The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Mother's Day in Egypt has crept up seemingly out of nowhere this week, leaving many Cairenes – mostly men, of course – in a state of confusion and indecision as they formulate a fitting treat for the most important woman in their lives. And while Cairo has quite often celebrated more superfluous occasions with more enthusiasm, the city's hotels have plenty of options covering dining and spa treatments.

Fairmont Nile City

Fairmont Nile City’s Saigon Restaurant & Lounge welcomes back Ahmed Harfoush for a special night of live music, while the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa offers the perfect services for a day of unadulterated pampering. For reservations and more information, call 02-2461-9494.

Conrad Cairo Hotel

Solana hosts a special Mother’s Day brunch (250LE) where mums dine for free. The Conrad is also offering special rates for the weekend; 15% discount for a double room, with 50% discount on parking. For reservations and more information, call 02-2580-8000

Four Seasons Nile Plaza

The Garden City hotel is offering several dining options at its restaurants; Lebanese restaurant, Zitouni, hosts an open buffet (365LE++ per person) between 1PM and midnight, while Cantonese restaurant, 8, also offers a buffet (370LE++) where mums eat for free for every four people.

Elsewhere, Lobby Lounge hosts late afternoon tea with a special selection of food (150LE++), while a special offer at the spa gives a 50% discount for a friend, when services are booked for two. For reservations, call 02-2791-7000.

Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo

Kempinski has put many of its egg in the basket of its spa called ‘The Spa’, with a special Mother’s Day package offering a thirty-minute massage and seventy-five-minute facial coming with a surprise gift for 850LE. For more information and reservations, call 02-2798-0000.

Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah

Le Sud is hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet (295LE) while the hotel’s So Spa has put together some special Mother’s Day gift packages that offer three types of facial and body treatments packages, with some Cinq Mondes beauty products thrown in to boot. Prices start at 864LE. For more information, call 02-2737-3737.

Fairmont Heliopolis

With up to seventeen different restaurants, bars and eateries, Fairmont Heliopolis has kept things simple, with a special promotion where mums dine for free when with one other diner. Meanwhile, past stations, barbeque ‘specials’, kids activities and live entertainment await at My Kind of Place’s special brunch (250LE++ per person). For reservations and more information, call 16989.

Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel

One of the newer international hotels in Cairo, the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City, is letting Mums eat for free at elegant restaurant, Citron, between 1PM and 4PM. For reservations and more information, call 02-2406-3333

JW Marriott Cairo

JW Marriott’s Mirage Café is hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch between 1PM and 4.30PM, while the hotel’s Mandara Spa is offering a special package that includes body scrubs, massages and other ‘rejuvenating’ treatments. For more information and reservations, call 02-2411-5588.

Cairo Marriott Hotel

The Zamalek hotel ‘s picturesque Garden Promenade is set to be offer a Mother’s Day brunch, where mums dine for free for every three guests (250LE++ per person). For more information and reservations, call 02-2728-3000.

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo

There’s plenty going on at New Cairo’s Dusit Thani LakeView; restaurant, Ruen Thai, is giving mums in groups of four a complimentary dinner, while Dusit Gourmet is churning out some special baked Mother’s Day treats.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa is offering several variations of packages, covering foot, head or shoulder massages, as well as facial scrubs. For more information and reservations, call 02-2614-0000.

Four Seasons First Residence

Another hotel keeping it simple this year is the Four Seasons in Giza, which is offering 25% off at all of its restaurants when mums dine, while afternoon tea can be had at Tea Lounge. For more information, call 02-3567-1600.