Cairo Hotels

This Cairo hotel offers 366 luxury rooms, including 101 suites, all with wonderful views of the Nile, the city and citadel, and many with private terrace. Facilities include a rooftop pool deck with adult and children's pools, and an excellent beauty and wellness spa. The hotel has six restaurants, headed by the seafood restaurant Aqua.

Located on a charming street in Islamic Cairo, this brand new boutique hotel has been converted from an Ottoman house, complete with architectural features like domes, arches and mashrabiye (latticed wooden shutters). Elegant suites are filled with antiques, plus modern touches like free laptops and Wi-Fi.

Originally the palace of the Khedives Ismail, with fabulous views of the pyramids, this is one of the most glamorous and romantic hotels in Cairo. Since opening in 1887, it has hosted kings, emperors and movie stars, with four luxury suites enhanced by antiques, murals and tapestries. Try and book a pyramid-view room.

The hotel's twin towers are a distinctive landmark rising 20 stories high and providing magnificent views of the Nile and six acres of gardens. This former palace offers 977 updated rooms, 111 elegant suites, 15 restaurants and a world-class casino - it's got all the bases covered.

Very popular small family-run hotel in a relatively peaceful area, this Cairo hotel has been going strong since 1953. Comfortable rooms are bright and clean, with a hint of a colonial flavour, and the real gem are the two leafy terraces. Always busy, so advance booking is essential.

Opened in 2009 and converted from a delightful colonial villa, this is located in a leafy suburb but easily accessible to the city centre by Metro. All 13 rooms are unique, simply and elegantly furnished, recreated from the original 1920s style even down to the tiles in the courtyard. Leafy garden and a small pool makes for a truly relaxing stay.

If you want to be in the thick of Khan el Khalili, this is the place. Overlooking the mosque Al Hussein, rooms are basic, but large. Water is usually hot, and there is a ceiling fan but the air-conditioning – when working – is noisy, and bathroom might be a little grubby. However the real draw is the huge balconies overlooking the square, a fantastic spot for watching the world go by. Service can be surly, especially for the (very basic) breakfast, but overall it’s great value.

Located down a quiet Downton backstreet, this is one of the best budget options. Its high ceilinged rooms with hardwood floors are clean and simple. Some have private showers, others have shared facilities. The new extension offers seven air-conditioned rooms, including four family ensuite rooms, a real bonus.

This family-run, Cairo hotel located in busy Downtown is a historic colonial house. Guest rooms are filled with period furniture and tastefully decorated, but the real gem is the Barrel Bar, offering a cosy, old-world feel with barrel chairs and memorabilia. Rooms differ in size and quality so it’s worth seeing a choice before you book.