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The Cairo Nile Hilton
By Jimmy Dunn
It is in fact interesting that we have taken so long to review
this well known Cairo landmark. It was the first western
style hotel built in Cairo and undoubtedly many readers who have
been to Egypt spent a bit of time in this facility. I may be
counted among them.
The Nile Hilton is no longer the brightest five star hotel
around. Perhaps some renovation could be thought of, mostly
in the rooms, though that is not to imply that there is anything
particularly wrong with them. They could just use a little
renewal. Beyond that, this is really a great place to spend
a few days in Cairo, and for any number of reasons.
The hotel is very centrally located. Just out the back
door, literally, is the Egyptian museum, and in this general area
are all manner of shops and restaurants. But you really
don't have to even go walking at all, as the hotel itself as a
respectably sized mall attached, along with a number of shops in
the hotel proper. Other attractions such as Islamic Cairo, the
Khan el-Khalili market and Old Cairo are just minutes away. The
hotel is located right on the Nile River, with other large tourist
hotels to either side.
To me, the real fun aspect of this hotel is what goes on
inside. It would seem that every country on earth has
tourists staying here at any particular moment. But you will
also find Arab diplomats from throughout the region, and one may
even chance upon a celebrity or two. And then there are the
weddings, sometimes going on every night of the week during some
seasons. I enjoy these spectaculars, and guests are often
invited to join into the celebrations.
 Favorite spots of mine within the hotel include the lobby
coffee shop, sitting just inside the back door, where one may
taste pastries and have a coffee while watching the varied and
various tourists come and go. I also enjoy the pub.
Sitting at the bar, it is not unusual to have an Englishman on one
site, someone from the Netherlands on the other, and down the row
an Australian, a Kuwaiti and a Frenchmen. It really makes for some
lively conversation. The pool area is also lovely, set in a garden environment where
often as not there are more people at the pool bar then in the
pool.
 The Nile Hilton is also a mature hotel, having just about every
feature one might imagine. It was one of the first in Egypt
with a business center that included internet access. Recreational
facilities include a large pool, tennis and squash courts, a
fitness center, pool tables and paddle tennis.
 All standard rooms
are comfortable, and have alarms, private baths with amenities
such as telephones, minibars, cable television, individually
controlled air conditioning and balconies. Executive rooms also
come with bathrobes, hairdryers and a safe. Suites also have
kitchens, video cassette players, faxes, a Jacuzzi, and other
amenities. Everyone from celebrates to sheiks stay here, so
there are little in the way of amenities which may not be found in
one room or another.
One need not exit the hotel grounds to find any number of
restaurants either in the hotel itself or the attached mall.
Along with the Ibis Coffee Shop mentioned above, there is also Da
Mario, an italian restaurant with great food, Abou Aly Oriental
terrace cafe, Rotisserie Belvedere, the roof level dining room
with a grand view of Cairo, and the BBQ Garden, an open air grill
located next to the swimming pool and open only during the
summers. In the mall, there is a large food court where a
variety of different international food is available, and Cafe Ole,
which serves lighter snacks and breakfast.
For entertainment, there is the Casino, the Tavern Du Champ Des
Mars, which is the pub style bar mentioned above, Jackie's Joint,
a disco and restaurant and the Pyramids Bar and Terrace for roof
top cocktails and live piano music.
As a final note, rooms at the Nile Hilton are often discounted
and there are always specials available. This grand old
hotel may be feeling some of the pressure from a few of the more
recently built five star mega hotels and so look for good deals
when booking, and have a great time!
The Cairo Nile Hilton
Tahrir Square, Cairo Egypt
Phone +20 2 578044 or +20 2 5780666
Fax: +20-2-5780475 Email
Reservations
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