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.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
A round tower hotel at the southern tip of Gezira island, where all 433 rooms and suites have balconies overlooking the Nile.
At a glance
- Type
- Five-star river hotel
- Area
- Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- sofitel-cairo-nile-elgezirah.com
Good to know
- Nile-view balconies
- Pool
- Sofitel Spa
- Riverside restaurants
- Near Opera metro
Why we recommend it
The Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah occupies a cylindrical tower at the southern tip of Gezira island, surrounded on three sides by the Nile. Its shape means that all 433 rooms and suites have balconies looking over the river, towards Garden City, Downtown or the Giza bank. It is one of the most distinctive hotels in the city and a good choice for anyone who wants a river view without paying the highest Corniche prices.
The balconies are the highlight of every room, and higher floors give the widest views along the river. At the base of the tower, a riverside promenade holds several restaurants and bars, including Kebabgy Oriental Grill with its live takht music in the evenings. The Sofitel Spa offers body and skin treatments, and the pool by the river is one of the more pleasant places in central Cairo to cool off. Meeting and event spaces make it popular for conferences and weddings.
The hotel suits couples, business travellers and families who want five-star comfort and a central base. Its location on Gezira, rather than on the busy Corniche, makes it feel a little calmer, while still being close to the sights. The Cairo Opera House is a short walk away, which suits travellers interested in performances, and Cairo Tower is nearby for views over the city.
The hotel is about a 45-minute drive from Cairo International Airport, depending on traffic, and around 20 minutes from the Giza pyramids outside rush hours. Opera metro station is about five minutes' walk away, which makes it straightforward to reach Tahrir and Downtown, and the concierge can arrange limousine transfers. Reservations can be made by email or through the Accor website, and rates vary by season.
From the hotel it is a 20-minute walk or a short drive across the Qasr al-Nil Bridge to Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. The restaurants, galleries and bars of Zamalek, including Crimson and Pub 28, are a few minutes away by taxi at the northern part of the island. The Gezira Art Centre and the Opera House gardens are close by for a quiet walk. Sunset from a balcony, with feluccas on the river below, is one of the pleasures of staying here.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah FAQs
Do all rooms have Nile views?
Yes, all 433 rooms and suites have balconies overlooking the Nile.
What star rating is it?
It is a five-star hotel.
Is there a pool and spa?
Yes, a riverside pool and the Sofitel Spa.
How far is it from the airport?
About 45 minutes by car from Cairo International Airport, depending on traffic.
Which metro station is nearest?
Opera station, about five minutes' walk away.
What restaurants are there?
Several on the riverside promenade, including Kebabgy Oriental Grill.
Can you walk to Downtown?
Yes, it is about 20 minutes on foot across the Qasr al-Nil Bridge.