Find a Hotel in Cairo

Cairo has accommodation at every level, and the two things that matter most are noise and location relative to the traffic.

The decision that matters

Zamalek — the island, leafy, quiet, the best restaurants, fifteen minutes from Downtown. The standard recommendation and a sound one.

Downtown — all three metro lines, walkable, the budget hotels and hostels, and loud.

Garden City — the Nile hotels, quieter, on the river.

Giza — near the pyramids, with rooftops facing them, and forty-five to ninety minutes from everything else.

Maadi — a green suburb on Metro Line 1, thirty to forty minutes out, good for longer stays.

The full comparison is in where to stay in Cairo.

Before booking

Noise is the most common complaint about Cairo hotels, and it is not exaggerated. Traffic and horns run late. Ask for a rear or courtyard room and consider a higher floor.

The lift. Many central buildings have one small, slow lift or none, and budget hotels are often on the fourth or fifth floor of a 1920s block.

Air conditioning, which is essential from May to October.

A rooftop, particularly in Giza, where facing the pyramids at sunset is the entire reason to be there.

Metro proximity, which beats map distance because it bypasses the traffic.

Payment. Many mid-range hotels expect cash on arrival, and rates may be quoted in pounds, dollars or euros. Confirm both before you arrive.

Booking

Photographs are frequently optimistic at the budget end. Recent reviews mentioning hot water, cleanliness and noise are the only reliable guide.

A good hostel or small hotel will arrange licensed guides and drivers at fair rates, which is worth as much as the room.

When it costs most

October to April is high season, with December and January the peak. Prices rise around Eid. Summer is cheapest and hottest.