| For travelers and residents looking for a boutique experience, Cairo has one to offer in every neighborhood By Farida Helmy | ||
| Helpful staff and colorful interiors are a hallmark of Cairo’s friendly boutique hotels, where comfort and style go hand in hand. If you want to get away from the cookie-cutter chains but don’t feel ready to slum it with the backpacker crowd, check out these havens hidden around the capital.Le riad
In the heart of old Cairo, nestled in the alleyways of the city’s oldest quarters, lies Le Riad. Located on the historic Al-Moez Street amid mosques, minarets and other breathtaking Islamic architecture, this chic luxury retreat, complete with a sunny roof terrace for breakfast, has views every hotel in Cairo envies.Le Riad opened in 2009 with 17 spacious suites, each with its own décor theme, comfortable beds, soft linen and sitting rooms set up for a tea party. Even bathroom details such as tiled art and mini chandeliers reflect the individual suite theme. You can also request a special room with a study for salon-like meetings, and a balcony overlooking the pedestrian friendly streets. Being in the Islamic quarter means there’s no alcohol in the hotel and because of its location in the middle of the city, expect it to get a little noisy.
Le Riad • 114 Al-Moez St., Old Cairo • +2 (02) 7876-074/75 • www.leriad-hoteldecharme.com
hideaways
Villa belle epoque
When you want to escape Cairo’s noise and chaotic pace, make your way to the quiet streets of Maadi, where you will find for a discreetly hidden colonial-style country house. Welcome to Villa Belle Epoque.With lush gardens and impeccable service from an English-speaking staff, Villa Belle Epoque truly combines all the elements of luxurious boutique hotel living. The gardens cocoon you from the outside world, the refreshing pool helps you shake off the city’s heat and the terrace is perfect for sunset drinks — the villa built by the British in the early 1900s should be on your list for weekend retreats. The airy interior of the 1920s-era villa hosts 15 rooms, some with balconies.With an assortment of international cuisine around the neighborhood and a talented resident chef at the hotel, you need not worry about satisfying your taste buds. But with Maadi being a residential quarter, you won’t find the glitz and glamour of Cairo at your doorstep.
Villa Belle Epoque • Road 13, Villa 63, Maadi • +2 (02) 2358-0265 / +2 (02) 2358-2991 • www.villabelleepoque.com
Talisman hotel
Downtown marks the pulse of Cairo, with its busy streets and shabby buildings; it’s also home to the Talisman Hotel. Concealed in a downtown apartment block, the building itself may not look very special from the outside — you may even find yourself wondering if you’re at the right place. Rest assured, you are. And you’ll fall in love once you take your first step inside this stylish hotel.
Surprisingly attractive prices combined with a central location — the Egyptian Museum and the Nile are only a short walk away — make the Talisman Hotel one of Cairo’s best-kept secrets.
The bright reds and yellows of the reception make you feel welcome instantly, and the 24 rooms, each decorated individually, have double-glazed windows to block out the noise of Cairo’s busiest traffic roundabout and give you the serenity you seek.
The breakfast is simple, but Downtown’s different dining and drink outlets more than make up for it.
Talisman Hotel • 39 Talaat Harb St., Downtown • +2 (02) 2391-1487
Hotel longchamps
Finding a place that feels more comfortable than your own living room may seem almost impossible, but that isn’t the case with the casually chic Hotel Longchamps. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel that radiates warmth, then you’re in the right place. Opened since 1953, Longchamps has become a local institution. With a staff that is willing to go the extra mile, and cleanliness and service unheard of for a three-star hotel, you will definitely be coming back.Being located in Zamalek doesn’t hurt either. The cosmopolitan Nile island neighborhood is known for both its eateries and nightlife, which isn’t to say that the food provided by Longchamps isn’t up to par.Hidden above the trees on the fifth floor of an apartment building, the hotel is easy to miss, but don’t let the location of the hotel fool you. There are numerous outdoor reading areas for you to relax in as well as common areas equipped with internet access. Make sure you book in advance; the hotel is a favorite of veteran visitors such as archeologists on break from their digs.
Hotel Longchamps • 21 Ismail Mohamed St., Zamalek • +2 (02) 2735-2311 • www.hotellongchamps.com
The karvin hotel
This moderately priced hotel may not have a fancy view of the Nile or the Pyramids, but if personalized service, good food and an intimate ambience are a requirement for your stay, the cozy Karvin Hotel awaits you.
Karvin boasts deluxe boutique interiors and no less than four different places to eat, which makes this an excellent evening out even for those who aren’t looking for lodging. The Greenery serves food all day and serves afternoon snacks to curb the munchies. For authentic North Indian Cuisine prepared by chefs hailing from the region, dine at Massala. Or for a taste of China you can opt for the delicious Chinese Lounge. And don’t miss out on The Roof Garden, an open-air terrace serving drinks, shisha and appetizers — also a popular hangout for Heliopolis locals.
|
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment