InterContinental Cairo Citystars

While this hotel certainly goes big on all things glitz and glam, the 16-story property has a Pharaonic design that doesn't always read as entirely chic or stylish. Fans of splashy decor, shimmery surfaces, and borderline kitschy ancient accents will be right at home, though -- the hotel comes complete with its own pyramids, which have eco-friendly solar panels mounted on the side. Inside, the lobby is a heady riot of colors and textures. Multi-colored chiffon drapes hang from the ceiling, and Egyptian fanous (ornate lanterns) are dotted around as well. Tall palm trees almost touch the decorative ceiling, and there are a range of couches and armchairs near the reception desk. There is even a group of ornamental sphinx in the lobby. On-site dining and drinking venues range from the casual to the high-end, and all dining spots receive solid marks from guests, though they aren't necessarily destinations in their own right for a local crowd. Many guests are drawn to the hotel for its proximity to CityStars Mall -- a posh complex that's one of the top in the Middle East and is attached to the hotel. The InterContinental attracts a huge number of corporate guests, though plenty of families and couples stay here as well.

The InterContinental CityStars Cairo is located in the affluent neighborhood of Nasr City, right next to the CityStars Mall. The mall has 550 stores and an indoor theme park, and guests of the hotel have direct access to it. The hotel is located a 10-minute drive from Cairo International Airport and Cairo International Conference Centre, and 30-minutes from downtown Cairo. Islamic Cairo, home to many of the city's most historical and important mosques, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza are around an hour from the property, and the Egyptian Museum Of Antiquity is around a 45-minute drive. Due to its proximity to a main road, traffic noise can be heard in some parts of the hotel. Keep in mind that traffic in Cairo can be awful, and drive times can vary widely. 

There are 824 guest rooms at the property, and they are available as Classic Rooms, Executive Rooms, or Suites. Decor is smart and traditional, with dark hardwood furniture and headboards plus a neutral color scheme punctuated by handsome navy blues in some rooms. There are luxe touches, even in Classic Rooms -- these include marble surfaces, sharp framed etchings, and free shoe shines. The rooms have a definite corporate air, with ergonomic chairs and multi-line business phones at desks. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and free newspapers. Bathrooms have shower/tub combo, a hairdryer, and toiletries, though the granite-marble blend of materials used in the walls and counters looks a bit dated in the Classic Room that we visited. Those staying in Executive Rooms are entitled to free use of the Club Lounge, a separate check-in area, and free breakfast and happy hour. Suites also have a large separate living area. Traffic noise can be an issue in some guest rooms.

There are six international restaurants on-site at the InterContinental CityStars, including Japanese, Lebanese, and Italian options. All receive solid marks from previous guests, and range from casual options to formal venues. There's also a 24-hour coffee shop and an outdoor barbecue restaurant. Breakfast is not included with room rates. For drinks, the lounge bar offers a range of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails and has a pianist playing most evenings. The hotel has a large indoor and outdoor swimming pool, plus a hot tub, full-service spa, and fitness center with daily aerobics classes and a separate Pilates studio. There are also tennis courts and squash courts, and a games room with a pool table. The property even has its own casino. Direct access to the CityStars shopping mall is a major perk for many staying here. For those traveling with children, there's a children's playground, while a business center and numerous meeting rooms are available for the many business travelers that stay at the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, which isn't often the case at competing luxury hotels in Cairo.