Valerie Mellema on why the Helnan Palestine Hotel, the Mena House Oberoi, and El Gezirah Sheraton Hotel Towers are suitable options for travelers in Egypt.
Written by Valerie Mellema
Traveling to Egypt will transport you back into the storied past. Tales of pharaohs, powerful Greeks and Romans, the remains and artifacts of long centuries past can be found everywhere. This incredible nation is one of the top destinations in Africa, welcoming adventurous travelers from around the world. However, you will need to find the best accommodations in the nation for your stay. While your choice of hotel will hinge on the area you wish to visit, here are a few of the top hotels in Egypt. HotelsCombined.com can help save you money on these and more.
Helnan Palestine Hotel
The Helnan Palestine Hotel offers an incredible location in the city of Alexandria. Located on the shore, the hotel enjoys access to the beach and provides stunning views of the Montaza Royal beach and gardens. All of the 210 rooms, which make up the bulk of the accommodations, feature modern amenities and conveniences such as air conditioning, direct dial phones, private showers, premium TV programming and everything else that westerners need for comfort and enjoyment. Numerous amenities are located on property, including a nightclub, several dining options and more.
The Mena House Oberoi
Located in Cairo, the Mena House Oberoi provides you glorious 5-star accommodations in the very shadow of the Great Pyramid. Enjoy the amazing history of the city and of the hotel, itself. The hotel was originally built as a hunting lodge by an Egyptian King. Today, the hotel offers 40 acres of oasis in the heart of the city, 523 guestrooms and suites, pool cabanas and more for your enjoyment. All rooms at the hotel offer private balconies overlooking the glory of Cairo, as well as all the western amenities you need to make the most of your stay. 5 restaurants are available on property, as well as a jogging track, lake, fountains and shopping options.
El Gezirah Sheraton Hotel Towers and Casino
This hotel enjoys a fantastic location in stunning Luxor. Enjoy your choice of 436 guestrooms and suites designed for pure enjoyment and comfort. The Sheraton offers convenience, value and a great stay. Eight options for dining enjoyment, including a floating restaurant on the Nile, are available for your pleasure. In addition, you will find that the hotel offers numerous perks, including in-room Jacuzzis, a sauna, live entertainment and an incredible swimming pool.
These are only three of the incredible hotels that you will find in Egypt. Numerous other fine accommodations are available for your enjoyment throughout the nation
Possibly related posts:
welcome to the world of self-hosting!
Thank you Matt! I wonder why I didn’t do this earlier – it’s much more fun.
congratulations on your new domain and self-hosted blog
Cairo is one of my favorite destinations, but sadly, I once pounded the streets of Cairo with husband Terry from 8 in the morning to 8 at night over a week long period inspecting hotels for Lonely Planet’s hotel booking site. So I have to say that you’ve missed out on Cairo’s best:
* Talisman – Cairo’s most charming and most atmospheric small boutique hotel, ran by an Egyptian architect and his French interior decorator wife who have created a magical place
* Semi Ramis InterContinental – this is not only supremely comfortable, with the best restaurants in the city and the best bellydancing show anywhere (this is where Egypt’s greatest bellydancers perform), but the hotel has long been Cairo’s favorite with the middle and upper classes – this is where they have their weddings, birthdays and other family celebrations, so it’s always buzzing. The rooms also have exquisite Nile views. I have memories of falling asleep on our balcony watching the sun set… ahh…
* After the Semi Ramis, the Marriott in the wonderful suburb of Zamalek has always been the local favorite – after drinks here are a must! – it has an exotic atmosphere with beautiful Middle East architecture and opulent interiors and one of the most beautiful swimming pools of any hotel in Cairo.
* And then there are the Four Seasons properties – super-luxurious and great restaurants but don’t love the locations.
* The Mena House of course is exquisite, but only if you plan on doing nothing but visiting the pyramids and relaxing, as it’s there’s nothing else out there and it’s miles from anywhere interesting in Cairo, and in heavy traffic it can take forever to get into the city.
And then there’s Alexandria, one of my favorite spots on the Mediterranean… forget the Helnan – the location is dreadful and it has no character.
* The two classic Alexandria hotels – that belong to the era of grand hotels and go down as being two of the Middle East’s greatest heritage properties (along with the Baron and Cataract) are the Cecil (which has hosted Agatha Christie and Churchill) and the Metropole, both right in the centre of town and situated on the beautiful Corniche so they have stunning views of the sea. They are exquisite old properties with oodles of character, high ceilings, heavy drapes, crystal chandeliers, grand staircases… we prefer the Metropole (ask for a sea view room) as the Cecil was taken over by the Sofitel and I don’t like their renovation. You can see our view from the Metropole here: http://cooltravelguide.blogspot.com/2007/12/room-with-view.html
Thanks for the comment Lara. It means so much to get an insider’s point of view. You really have a great deal of experience. Am a big fan of InterContinental so am sure I would love Semi Ramis. And the Metropole seems lovely! If I ever travel to Cairo I will keep these places in mind.