Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo

This vast hotel is part of the Bangkok-based Dusit Thani hotel chain, and was built in 2008. Given that fact, the Thailand-by-way-of-the-Nile ambience makes sense: The property has Thai decor throughout, including tastefully deployed Buddha statues and figurines alongside water features and opulent red, black, and gold furniture in the lobby. The whole effect is glossy and shimmery, from the grand piano, to the crystal light fixtures that dip from the ceiling, to the silks and leathers in the soft furnishings. Even the hallways are lavish, with white marble floors and elegant furniture. The hotel’s grounds are immaculately kept, with lush green landscaping, waterfalls, lakes, and streams. The Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo is a family-friendly hotel and has good amenities for those travelling with children, such as free cribs plus a children’s playground and swimming pool. The hotel also attracts honeymooners and hosts plenty of weddings as well, but most guests are business travelers. Some guests have noted that services at reception can take a bit of time.

The hotel is located on the 90th road in New Cairo. This is the main road in this recently developed satellite city in the Egyptian capital. The hotel's Fifth Settlement address is exclusive, while remaining fairly quiet and not built up like other parts of Cairo. There are lots of shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants in the area, and it’s a 30-minute drive from Cairo International Airport. The famous sights of Cairo are only accessible by car. It's a 35-minute drive to the pyramids, 45-minutes to the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel, and an hour to the Egyptian Museum Of Antiquity. Cairo International Convention Centre and the Cairo International Stadium are a 35-minute drive from the hotel.

The contemporary guest rooms at the Dusit Thani LakeView are among the largest in Cairo, starting at 52 square meters (560 square feet), though this includes the balconies and bathrooms. There are 449 rooms, and all have a private balcony or terrace overlooking the lake, pools, or landscaped grounds of the hotel. Room categories are Deluxe Rooms, Club Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and Apartments. The look is relatively straightforward across all categories, with dark wood veneer furniture, brown circular-patterned carpets, and mostly white walls hung with minimal abstract art. While higher category rooms like Executive Suites offer a lot more space, and handsome separate living areas with neutral-tone modern furniture set on wood floors. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, free daily mineral water and fruit, free newspapers, air-conditioning, a coffeemaker, microwave, safe, iron and ironing board, work desk, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a minibar. Deluxe Pool rooms are also available where each unit opens out to a wide terrace with direct pool access, and Suites have access to a 24-hour butler service. Those staying in the apartments have even more space and the addition of a kitchenette. White and black marble bathrooms are generously sized and have a separate whirlpool baths and showers, luxury toiletries, and bathrobes and slippers.

This large hotel has a huge array of luxe facilities available to guests. There are three outdoor swimming pools, including a separate children’s pool, a hot tub, and a swim-up bar. A full-service spa and a well-equipped fitness center are also available, plus a kid's club and children's play area. There are plenty of places to enjoy wining and dining on-site too, including Branzino restaurant, serving international specialties and buffets in an upscale brasserie, along with a Thai restaurant and a sushi bar. For drinks, there's the pool bar, the lobby bar, and the Blue Rose bar -- all are stylish and laid back, but with a sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel also has its own nightclub. There’s a gift shop and hair salon on-site too, and business guests can make use of the numerous meeting rooms, the large ballroom with lake views, and the business center. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi, but expect to pay for things like breakfast and any additional services.