Grand Hyatt Cairo

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$278

Corniche El Nile P O Box 2288, Cairo, Egypt

Lively, Stylish, Luxurious

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Jeff B.

If you're looking for luxury, this is your hotel

Downtown, Luxurious, Hip, Scenic, Lively, Stylish, Entertainment, Nightlife, Singles, Not Budget, Not Quiet, Not For Backpackers

November 28 2007: This place is the epitome of luxury. You can tell as soon as you approach the hotel's entrance. If arriving by car, 1) you're in the minority as most guests arrive by limousine and 2) be prepared for a bomb sniffing crew to inspect said car. You can tell that this place is a big deal. Walking inside only strengthens the image as you're greeted by an enormous atrium with the far wall (1 big window) directly overlooking the Nile, not to mention the intricate fountain, the gold encrusted everything, the string quartet, and the harpist.

The staff was nice enough, especially considering that we arrived dirty, smelly, and quite noticeably exhausted having spent the night before sleeping at the top of Mount Sinai! Quite different sleeping arrangements! I don't know how much money the room cost (my friend's dad was paying...no way we could afford this place!) but I know it was a lot. The room we were in looks just like any other hotel room I've seen, though the bathroom was very nice and we did have a balcony overlooking the Nile (though with Cairo's pollution problem, good luck if you can stand being out there for any amount of time). The service wasn't great as we had to call several times to get them to bring something up that we had asked for. Also, I'm not sure how much (and if they even had it) internet was in the rooms, but we asked the business center and the going rate there was $20 or so an hour...another case of an expensive hotel charging more than they have to because they know their guests (or their companies) will pay for it. Take a walk down the street to an internet cafe and spend a few dollars an hour for internet instead.

One striking thing, besides its style and luxury, was how lively the hotel was at all hours of the day/night. I swear that rich, stylish people were continually pouring out of limos to make their grand entrance into the lobby at all hours of the day! One benefit of this is that you can catch a taxi or limo to the airport at any hour without any planning. You just go to the front desk and you instantly have a car to the airport (about 10-15 mins away). You'll have to pay more (80 vs. 40 pounds) than you would if you just walked out to the main street (actually like a 5 min walk away because of the hotel's long driveway), but it's definitely convenient (esp. when I had to go to the airport at 3am).

This hotel was definitely not my kind of place. Aside from the great view of the Nile, I really didn't like too much of the hotel. I'd much rather stay at a boutique hotel (or on top of Mount Sinai!) where I can really experience the culture, and not just the glitz and glamour I can go to NYC or LA to see. However, those looking for luxury will not be disappointed.

Date of stay: August 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Friends/Group)

Glitzy Fountain In Lobby

Welcoming Harpist in Lobby

View of Hotel From Across River

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With its elegantly curved, glassy façade designed to mirror the surrounding riverside landscape, the towering, 41 storey Cairo Grand Hyatt is located on the banks of the Nile, within 10 kilometres of the centre of the Egyptian capital. Simple decor in whites and neutral colours and dark wood furniture subtly incorporating traditional Egyptian motifs adorn the 714 air conditioned guestrooms, all of which have balconies with views of the river. All also come equipped with satellite television, high speed Internet connections, direct dial telephones and include marble bathrooms with bathrobes.
The extensive health club boasts an impressive 340 square metre outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, hot tub and steam room as well as a fully equipped gym and guests can indulge in rejuvenating massages and facials at the spa. The hotel's public spaces are characterised by elaborate water features, rock garden displays and guests can stroll along the riverside promenade to the hotel's private yacht, which offers further dining options, entertainment and river cruises. From local and Middle Eastern to Japanese via Italian and Asian, the plethora of restaurants caters for all tastes. Luxury boutiques, beauty salons, cinemas and an international food court are the main attractions at the on site commercial centre and the business centre offer a comprehensive range of services including state of the art multi media work stations and can accommodate discreet private meetings and large conferences, banquets and events. Guests can enjoy meals and snacks in the privacy of their rooms thanks to round the clock room service, there is a safe at the 24 hour front desk and knowledgeable staff offer tour advice and local information. The major attractions of central Cairo, including the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, are within 10 kilometres of the hotel. The Pyramids of Giza and the sphinx are within 25 kilometes. Cairo international airport is 20 kilometres and a 30 minute drive away. Know Before You Go The Grand Hyatt Hotel in Cairo has banned the sale of alcohol. Discussions are continuing between the Hotel chain and the owner. In the meantime, no alcoholic drinks are being served at any of the hotel's restaurants or bars.