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

Not only is this weekend the excuse we’ve been waiting for to divulge in hundreds of Easter eggs, but it’s Sham El Nessim and the perfect excuse for a break! Whether you’re planning on travelling further afield, or staying in the city, hotels and resorts all over the country are competing for the tourism by offering special rates and packages. We’ve compiled a list of hotels and their rates, but with so many beautiful destinations around Egypt, the tricky part will be down to you – deciding on which one to go for.

Cairo

For the majority of the time, we’re usually too busy running around like headless chickens to appreciate Cairo and all it has to offer. Shut yourself off from the world with a city escape in one of the many luxurious hotels in town.

Known for its wonderful Nile views, Sofitel El Gezirah are offering the third night free if you book just two, at $199 for a double room this includes breakfast and taxes.

Sleep well in the knowledge that retail therapy at Citystars shopping mall is literally a corridor away from the Intercontinental Citystars Hotel, where they’re offering rooms from $220 a night.

The Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers is offering two nights, breakfast and a complimentary Easter brunch for two persons at 2400LE. Children between 6 and 12 years go for free when sharing their parent’s room, and even get a 50% discount on their meals. They’re even throwing in free parking – what a bargain!

A double room at the Kempinski Nile will set you back 762LE per person, but you will be upgraded to a suite, get breakfast and Easter brunch, and be granted free use of their lavish spa facilities including a 30-minute massage.

One night in a superior room at the esteemed Four Seasons First Residence, for two including brunch, is 1650LE.

Ain Sokhna:

Of course, only an hour’s drive from the busy streets is the Red Sea and, more specifically, Ain Sokhna. Unfortunately many hotels in this area sell out well before the holidays; however, most hotels will offer day use of their beach and pool facilities although we’d always recommend calling in advance.

Hurghada:

Flying from Cairo to Hurghada takes just over an hour and offers both beach and city breaks, and is a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world.

The pristine Hurggada Marriott Beach Resort sports its own private beach and has rooms available from 890LE.

Around 25km from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Hurghada, the Jaz Bluemarine hotel are offering rooms from 1548LE, all inclusive.

Right in the centre of Hurghada, you can bag rooms at the Pyramisa Blue Lagoon Resort from 449LE per night. 

El Gouna:

Just outside of Hurghada sits the beautiful, quaint town of El Gouna. Because of El Gouna’s popularity, many of the hotels are either fully booked or more expensive than usual – but we know what they say – you get what you pay for.

Bookings at their newest six star boutique hotel, La Maison Bleue, are only available through direct contact with the hotel and is likely to be more than fairly pricey.

A twin room at Mövenpick Resort can be booked for around 2500LE, whilst rooms at the Sheraton Miramar are now priced at over 5000LE for two people.

Captain’s Inn offer somewhat of a relief with rooms costing between 230LE per night and 800LE during peak times. Because these are media rates, make sure you quote the words ‘Facebook’ or ‘Twitter’ when you book.

Soma Bay:

Just 45km south of Hurghada, dubbed as ‘Egypt’s best kept secret’ is Soma Bay – the perfect location for total relaxation. If you’re lucky enough to either be an Egyptian, or a foreign resident, the Kempinski is offering double lagoon view rooms for 700LE per person, per night, including a breakfast and dinner buffet. There’ll also be Easter day entertainment in the form of face-painting, egg hunts and acrobatics – not just for the kids!

The sumptuous La Residence des Cascades isoffering rooms for between $80 and $130 on a bed and breakfast basis, whilst the Sheraton are advertising rooms from 1150LE per night, including breakfast.

Sharm El Sheikh:

Drawing in the younger generations, Sharm El Sheikh is just an hour away from Cairo (by plane) and offers up a multitude of activities, suitable for whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for.

Novotel has a limited number of rooms from 1000LE per night, Hilton Sharks Bay has rooms from 685LE, whilst the Radisson Blu has a few from 500LE. Siitting in an estate of landscaped gardens, the Maritim Royal Peninsula Hotel and Resort seems cheap at a little, at just above 400LE per person.

Dahab:

The traveller in us often urges us towards the serene settings of Dahab. If you’re looking for luxury, Le Meridien can deliver a single room for 970LE and a double for 1110LE. If you’re looking for cosy, then just 200 metres from the beach, the Yasmina Hotel has rooms upwards of 120LE, whilst backpacker’s paradise, Bishbishi Garden Village, can sort you out with a standard room for just €5 a night. 

North Coast:

If you’re heading up towards the white beaches of the North Coast and want to stay close to the hustle and bustle of Marina, we’d recommend the forever popular Porto Marina, with rooms starting at the 500LE mark. Meanwhile, Golf Porto Marina apartments start at 367LE, based on four people sharing, per night.

In a tranquil and picturesque setting a little further up the coast, Jaz Almaza Beach Resort can accommodate beach-goers for around 540LE a night.

Luxor & Aswan:

Drifting off along the Nile is a daydream at the best of times, however, if you happen to be visiting two of the most historically fascinating areas of Egypt, a nice hotel is likely to be essential. 

In Aswan, Basma Hotel isoffering rates of $80 per night, whilst fail-safe rooms at the Mövenpick start at $130 per night. A single room at the Pyramisa Isis Island Resort & Spa is 475LE, whilst a double is 550LE, although these prices aren’t guaranteed for foreigners.

In Luxor, we’d suggest the Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor or the Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island Hotel, starting at 500LE a night. As expected, the renowned Hilton exceeds 1000LE per night but would no doubt be worth the money.

Whether you’re bound to some last minute booking or already packed in preparation, we urge everyone to stay safe in their travels – and enjoy lots of fun in the sun!