Nile Hilton, Cairo

During my stay in Cairo, I stayed at the Nile Hilton on the the Executive floor, and I recommend this hotel very highly. Here are a few features that may be of interest to the traveler.

1. It is probably worth paying extra to stay on the Executive level. You get a superb breakfast that combines the best of personal service with the best of a buffet with a wonderful view of the Nile. (On the rare clear day, you can even see the Pyramids.) You also have access to the Executive lounge, where snacks are served all day, and drinks are served in the evening. (Drinks are very expensive in Egypt so this benefit is valuable to anyone who enjoys a glass of wine or a cocktail in the evening.)

2. All the staff seem to want to go out of their way to please you. You just get the impression of a well-run, efficient, and friendly hotel.

3. I was advised to stay on the city side as opposed to the river side of the hotel because it does get rather noisy at night. On this trip, I decided to ignore that advice, and it was much nicer staying with a view of the river. It was so pleasant to sit on the balcony with a bottle of wine and to watch the world go by.

4. You can get wireless access to the Internet, and it is adequate. The cost was 600 EGP for the week. However, if you want to use your Ethernet cable, you have to pay again even if you want to do so simply because the wireless access is not working.

5. Food in the hotel is good, and the cost is reasonable. I did not eat on the top floor (except for the free breakfast), where there is an ambitious and very expensive menu.

6. The are in-room safes that are free of charge. They work well and you can use your own combination.

7. The beds are a little narrow, but very comfortable.

8. The area is nice. You can take boat trips on the Nile right in front of the hotel, and there are plenty of nice retaurants in the area. The restaurants in the hotels are considerably more expensive than the independent restaurants, where you can eat very well for $10.00 or less.

9. The cost of my room on the Executive floor was about $140 (USD) per night plus taxes -- in February, 2006.