Fairmont Nile City

This modern, 25-story hotel is a local landmark, though its Nile City home does sit in the midst of some of the city's most impoverished areas and has been the subject of local controversy. Facts aside, and despite the heavily guarded entry guests must pass through -- including metal detectors -- once inside, the hotel goes big on luxury and strives to be an oasis from the ails of Cairo outside. It has chic Art Deco interiors with an elegant black and cream color scheme plus mirrored accents running throughout the lobby and public areas, adding an extra dash of glitz. The lobby is smart and lavish, with marble floors, large floral arrangements on polished tables, and internal glass elevators gliding up and down. Nile City, the hotel's home, is home to a posh shopping mall that's attached to the hotel. The property attracts a range of well-heeled tourists and corporate travelers from around the world, and has an exclusive air about it.

The Fairmont Cairo is situated around eight minutes north of downtown Cairo by car. It is right on the banks of the River Nile, and as such, provides some fantastic views. While the Nile City development is a beacon of prosperity right on the river, guests should be prepared to experience a direct window onto Ramlet Boulaq, the neighboring deprived and gritty neighborhood. There's not much that would interest guests of this hotel within the immediate area beyond the attached shopping mall, which is home to restaurants, upscale shops, and a cinema. A car or taxi is needed to see Cairo's sights. The most popular attractions are the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza, both of which take around 50 minutes to reach, though they can be seen in the distance from the hotel. It’s also a 10-minute drive to Abdeen Palace and the Khan el-Khalili craft market. Cairo International Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel.

The 540 guest rooms at the Fairmont Cairo are available in multiple categories. Fairmont Rooms have city views, Deluxe Rooms have Nile views, and Signature Rooms (including Suites), which are larger and have the most impressive river views. All rooms are soundproofed and have a sophisticated feel, with elegant shades of cream and Art Deco-style furnishings. Style is more impressive the higher the room category, and while Deluxe Rooms are perfectly attractive, the style in the Nile Suite and Deluxe Nile Suite that we visited is exceptional. With a blend of bold vintage looks and modern sensibilities, expect elements like upgraded modern and antique art, hardwood floors, and sharp carpeting in these rooms. Many have separate living rooms. The Presidential Suite is particularly lavish, with materials like boldly patterned marble, metro tiling, and rich fabrics used liberally throughout. Signature Rooms also have a private balcony and a work area. All rooms have air-conditioning, Egyptian cotton bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and interactive flat-screen TV systems with access to movies, games, music, and videos. The marble bathrooms are luxurious and have an open concept, with sliding shutters and rainfall showers plus bathrobes and slippers.

For many guests, the hotel’s best feature is the rooftop deck. It has two pools, a hot tub, day beds, and bean bag chairs. The views across the Nile to the Pyramids are spectacular. There are plenty of different dining options available at the hotel too, including the upscale Napa Grill Restaurant, the Asian fusion Saigon Restaurant, and Middle Eastern cuisine at Bab El Nil, where there is also entertainment in the evenings. The hotel’s bars include a champagne bar, and drinks can also be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace with Nile views. There’s a large fitness center on-site with the latest cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and an aerobic studio. A large and luxurious spa offers a wide range of treatments and has a sauna and Turkish bath. There is even a casino and nightclub within the property and a hair salon and gift shop. Corporate travelers can make use of the business center and meeting rooms. Parking is available on-site for a daily fee, and Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's public areas (although it incurs fees in the guest rooms).