like Wi-Fi and airport transfers add to the value here. Travelers who want views of the Nile River should check out the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah as an alternative.
7. Grand Nile Tower
Advantage
Centrally located on the banks of the Nile and within a short drive of attractions
Classically decorated rooms and suites, all with Nile views
Yacht-owned hotel – Marquise – with dinner cruises and entertainment
A two-story fitness center with a large selection of equipment
Heated outdoor pool with river views
swimming pool, plus a playground area for kids
Great selection of restaurants serving everything from teppanyaki to tandoori dishes
Good selection of retail and event spaces, plus a business center
On-site valet and parking available for a fee
WiFi throughout
Cons
The gym can feel cramped in places
Average bathrooms lack separate tubs and showers
Summary
The Grand Nile Tower is a luxury mega-centric hotel with 715 rooms and suites, all with views of the Nile (due to the property’s position on the tip of an urban island). Inside, the room decor is nice but not particularly memorable, with marble furnishings and classic, mahogany-hued bathrooms. Facilities include a two-story fitness center with equipment worthy of a proper gym (although it feels cramped in areas), a huge variety of restaurants, a large heated pool, and even a private hotel yacht, regular dinner cruises, and live entertainment. There’s also plenty of meeting room to rent and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. While the location and great views of the Great Nile are hard to beat, travelers with more space on the budget may also want to consider the Fairmont Cairo, Nile City, which reportedly has the largest spa in the entire city.
8. Heliopolis Towers Hotel
Advantage
Close to the airport, with shuttle service available for a fee
Variety of rooms and suites, some with balconies and/or whirlpool tubs
Large outdoor pool with ample lounge chairs and umbrellas
On-site casino with card games, roulette, and slot machines
Large selection of restaurants with cuisine from around the world.
Four pools, plus hot tubs and sauna.
Fitness center, squash courts, volleyball court, and clay tennis courts
Family-friendly, with a kids’ club, playground, children’s pool, and family brunch
Extensive meeting facilities, including a grand ballroom and business center.
Reasonably priced valet and self-parking.
Free shuttle (one way) to the city center and nearby shopping center
Airport transfers are available free of charge.
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
Location removed from downtown attractions
Room decor lacks the wow factor
Transfer to the city and the mall only in one direction.
Parking options lack in and out privileges
Some rooms face the atrium and not the outside.
Summary
The Heliopolis Towers hotel is a luxurious business hotel with 247 rooms. It’s a short drive from Cairo International Airport. It attracts business travelers, conference attendees, and early morning flights, but it’s too far from the city center to make it a good choice for tourists. Rooms here have all the modern amenities one would expect from a high-end property, but the decor falls short of an advertised five-star hotel. Features include tennis courts, multiple pools, a variety of meeting rooms, a fitness center, 15 bars and restaurants, and even an on-site casino with slots and table games. Travelers looking closer to the city center might consider the more central Fairmont Cairo, Nile City.
9. InterContinental Cairo Citystars
Advantage
Great hotel with lots of glitz in the affluent city of Nasr
It has direct access to the CityStars mall
Traditional rooms have neutral color schemes, coffeemakers, and minibars
Six international restaurants, including Japanese, Lebanese, and Italian
24-hour bar and cafe
Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, spa, and fitness center
sports courts, a game room, and a casino
Meeting rooms and business center available for corporate clients
Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property
Cons
Traffic noise can be a nuisance in some parts of the hotel
Some interiors are a bit flashy or uneducated
Breakfast is not included in room rates
Summary
There are 824 rooms at this luxury hotel about 30 minutes east of downtown Cairo, in the city of Nasr. It is an affluent neighborhood known for being home to CityStars, a luxurious shopping and entertainment complex to which hotel guests have direct access. The six restaurants, two pools, and a range of on-site sports courts keep guests active, and there’s a full-service spa, fitness center, and game room. Rooms have traditional yet sophisticated decor, and all have minibars, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Those who want to be next to the famous pyramids should check out the Mena House Hotel.
10. The St Regis Cairo
Located in Cairo, 4.4 km from Tahrir Square, The St. Regis Cairo hotel features a restaurant, bar, private parking, and a fitness center. In addition, this property has family rooms and a terrace. There is a 24-hour reception, room service, and currency exchange service.
The hotel rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes, and slippers. In addition, the St. Regis Cairo rooms include towels and bed linen.
A continental and buffet breakfast is served in the mornings.
St. Regis Cairo has spa and wellness facilities available to guests, including a sauna and hot tub.
The hotel is 5 km from the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. The nearest airport is Cairo International Airport, 20 km from St. Regis Cairo. An airport shuttle service is available for a surcharge.
