Middle East - Anthony Ham [108]
Select Hotel (Map; 2393 3707; www.selecthotel.unblog.fr; 19a Sharia Adly, Downtown; s/d E£80/120; ) The arty/quirky approach to decor here seems to be a hit with guests, judging by the wall covered with fan mail. Inside, the rooms are tidy and continue the bright and kitschy motif, though the furniture has definitely seen better days. Ask for a corner double or triple room for wraparound balconies and some downtown views. French is spoken.
Hotel Luna (Map; 2396 1020; www.hotellunacairo.com; 5th fl, 27 Sharia Talaat Harb, Downtown; r E£110-150, without bathroom E£100; ) For a while there, the Luna was the darling of the budget hotel set. With large rooms in temperate pastel shades, crisp linens, air-con and a combination of gleaming private and shared bathrooms – it was not hard to see why. Alas service of late verges on gruff, and we’ve had as many negative as positive reports from travellers.
Midrange
Mayfair Hotel (Map; 2735 7315; www.mayfaircairo.com; 9 Sharia Aziz Osman, Zamalek; s/d E£140/190, without bathroom E£120/140; ) The perenially popular Mayfair has a bewildering array of recently refurbished rooms in a grand art deco building. The single rooms here can be a bit cramped, but the huge and lush shared balcony overlooking the quiet, leafy street more than makes up for that.
Victoria Hotel (Map; 2589 2290; info@victoria.com.eg; 66 Sharia al-Gomhuriyya; s/d US$37/48; ) The Victoria is a classy old dame, swearing she’s got a few good numbers left in her yet. The period decor is kept in good nick and borders on elegant: think high-ceilinged rooms, antique furniture and halls lined with gilded mirrors. Their rooms all have good beds and satellite TV, though it’s a shame it’s not more centrally located.
Windsor Hotel (Map; 2591 5277; www.windsorcairo.com; 19 Sharia Alfy, Downtown; s/d US$48/58, with shower & hand basin only US$38/48; ) Riding on the coattails of it’s former glory, the Windsor is more ambience than substance. The outside is dilapidated, the inside only slightly less so, and the rooms dim and crumbling. Still, nostalgia goes a long way: the worn marble stairs, creaking elevator, art deco travel posters and smoky, charming lounge/bar help make this an interesting stay.
Hotel Osiris (Map; 2794 5728; www.hotelosiris.over-blog.com; 48 Sharia Nubar, Downtown; r €30-35; ) A knock-out winner in the midrange division, this chic French-run establishment is beautifully finished with Euro-Egyptian flair. Here, fetching Arabesque decor meets bright, airy modern minimalism, with many of the faultless rooms sporting balconies with sweeping Cairo vistas. There’s a Bedouin-styled rooftop terrace and the breakfasts, which include fresh juice and crepes, are magnifique!
Hotel Longchamps (Map; 2735 2311; www.hotellongchamps.com; 21 Sharia Ismail Mohammed, Zamalek; s US$48-54, d US$68-75; ) Run with ruthless efficiency and filled with eclectic decor (um, what’s with the WWII telephone exchange?), this wonderful Zamalek stalwart nonetheless feels more like a second home. The standard rooms on offer are generous and immaculately scrubbed – pay a little extra and they’ll throw in a mini bathtub and balcony to boot. Best of all, the small, leafy balcony and welcoming lounge invite lingering or surfing their free wi-fi. Book ahead.
President Hotel (Map; 2735 0718; preshotl@thewayout.net; 22 Sharia Taha Hussein, Zamalek; s/d US$65/70; ) If breakfast is the most important meal of your day, then this the place for you: the in-house patisserie supplying the morning meal is one of the best in the city. Unfortunately the rooms are a tad downtrodden, newly renovated bathrooms not withstanding. Some abodes have views over the Nile, others onto a