Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah

The Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah has a lovely riverfront promenade with contemporary rattan furniture in clusters amid palm trees. At the riverside entrance, dramatic curtains rise three stories along the floor-to-ceiling windows that open into a vast lobby. Dark wood spiral staircases protrude from one wall, adjacent to the lounge area filled with couches, decorative lamps, and a piano acting as the centerpiece. The ceiling is a spectacular work of ornately carved woodwork, from which hangs a massive chandelier. The hotel employs a mix of design schemes -- from the Moroccan style in La Palmeraie restaurant, to the contemporary, yet bland rooms. Being an upscale chain property, the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah sees nearly even numbers of vacationing couples and business travelers; family and friend groups also frequent the hotel. 

The hotel is centrally located in Cairo, on the southern end of Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile River. The immediate area is home to many embassies and is located between Giza and downtown Cairo, making it convenient for business travelers and tourists alike. It's a relatively quiet area, though noise from passing boats can be heard inside the hotel and disrupt the peace. 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 and traffic can be notoriously bad. The shops and restaurants around Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo are around an 18-minute walk or five-minute drive from the hotel, with the renowned Egyptian Museum Of Antiquity just a minute farther. The pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza are about 35-minutes away by car. Cairo International Airport is about an hour's drive from the hotel.

All of the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah's 433 rooms have views of the Nile River, with the best views by far found in Luxury Rooms and suites. The decor is a contemporary -- albeit underwhelming -- blend of eastern and European aesthetics, in pale neutral tones with solid-colored carpets. Leaf-patterned wallpaper and curtains accent the walls, and furnishings have a mix of light or dark wood. Even the base-category Superior Rooms are large and have sitting areas with couches and chairs. Standard amenities include small 26-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and electric kettles with instant coffee and tea. The bathrooms have luxury toiletries, bathrobes, and either walk-in rainfall showers and separate tubs or shower/tub combos. Suites add balconies and butler service, along with iPod docks and 32-inch flat-screens TVs. Club rooms have access to the Club Lounge, which serves a breakfast and snacks during select times throughout the day.

The hotel takes full advantage of its riverfront location, with a promenade and a floating deck-turned-bar, appropriately called Le Deck. The airy Window on the Nile also utilizes the scenery with outdoor seating and afternoon tea, and both serve international cuisine. The hotel's numerous other restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisine -- Kebabgy combines barbecue and hookahs, La Palmeraie serves Moroccan dishes on an outdoor terrace, and Manipuri specializes in changing thematic fare, while Sud has a 24-hour buffet. There are also a coffee bar in the lobby and a poolside bar. The outdoor infinity pool is pretty, surrounded by cushioned loungers and overlooking the water. For those who like shade, there are several red parasols and covered cabanas. The full-service spa includes a large hot tub and a hair salon. The adjacent fitness center has Technogym equipment and free weights, along with a steam room. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center and seven modern meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 500 people. There is also a small on-site casino. The Club Lounge also has express check-in and a workstation with two Mac computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.