The Modern Pyramids of Cairo - Accomodation in Egypt

Julie Richards reveals that in the exciting and fast forward chaos of Cairo she has unearthed some stunning rewards. It’s as simple as sitting back in a taxi and taking in the passing sights, wandering in backstreet bazaars or taking a private tour of the Citadel of Saladin Mosque. She has always been enthralled by this city’s history, by its people, its grand 19th-century boulevards, mosques, Coptic churches and minarets. In Julie’s view it is the force and beauty of past and present together that have forged the character of daily life. To watch the sun set over the Nile is one of the real pleasures of Cairo and Julie’s pick of hotels is therefore logical. Not surprisingly, they face each other across the widest stretch of the river. Above all else, the level of service in these twin hotels has set unrivalled standards in Egypt. To watch Cairenes crowd the banks or picnic on its bridges, see feluccas drift by and hear the call to prayer from minarets, are just some of the delights that these two Four Seasons hotels can guarantee.

According to Julie, the European style First Residence, in the embassy district and close to the Zoo, is popular with royalty, celebrities and regular travellers alike. The high tech rooms are among the largest in Cairo and about half have sweeping Nile or Pyramid views. You can even see the Nile from a treadmill in the gym! The hotel is also home to the designer-filled department store, Beymen. In Julie’s words “the elegant décor is superb and the breakfast buffet is the best in the Middle East.”

Across the river the New York inspired Nile Plaza is another beacon of sophisticated hospitality on the Corniche. The décor, ambience, F & B and personalized attention are on par (that is to say equally as sumptuous) but even more of the rooms have commanding views of the Nile, and there are delicious dining options - in fact six marvelous restaurants - and lavish spa facilities. It is located just 10 minutes walk from the Cairo Museum. Julie’s tip: in the bar grab a table on the left side at the window for great views of the Nile.

With your “digs” and choice of guides then expertly organized, you can concentrate on discovering the real Cairo. I can advise you on the best months to visit but I can also let you in on other secrets joys of Cairo such as Mohammed Abdu Street, Fishawi’s Café, the Gayer-Anderson Museum, the Dahshur Pyramid and many more of its least-exploited attractions.

CONCIERGE EXCLUSIVE FIRST RESIDENCE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 2 NIGHTS IN A SUPERIOR NILE OR PYRAMID GARDEN VIEW ROOM • AMERICAN BREAKFAST DAILY FOR 2 • UPGRADE ON ARRIVAL IF AVAILABLE • 12 NOON EARLY CHECK-IN • 15% DISCOUNT ON FOOD, BEVERAGES AND SPA TREATMENTS

CONCIERGE EXCLUSIVE NILE PLAZA PACKAGE INCLUDES: 2 NIGHTS IN A SUPERIOR CITADEL POOL VIEW ROOM • AMERICAN BREAKFAST DAILY FOR 2 • UPGRADE ON ARRIVAL IF AVAILABLE • 12 NOON EARLY CHECK-IN • 3PM LATE CHECK-OUT • 15% DISCOUNT ON FOOD, BEVERAGES AND SPA TREATMENTS

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