Hotel
Marriott Mena House
A historic five-star hotel at the foot of the Giza pyramids, built around a 19th-century khedivial hunting lodge and set in large gardens.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
A luxury hotel on the Corniche beside Tahrir Square, in the rebuilt former Nile Hilton, with river views, a pool, a spa and the NOX rooftop lounge.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel
- Area
- Downtown, Cairo, Egypt
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
Good to know
- Nile views
- Rooftop lounge
- Pool
- Spa
- Next to the Egyptian Museum
Why we recommend it
The Nile Ritz-Carlton occupies one of the most recognisable sites in Cairo, on the Corniche between Tahrir Square and the river. The building was first the Nile Hilton, which opened in 1959 as the city's first modern international hotel and became a meeting place for Cairo society. After a long and extensive renovation it reopened as the Nile Ritz-Carlton in 2015, keeping its prime riverside location but with entirely new interiors.
Rooms and suites face either the Nile or the city, and the river-view rooms, looking across to Gezira island and Cairo Tower, are the ones to ask for. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa and a fitness centre, and a choice of restaurants and bars. Among them is NOX, a rooftop lounge with indoor and terrace seating, panoramic views, cocktails and DJ music in the evenings, and the hotel also runs Egyptian and international dining and a popular Friday brunch.
The hotel suits travellers who want luxury and a central position for sightseeing. The Egyptian Museum is literally next door, Downtown's cafés are a short walk away and Sadat metro station is close by, which makes it easy to explore without long car journeys. Couples and business travellers make up much of the clientele, and families will appreciate the pool after a day of museums. Rates are at the upper end of the Cairo market.
Expect thorough security checks at the entrance, which is normal for large hotels in Cairo. The area around Tahrir Square is busy with traffic most of the day, so allow time when taking taxis, particularly towards Giza in the morning and evening rush hours. The concierge can arrange guides, drivers and transfers to either of the city's airports.
From the hotel you can walk to the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square and the Qasr al-Nil Bridge, which leads across to Gezira, the Opera House and Cairo Tower. The Steigenberger El Tahrir is a neighbour on the square, and Abou Tarek's koshari restaurant and the historic cafés of Talaat Harb Street are about ten minutes away on foot. Because so many sights are within walking distance, the hotel is a sensible choice for a short stay of two or three nights, with taxis needed mainly for the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo. Ask for a high floor for the best views of the river and Gezira.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo FAQs
What was the hotel before?
It occupies the site and building of the former Nile Hilton, which opened in 1959.
When did it open as a Ritz-Carlton?
It reopened as the Nile Ritz-Carlton in 2015 after extensive renovation.
Is it close to the Egyptian Museum?
Yes, the museum is next door.
Does it have a rooftop bar?
Yes, NOX is a rooftop lounge with views over the city.
Is there a pool?
Yes, along with a spa and fitness centre.
Which rooms should you choose?
Nile-view rooms, which look across to Gezira and Cairo Tower.
Which metro station is nearest?
Sadat station, at Tahrir Square.