Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo

Branding itself as a boutique property, the Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo is a luxury hotel designed by Pierre Yves Rochan, an architect who has made a name for himself revamping iconic hotels the world over. Marble is the driving decorative force in this former government building. Sandy shades of marble fan out in a sunburst pattern under a chandelier in the circular lobby, with thick columns and just a touch of classic Egyptian flair in the form of godlike figures etched across a black marble wall panel.The entrance to the hotel is unobtrusive, and guests can expect a security presence and metal detector at the entrance. This is one of the top luxury hotels in Cairo, and stands out for its lovely Nile reviews and quality cuisine. The nearby Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza also has Nile views, but rooms are a little dated and can be pricier. The Four Seasons also has an indoor pool (absent here) and the outdoor pool there is larger -- but it lacks the scenic views that the pool here enjoys. The pool at the Sofitel Cairo is larger and also has terrific views, and its rooms are more spacious, but again, the room decor here is arguably a touch more elegant. 

The Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo is centrally located directly on the Nile River in the Garden City area, a safe, relatively quiet neighborhood in central Cairo that's home to many embassies and is renowned for its elegant Art Deco villas. Many of the top cultural and tourist attractions are close by, though keep in mind that walking isn't the most popular option for getting around as traffic can be notoriously dangerous for pedestrians. The shops and restaurants around Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo are around a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from the hotel, as is the popular Egyptian Museum of Antiquity. The pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza are 35 minutes away by car. Cairo International Airport is about an hour's drive from the hotel.

The hotel has 191 rooms and suites with small furnished private balconies and views of the Garden City district or the Nile River. Elegant decor includes classic wood furnishings, and either a light blue palette or a more neutral beige-and-brown color scheme. Marble, wood, and leather accents add layers of sophistication to the furniture and flooring. Each room has 24-hour butler service and a minibar with free soft drinks. Flat-screen TVs also come standard, as do electric tea kettles, but full-on coffeemakers can be absent in lower-tier categories (some suites, however, have espresso machines). The marble bathrooms have bidets and shower/tub combos or, in higher-tier categories, walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. Some suites add kitchenettes with electric ranges and microwaves. 

The rooftop of the hotel has a pool with panoramic views of the Nile and the surrounding city. Its small sundeck has loungers as well as tables and chairs for the poolside bar. Also on the top floor, the spa has five treatment rooms along with a hot tub, a steam room, and a sauna. The 10th-floor fitness center is open 24/7 and has weight-training equipment and cardio machines with video screens. For corporate guests, there are three meeting rooms along with a large ballroom and a 24-hour business center with multiple workstations and a printer. For dining, Osmanly Restaurant takes its inspiration from the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire, with traditional soups, mezzes, and kebabs, while The Blue Restaurant & Grill serves Italian and Mediterranean fare. The Jazz Bar has regular evening music, and right off the lobby, the Chocolate Lounge serves afternoon tea with handmade confections. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there's a fee for parking.